Does The Way Your Sleep Affect The Quality Of Your Sleep?
There are certain requirements that we have in order to ensure we have a good night’s sleep, from room temperature and sounds, to light levels and smells. Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, and electronics allows you to create a calming, relaxing environment for you to unwind in before going to bed. While these are all great ways to ensure getting to sleep is easier, the way you choose to lie in bed when going to sleep also plays a major role in the quality of your sleep.
Sleeping positions vary from person to person. There are some people who can only fall asleep when they lie on their backs, some on their sides and some on the stomachs. The position that you sleep in is probably the same one you have slept in since you were younger, and so you probably do not even notice that you sleep that way. However, if you battle to fall asleep and then remain asleep through the night, a change in your sleeping position may help you.
The Pros And Cons Of The Most Common Sleeping Positions
Sleeping On Your Back
Many individuals reap the benefits of sleeping on their backs. Sleeping on your back can promote spinal alignment, when paired with a supportive mattress and pillow combination. If you are someone that struggles with either heartburn or acid reflux, sleeping on your back with your head elevated by your pillow can aid in reducing your symptoms. Additionally, sleeping on your back can lead to fewer facial wrinkles as your face is not being pressed into the pillow. The downside to sleeping on your back is that it enhances sleep apnoea and snoring and can obstruct breathing.
Sleeping On Your Side
It is said that sleeping on your left-hand side may have the most overall health benefits as in this position, your organs are freer to get rid of toxins while you sleep. However, sleeping on your right-hand side is still just as good and can offer benefits in terms of sleep apnoea and chronic lower back pain relief. However, sleeping on your side can potentially place pressure on the stomach, lungs and appendages such as the arm and shoulder that are underneath, closest to the mattress.
Sleeping On Your Stomach
While sleeping on your stomach may be comfortable, it only has one advantage over back sleeping, which is that it can aid in reducing the risk of snoring and sleep apnoea. However, the many drawbacks far outweigh this one benefit. Sleeping on your stomach disturbs your spines' neutral position, and can cause back, neck, joint, and shoulder pain. 
