For many, sleeping on your side is the only way to be comfortable and fall asleep. Despite the love for sleeping on your side, it is one of the worsts positions to sleep in when it comes to shoulder and back pain. Sleeping on your back has been long recommended for a good night's rest without waking up with any pain however there are still benefits to sleeping on your side. 

When your body is properly aligned, sleeping on your side can have many benefits.

How to properly align your body when sleeping on your side:

When choosing the right mattress, it's important to factor in your sleeping position. For side sleepers, a mattress that’s much too soft only encourages the body to collapse in on itself, putting undue pressure on the joints. But then a mattress that is too firm won't give and can lead to back pain.

The recommended mattress for most side sleepers is a medium-firm memory foam mattress. Memory foam mattresses are recommended because they’re specially designed to fit the curves of the body, relieving pressure in the shoulders and hips.

Choosing the right pillow also plays a factor in aligning your body as you sleep on your side. The right pillow for side sleepers offers support to the neck and head, keeping it in line with the shoulders and back to properly support the spine while we sleep.

Benefits of sleeping on your left or right side

• Back pain relief
• Reduced risk of snoring and sleep apnea
• Improved gut health
• Improved brain health
• Healthier pregnancy