LifestyleThe best sleeping position. Your spine will thank you

The best sleeping position. Your spine will thank you

Which sleeping position is the healthiest?
Which sleeping position is the healthiest?
Images source: © Getty Images | Riska

7:14 PM EDT, October 21, 2023

Sleep is a key element of our life — it has a direct impact on our physical and mental health. Not only the quality and quantity of sleep matters, but also the choice of the appropriate position. What health effects will sleeping on your back cause?

Elimination of back, neck, and head pain

Sleeping on your back allows for a natural alignment of the spine, which contributes to reducing muscle tension. This way we can avoid back and neck pain, which are often the result of an incorrect position during sleep.

In this position, there is no unnecessary strain on the cervical spine, so there is an increased chance that we will not have to struggle with tension headaches.

Improvement of breathing quality

Sleeping on your back promotes the free flow of air through the respiratory tract. This allows for deeper and more regular breathing, which is beneficial for the entire body.

Lying on your back minimizes the risk of narrowing the airways, which is particularly important for people suffering from sleep apnea. This ensures continuous and calm breathing throughout the night.

Positive impact on facial skin

Sleeping face up prevents skin friction against the pillow, which promotes better blood circulation in the facial skin, translating into a healthier appearance and delaying the wrinkle formation process. The skin becomes more moisturized and elastic, which contributes to its youthful appearance.

Lack of facial contact with a pillow - which had previously absorbed things like sebum from our hair - is also beneficial for people who struggle with blackheads.

Choosing the right sleep position is crucial for our health. As research suggests, sleeping on your back offers many health benefits, which translate to a better quality of life.

However, this does not mean that such a position will be indicated for everyone. Certain conditions are an indication to sleep on your right or left side — it's worth consulting a specialist about this if in doubt.