When it comes to sleeping positions, everyone has their favorite. You might naturally curl up on your side as soon as your head hits the pillow. Or you might change positions throughout the night to relieve pressure on different parts of your body.
Most people naturally settle into the position that feels best for them. But among all the options—back, side, or stomach—side sleeping is the most popular, with more than half of adults (54%) in the United States preferring this position.
If you’re already a side sleeper, you’re in good company. But have you ever wondered why so many people are side sleepers and whether there are any advantages to sleeping on your side?
Ahead we’ll dive into the benefits of side sleeping, explore the differences between sleeping on your right side vs left side, and help you discover the best side to sleep on for your health and comfort. We’ll also explore the best pillow for side sleepers and how it can improve your sleep experience.
Benefits of Side Sleeping
There are well-established benefits to sleeping on your side, backed by research. Here are some of the top reasons to sleep on your side.
Less Back Pain
If you’ve ever woken up with a stiff or aching back, your sleeping position could be to blame. While stomach sleeping often strains the spine, side sleeping allows your body to maintain a more neutral alignment.
By switching to a side position, you relieve pressure on your lower back and hips, helping to reduce discomfort and prevent chronic pain. A good side sleeping posture, supported by the best pillow for side sleepers, can make all the difference in waking up pain-free and well-rested.
Lower Risk of Snoring and Sleep Apnea
If you or your partner struggles with snoring or sleep apnea, side sleeping might be the solution. When you sleep on your back, your tongue can fall back into your throat, partially blocking your airway and causing vibrations that lead to snoring.
In severe cases, this can contribute to sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. How to sleep on your side effectively? Consider using pillows designed for side sleepers to keep yourself from rolling onto your back. This position keeps your airway open and improves airflow for quieter, more restorative sleep. If you’re prone to rolling onto your back at night, consider investing in a second pillow to tuck behind you as you sleep.
Better Brain Health
Your brain does some of its most important work while you sleep. Research suggests that side sleeping may help your brain get rid of waste products more efficiently. This natural cleaning process removes toxins, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Sleeping on your side may be the best position to sleep in if you’re looking to support long-term cognitive health.
Improved Gut Health
Did you know that sleeping on your right side vs left side can impact how your body digests food? While both positions can aid digestion compared to lying on your back or stomach, the left side is the best side to sleep on for digestive function.
For those who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, side sleeping—particularly on the left side—can provide noticeable relief and improve overall comfort. That’s because the stomach is located on the left side of your body, so sleeping on your left side uses gravity to keep stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus.
Healthier Pregnancy
If you’re expecting, you may already know that side sleeping posture is the best position for you and your baby. The left side is generally considered the best side to sleep on during pregnancy because it improves circulation and helps your heart pump blood more efficiently.
Sleeping on your side also prevents the baby from putting too much pressure on the inferior vena cava, the vein that returns blood from your lower body to your heart. For maximum comfort, invest in a quality pillow for side sleepers, which can provide extra support to your growing belly while reducing strain on your back and hips.
Which Side Is Best to Sleep On?
When it comes to sleeping on the right side vs left side, the best option depends on your individual health needs.
Sleep on the left side if you:
- Are pregnant: Sleeping on your left side improves blood circulation and prevents your baby from putting excess pressure on the inferior vena cava, the vein that carries blood from your lower body to your heart.
- Have GERD, heartburn, or acid reflux: The left side is the ideal position for reducing acid reflux, as it keeps the stomach below the esophagus, preventing acid from flowing back into the throat.
- Experience breathing issues: Sleeping on your left side can help keep your airway open, making it easier to breathe and reducing snoring and the symptoms of sleep apnea. This position prevents the tongue and soft tissues in the throat from collapsing into the airway, promoting smoother airflow.
Sleep on the right side if you:
- Have heart problems: Sleeping on the right side reduces pressure on your heart, making it a more comfortable choice for people with cardiovascular concerns.
- Experience bladder issues or frequent urination: Sleeping on the left can increase pressure on your heart, which may boost kidney activity and lead to more nighttime trips to the bathroom.
If none of these issues apply to you, choose the side that feels most comfortable and supports a good side sleeping posture for the best night’s rest.
Experts recommend putting a pillow between your legs (for better hip alignment) and one behind you (for better support). A pillow between your knees can reduce the likelihood of sleep disturbances from hip pain. And it can help you feel less achy in the morning.
Get the Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, it pays to invest in a quality pillow designed just for side sleepers. But you should also consider getting additional pillows—one to place between your knees, and one to place behind you for extra support.
While most pillows trap heat, SHEEX® Cooling Pillows are designed to keep you cool and dry all night long, for more restful sleep.
- The ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE Down Alternative Pillow for Side Sleepers is designed with innovative materials to keep you cool and wick away moisture. And it provides pressure-relieving support for better sleep.
- If you tend to change sleep positions, during the night, the VersaCloud™ Adjustable Hybrid Pillow is a great choice. Designed for personal customization, this pillow features a unique dual-side design to suit any sleep preference.
Shop the entire collection of SHEEX® cooling pillows and bedding to start building your perfect sleep system!
Original Performance Down Alternative Side Sleeper Pillow
$99.00
Description Details Care Do you spend sleepless nights pillow flipping, or flipping yourself from side to side, searching for a cool, comfortable spot to lay your head? Then, our ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE Down Alternative Pillow for Side Sleepers is the solution… read more
