Effective August 5, 2024, The Centers for Advanced ENT Care – Siegel, Bosworth, and Sorensen Division will be transitioning from Phreesia, Allscripts/FollowMyHealth to Healow as part of our overall transition to a new electronic health records system - eClinicalWorks. To learn more about this important update, click the link for "Patient Portal and Online Registration Updates" under Patient Info.

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ENT Care, Rockville, MD - Siegel, Bosworth and Sorensen Division

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    Hours: 8AM to 4PM Mon - Fri15204 Omega Dr., Suite 310, Rockville, MD 20850 Directions(240) 361-9000(240) 361-9001
    You are here: Home / News / What is the Best Sleeping Position?

    What is the Best Sleeping Position?

    Why is my sleeping position so important?

    Sleep is important for your body to restore and repair itself. Consequently, your sleeping position can affect your body’s ability to do this. We spend about 1/3 of our lives sleeping, so it is very important to find a position that assists your body with recovery.

    What is the best sleeping position?

    The best sleeping position can depend on your individual body’s needs. Generally speaking, sleeping on your back or on your side is preferable to stomach sleeping.

    Side Sleeping:

    Sleeping on your side offers the best spinal alignment, reduces the likelihood of back pain, and can reduce snoring and heartburn.

    Ways to make your side sleeping position better include:

    • Place a pillow between your knees to align your hips and pelvis into a more neutral position
    • Ensure a pillow is placed under your neck and head, and not under your shoulders. Your pillow should ensure the position of your head and neck is in line with the rest of your spine.

    Drawbacks to sleeping on your side include:

    • Side sleeping can cause shoulder tightness and pain
    • Side sleeping can promote too much pressure on your jaw, depending on your head position

    It is important to ensure your mattress has enough ‘give’ to promote enough pressure relief off of your hips and shoulders.

    Back Sleeping:

    Sleeping on your back can also promote proper spinal alignment and evenly distributes your body weight to relieve pressure off of your neck and back.

    Ways to make back sleeping better:

    • Ensure a pillow is placed under your neck and head, and not under your shoulders. Your pillow should ensure the position of your head and neck is in line with the rest of your spine.
    • Try placing a towel roll underneath your neck to give your spine more support and promote a more neutral posture.

    Drawbacks to sleeping on your back include:

    • Back sleeping is the worst position for those with sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back can promote airway collapse.
    • Back sleeping can also be problematic for those with heart burn and acid reflux.

    Why should I avoid Sleeping on my Stomach?

    Sleeping on your stomach gives very little support to your spine and can lead to increased pain. Stomach sleeping also promotes too much neck extension and neck rotation, putting too much pressure on your jaw and spine. Over time, stomach sleeping can lead to break down of the joints in your spine and significantly effect your posture and possibly cause pain. If you feel you are unable to avoid sleeping on your stomach, try sleeping with a thinner pillow or without a pillow at all to ensure better spinal alignment.

    Regardless of the health benefits, the best sleeping position is the one that offers you the most restful sleeping without pain or discomfort. If you feel your sleeping position is impacting your posture or causing you pain and you would like to address these concerns, call FYZICAL Shady Grove for a Physical Therapy Evaluation.

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    We had a wonderful experience from meeting Doctor Bosworth to our check up after surgery and everything in between. He and his team were sooo kind and supportive throughout the whole process. As one could guess , when you hear your 4 year old has to have surgery and will be put to sleep it’s […]

    Caitlin Hurley

    Kaitlin did my hearing test and Eleni was my provider but I also had the pleasure of interacting with Abe, Jaida, and Katie. Everyone was thorough, explained everything, and was reassuring. It took out a lot of the anxiety that I usually experience. Thank you to all

    Jeanette Roman

    I self-referred here based on reviews and I was very happy. Making an appointment was easy, I was taken in on time, and Alyssa did a great job with the stubborn ear wax that staff at my PCP office could not remove. Alyssa was also very informative and made me feel comfortable and well cared […]

    Marc Weinshenker

    I have the pleasure of working with Olivia, a vestibular physical therapist, and my experience was exceptional. Olivia is incredibly knowledgeable and expertly guided me through my treatment. Her kind and accommodating nature made each session comfortable and effective. Olivia is always polite and respectful, creating a positive and supportive environment. I highly recommend Olivia […]

    Azmi Nasser

    Thanks to the expert diagnosis and thorough care provided by Dr. Siegel, with the assistance of his lovely and competent team, my father, who is 95, is now breathing easily through his nose for the first time in his entire adult life. We are amazed by Dr. Siegel’s exceptional skills and also by how very […]

    Sharon Gelman

    I’ve been dealing with Benign Paroxysmal positional vertigo over 12 years, and received treatment from various specialties, all to no avail. After seeing Dr. Bosworth and Alyssa, I was referred to Kelsey Zagami, PT, DPT for treatment. In just a few weeks I am symptom free, and haven’t felt this good in 12 years. Kelsey […]

    Chris H. Serlo, D.P.M.