The best sleep positions for sleep apnea, snoring, and lower back pain relief.

When you crawl into bed, you likely have a go-to sleep position. We all do. It may take a bit of tossing and turning to get into it, but eventually you’ll assume a position you favor. However, did you know that not all sleeping positions are created equal? What may feel the most comfortable could actually have a negative impact on your health. We’ve outlined the most popular sleeping positions, and their corresponding advantages and disadvantages, so you can determine if your sleeping position is linked to your sleep apnea or causing any harmful effects on your body.

Back Sleeping Positions

The good and the bad: Consider this the “winner” of sleep positions as it’s the ideal position to sleep in with regards to your health and wellness. It helps prevent wrinkles and acne, provides the best support for your neck and back, and reduces acid reflux. The only drawback is for people who are prone to snoring, they may find back positions exaggerate their condition, however, an adjustable base can still relieve snoring.  Adjustments you can make:

• Place a pillow under your knees to take pressure off of your back.
• Upgrade to a bed with an adjustable base for the most stability and to achieve and maintain optimal support.

Side Sleeping Positions

The good and the bad: Sleeping on your side can help alleviate acid reflux and sleep apnea. It also reduces back pain since the neck and spine are typically aligned. But it’s not as good for the skin, as it can encourage the development of wrinkles and acne due to an increase in skin to pillow contact. Adjustments you can make:

• Use a thick and firm pillow to give your head and neck support, and try to keep your body straight so your spine isn’t curved throughout the night.
• Consider an adjustable number air bed like Night Air, so you can dial in your head, foot and lumbar support on each side of the bed to achieve personalized firmness levels for you and your partner’s specific alignment needs, while still sleeping in a side position.

Stomach Sleeping Positions

The good and the bad: Snoozing on your stomach is the worst sleep position for your back and skin. It provides no support or alignment to the spine and is a known antagonist to lower back pain. And, like side sleepers, stomach sleepers will age their faces even faster, given the pressure on their face is exasperated. The only benefit sleeping on your stomach can provide is reducing sleep apnea. Adjustments you can make:

• If you are a stomach sleeper who snores, a thin pillow is the only kind you should be using, as it will minimize the strain on your neck and back’s alignment.
• Transition to side or back sleeping. One way you can force yourself onto your back, is by getting an adjustable base with an anti-snore feature and placing it in a position that will prevent your body from turning back to your stomach. Over time, you can slowly decline your settings as you’ve fully accepted the change in position.

The Best Mattress for All Sleeping Positions

As we age and develop our body’s change, which requires a shift in how we find a comfortable sleep position. It could be caused by an injury or physical changes such as pregnancy or health conditions - or simply just by getting older. Only the most responsive mattress can adapt to suit your specific needs. Night Air beds deliver the unmatched capacity to provide a truly customized sleep solution for maximum pressure relief and relaxation. Compare Night Air Beds to Sleep Number® and see how we can provide you with optimal sleep positions for a better night’s sleep.