--- title: Which Sleep Position is Best for You? description: Which sleep position is best? Turns out, the answer is not so simple. Learn about the pros and cons of each position for sleeping. image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/best-sleep-position.jpg --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Which Sleep Position is Best for You? ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/which-sleep-position-is-best-for-you) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) May 23, 2015 8:00:00 AM ![best-sleep-position](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/best-sleep-position.jpg?width=365&name=best-sleep-position.jpg) There are several different opinions about which sleep position is "best" for a good night's sleep and overall health. Is it true that one sleep position is really better than all the others?  In short, the answer is not black-and-white. Each sleep position (back, front, and side) has benefits and drawbacks. Here's our breakdown of each sleep position so you can decide which one works for you.  # Which sleep position is best for you?  Chosing a sleep position is really a personal matter. It depends on what health conditions you may have or are looking to avoid and what feels most comfortable. To help you choose your optimum sleep position, we've made a list of the pros and cons of several common positions.  ## Common Sleep Positions ### **Sleeping on the back is the most recommended by doctors.** **Pros: **This option has the best positioning and support for spine and neck. It leads to fewer wrinkles in the long run because the face isn’t being pressed into your pillow. **Cons: **[Sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/types), [snoring](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/snoring-and-sleep-apnea), Congestive Heart Failure, and other medical conditions can be exacerbated by too much pressure on the lungs or a restricted airflow. When this happens, the [tongue sinks back](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/what-happens-during-sleep-apnea) into the throat and reduces air flow. Even though back sleeping is the most recommended, it doesn’t always result in the best quality of sleep.  ### **Side sleeping is the most common at about 60%.** **Pros: **The left side is best during [pregnancy](http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/sleeping-positions-during-pregnancy/); it increases circulation and lessens pressure, which is good for mother and baby. The left side is also best for easing heartburn and acid reflux, and it keeps the airway open to help snoring and sleep apnea. **Cons:** Left side can put pressure on stomach and lungs, or can cause arm numbness. Sleeping with an arm behind the head can adversely affect muscles and nerves and reduce blood flow to the extremity, shoulder, and neck. ### **Front or stomach sleeping is regarded as the worst position, but has advantages.** **Pros:** Sleeping on your chest can be beneficial for people who have sleep apnea or who snore frequently because gravity pulls the tongue forward, keeping it from [obstructing the airway](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleepbetterblog/what-happens-during-sleep-apnea).  **Cons:** It flattens the natural curve of the spine, which can cause lower back pain and strains the neck. It requires the use of extra pillows to sleep in a more natural contoured position. ## Which sleep position should I choose?  If you have sleep apnea or snore excssively, sleeping on your stomach may be the best option. Otherwise, A person usually wakes up in the position their body is most comfortable sleeping in. Keep doing what feels best unless recommended by a doctor, or if you are unsure of the best position for you [contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) and we can assist you in finding the best sleeping experience. **What sleep position do you prefer? Why? Comment and share! ** ** ** [Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/kk/) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhich-sleep-position-is-best-for-you%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhich-sleep-position-is-best-for-you%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhich-sleep-position-is-best-for-you%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhich-sleep-position-is-best-for-you%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Which%20Sleep%20Position%20is%20Best%20for%20You%3F%20) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhich-sleep-position-is-best-for-you%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhich-sleep-position-is-best-for-you%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fwhich-sleep-position-is-best-for-you%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.