8 Reasons Sleeping on Your Back May Solve Your Sleep Issues

 

Plenty of people sleep on their sides, in the fetal position, or splayed out across the bed. Some are even die-hard tummy sleepers.

Though you may think that back sleeping is reserved for vampires, zombies, and Frankenstein, it turns out that sleeping on your back may be a simple, cost-effective solution to a host of ailments: from sleep issues to health woes.

It might strike you as an uncomfortable way to hit the hay, but back sleeping may be worth the effort.

Read on to get the details on why this sleep posture just might reign supreme.

The science behind back sleeping

Back sleeping, more officially known as supine sleeping, offers a host of health benefits that you might not have considered.

 

Back sleeping can benefit you by:

 

• keeping your spine aligned

• reducing tension headaches

• reducing pressure and compression on the chest

• relieving sinus buildup

• preventing wrinkles and irritation on your face

When it comes to infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

This could be due to the factTrusted Source that, when infants sleep prone, or on the stomach, it increases:

 

• nasal bacterial load

•  respiratory work of breathing

• upper airway secretions

A 2023 reviewTrusted Source found that back and side sleeping are associated with less spinal pain than stomach sleeping for adults.

While supine sleeping may have benefits, it’s definitely not the most popular position.

According to a 2017 studyTrusted Source, most people prefer to sleep on their sides as they approach adulthood. Interestingly, the study noted that children sleep equally on their side, back, and front.

The same 2023 review mentioned above noted that more than 60 percent of European adults are lateral, or side sleepers.

Still, there are plenty of reasons to make the switch, even if you sleep on your tummy or your side. Here are just a few.

May reduce back and neck pain

Back sleeping helps reduce pressure on your spine. This position mimics standing up straight.

Sleeping on your stomach with your head to one side is akin to having your head turned in one direction for hours while sitting or standing, causing soreness. It also compresses the spine because your neck is tilted back.

It’s much easier to give your spine rest by lying on the back, using pillows for comfort, and maintaining the natural curve of the spine.

A 2017 studyTrusted Source noted that sleeping on the back with both hands at the sides or on the chest is the best way to prevent pain.

 

May improve breathing

If you’re lying on your belly or side, you may be crowding your breathing space.

The diaphragm is the muscle responsible for breathing, and compressing it makes your breathing shallower.

Multiple studies have linked deep diaphragmatic breathing while waking with:

 

• reduced stress

• Improved mood

•  Improved attention span

A 2023 studyTrusted Source noted that slow, deep breathing results in melatonin production, a hormone that promotes relaxation, induces sleep, and increases parasympathetic nervous system activity.

May reduce breakouts

Face washing, keeping hands away from your face, and reducing sugar consumption are frequently discussed solutions for clear skin. What about what happens while you sleep?

Pillowcases absorb sebum from the skin and hair as well as product residue. These are easily transferred to the face while sleeping.

 

This can contribute to skin issues, like:

• blackheads

• whiteheads

• redness and irritation

While satin, silk, or copper pillowcases may help, why not avoid pillow-skin contact altogether?

Back sleeping keeps the face away from the pillowcase and, by extension, the dirt and oils that can irritate it.

Waking with the sun

When face up, you more readily notice changes in light.

As sunlight streams into your bedroom, you can better receive the signal from the sun that it’s time to wake up.

You may find this way of waking up more pleasant than the sound of an alarm clock. Plus, light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, so you can sleep and wake up at optimal times.

Tools

If you want to give back sleeping a go, be sure to have multiple pillows and a rolled-up towel handy.

Try putting a pillow under your knees or a rolled up towel under your lower back. This will help to support your body in areas with natural curves and shift pressure from your back.

There are also plenty of products on the market that can help your transition to supine sleeping go as smoothly as possible.

Wedge pillows can help with head elevation, and a bolster pillow can go under the knees to support the lower back.

It can also help to create a bedtime routine to simplify falling asleep in an unfamiliar position, similar to sleeping in a different bed.

Consider:

 

• a warm beverage

• low lighting in the hours before bedtime

• meditation

• relaxing scents, like lavender

• less screen time before bed

Takeaway

While there are plenty of different ways to sleep, back sleeping offers multiple benefits that are hard to ignore, including:

 

•  improved breathing

• reduced back pain

• smoother, clearer skin

If you decide to make the switch, take your time and arm yourself with tools to make the transition as easy as possible. Once you go for it, you’re likely on your way to sweeter, sounder sleep.