A better approach

If you regularly:

• Snore loudly
• Wake up gasping or choking
• Stop breathing during sleep according to a partner
• Wake up with headaches
• Feel extremely sleepy during the day

talk with a healthcare professional rather than simply changing your sleeping position.

2. Sleeping on Your Side

For many adults, side sleeping can be a comfortable and practical choice.

It may be particularly useful for people who experience snoring or obstructive sleep apnea because sleeping on the side can help reduce the airway obstruction that may occur when sleeping on the back.

How to sleep on your side correctly

Try to:

• Keep your head and neck aligned with your spine
• Use a pillow that fills the space between your head and mattress
• Keep your shoulders relaxed
• Place a pillow between your knees if it improves hip or lower-back comfort

Left side or right side?

Both can be comfortable.

However, some people with nighttime heartburn or acid reflux find that left-side sleeping may be more comfortable, while individual results can vary.