How To Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Side

How you sleep affects the quality of rest you get and your overall health. Typically, we don't choose how we sleep - some people sleep like a statue on their back, while others flip around like a rotisserie chicken. But you should know that not all sleeping positions are ideal, and you can change the position you sleep in.

Side sleeping is the most common position to sleep in -- around 60% of adults sleep this way. Regarding overall benefits and human anatomy, side sleeping takes the crown as the best sleeping position for things like digestion and heartburn. If you're thinking about switching to side sleeping, you may be wondering which side is best. It turns out that both sides have their benefits and drawbacks. Here's what to know.

Benefits of sleeping on your side

Side sleeping is the natural position that many people favor at night. It's associated with alleviating insomnia and sleep deprivation. The benefits don't stop there, there are several other advantages to sleeping on your side. They include but are not limited to:

Reduced back pain: Sleeping on your stomach can increase the pressure on your spine. If you're a stomach sleeper, try sleeping on your side with your legs straight to help reduce back pain. Side sleeping can keep your spine straight and reduce pressure in the cervical and lumbar section of the back.

Reduced snoring: When you sleep on your back, your soft palate and tongue can fall backward and obscure your airway. This is especially common for those with sleep apnea. Side sleeping can help prevent your tongue from blocking your airway.

Happier gut: Left side sleeping can ease gastrointestinal issues like heartburn, bloating and constipation.

Improved brain health: Our brain gets rid of waste while we sleep. Studies show that sleeping on your side most effectively clears the brain of metabolic waste.

Disadvantages of side sleeping

Sleeping on your side can do a lot of good for your body, but it's not for everyone. Side sleeping can have disadvantages, especially if you're sleeping on the wrong mattress. Buy best side sleeping pillows.

Shoulder pain and hip pain: If the mattress you have is too firm for your body type, then side sleeping can increase pressure on your shoulders, hips and knees. If it is too soft, you can sink in too far and alter your natural spinal alignment.

Pressure on the face: For people who live with glaucoma or sinus congestion can increase pressure in the eye area.

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