Disadvantages of Sleeping on Your Side
Although this position could provide many benefits, it’s not for everyone, especially those who use mattresses and pillows that make side sleeping uncomfortable. These disadvantages include:
- Pain in the shoulders and hips
Side sleeping on too-firm mattresses could increase pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees. However, too-soft mattresses could cause the spine to go out of alignment and also cause pain.
- Pressure in the face
People with sinus congestion and glaucoma may experience painful or uncomfortable pressure in their faces when they lie on their sides. Additionally, it could worsen a tight or stiff jaw.
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The Benefits and Disadvantages of Other Sleeping Positions
Ultimately, people should sleep in any way they feel most comfortable. But it’s important to consider how your sleep position could affect your body, for better or worse. You could also begin your nights on your left side and allow your body to assume whatever position it prefers. Also, sleeping on the right side also comes with benefits, so don’t stress about trying to retrain yourself if it’s not coming easily. Similarly, there are pros and cons to sleeping on the back and stomach.
Sleeping on your back
Benefits – It may help with:
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Sinus congestion
- Bursitis
Tips:
- Place a pillow under your knees to support the spine and lower back.
- Spread the legs and arms out to reduce pressure on the joints.
- Choose a pillow that offers good support for the neck, and avoid the ones that tilt your chin toward your chest.
- Elevate the head with extra pillows or a wedge pillow to help reduce heartburn, headaches, and sinus buildups.
Sleeping on your stomach
Unfortunately for those who enjoy this position, experts warn against it. “If you are sleeping on your stomach and notice you are suffering back pain, there probably is a reason,” says Bill Fish, a certified sleep science coach. “Since the majority of the weight of the human body is around your center, that core pushes into the sleep surface further and basically puts strain on your spine in the wrong direction, causing back and neck pain.”
