The debate still rages on regarding which sleep position is best. While experts may not have been able to determine if side sleeping is the best position, they do agree that it is the preferred position over stomach or back sleeping.
Sleep experts do agree that stomach sleeping is the least healthy position to sleep in. Stomach sleeping obstructs the airway, which leads to sleep apnea and is problematic for the spine and neck.
Sleeping on your back is less problematic than stomach sleeping and may help to alleviate lower back pain but side sleeping offers the most health benefits. Side sleeping is thought to help reduce symptoms of heartburn by elevating the stomach, which may help it to empty more efficiently. Symptoms of sleep apnea may also be lessened by side sleeping by improving how the mouth and throat tissues lay during REM sleep. Sleep apnea has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease.
So while the debate may still be ongoing as to which sleep position is best, sleep experts recommend concentrating on having a consistent sleep schedule, including weekends as well as putting away smartphones and other digital devices when bedtime approaches.
