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Healthier Sleep Positions That Support Your Body
Luckily, there are sleep positions that work with your body, not against it. Here are three of the most supportive:
1. Sleeping on Your Back – The “Starfish” Pose
Lying flat on your back with your limbs relaxed helps:
Keep your spine aligned naturally
Relax your muscles
Encourage fuller, deeper breathing
Reduce pressure on your internal organs
This position is often favored by physiotherapists and osteopaths as one of the best for physical recovery.
2. Sleeping on Your Left Side – A Boost for Digestion
Choosing your left side to sleep on has some unique benefits:
It helps food travel through your digestive tract and eases acid reflux
Supports better blood return to the heart
Especially recommended during pregnancy
Often brings relief to those with digestive discomfort
If you have a sensitive stomach or tend to sleep restlessly, this might be the ideal posture for you.
3. Sleeping on Your Right Side – Comfortable, but Not Perfect
This is one of the most common positions, and while generally comfortable, it comes with a few drawbacks:
It may worsen acid reflux symptoms for some people
It’s less efficient for lymphatic system drainage
Still, if this position feels best to you, it can be perfectly fine—as long as your pillow and mattress provide proper neck and back support.
What Your Sleeping Style Might Say About You
Left side: Calm, balanced individuals, often in their mid-40s to 50s
Right side: Energetic people—frequent coffee drinkers!
On the stomach: Often linked to stress-prone or anxious temperaments
On the back (starfish): Independent thinkers and early risers
While not scientific, these patterns can be fun to explore—and surprisingly reflective.
Tips to Transition to a Healthier Sleeping Position
If you’re looking to change your sleep posture, keep in mind: it’s a habit, and habits take time. Here’s how to ease into better alignment:
Try an ergonomic pillow that supports your neck’s natural curve
Choose a medium-firm mattress for balanced support
If you sleep on your side, placing a pillow between your knees can help your hips stay aligned
If you’re moving away from stomach sleeping, hugging a body pillow or using a bolster can train your body to stay on its side
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