Sleep experts say there's one position that's best for your health

Sleeping on your left side is considered the best position for your health and can help reduce snoring, according to experts. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees is also recommended, though sleeping on your stomach may lead to health problems. A study of 2,000 adults commissioned by not-for-profit healthcare provider Benenden Health found that one in five people don't believe their sleeping habits influence their physical comfort.

The research revealed that sleeping on the right side is the most common position, but experts recommend sleeping on your side overall-especially for individuals dealing with snoring or sleep apnoea. Among side positions, the left side is deemed the most beneficial.

Dr. Cheryl Lythgoe, society matron at Benenden Health, highlights that this position is particularly helpful for those with heartburn or gastric issues, as it allows gravity to assist in moving food through the digestive process. She also noted that the worst sleeping position for joint health is sleeping on your stomach, which can be problematic for physical well-being.

She has warned that sleeping on your stomach can lead to serious spinal, joint and nerve issues, resulting in chronic neck and back pain. It can also heighten the risk of breathing problems as the extra weight on respiratory organs can make it more difficult to breathe.

She explained: "Sleeping positions that place undue stress on the spine, such as lying on your stomach or curling up in a tight fetal position, can exacerbate physical discomfort. These positions often lead to misalignment of the spine and increased pressure on the neck and lower back, potentially resulting in chronic pain and disrupted sleep patterns."

Jordan Dehara, Lead Physiotherapist at the healthcare company's flagship hospital in Kent, also offered his advice for easing joint pain - suggesting pillows could be the solution.

He recommended sleeping in the foetal position with a pillow between your legs or sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees, to lessen the strain on your lumbar spine and hips. Choosing the right pillow is also crucial, he added.

Four out of ten people have reported that they often wake up with aches, pains and soreness. The most common aftermath of a poor night's sleep is a stiff neck (31%), followed by muscle soreness (29%) and headaches (15%). However, a staggering 70% have never sought any remedies or treatments to alleviate these issues.

Among those who have taken action, 40% have engaged in regular physical activity, while 34% have resorted to over-the-counter pain relief. Yet, only a mere 14% have ever consulted a healthcare professional about their sleep-related aches and pains, as per the data from OnePoll.com.

Jordan Dehara said: "Many of us are unaware of how their sleeping positions can significantly impact physical comfort and overall health. Educating people about the importance of proper sleeping positions is crucial for preventing chronic pain and improving sleep quality."