The Best Sleeping Positions

It's true, it's hot, and sleeping in such temperatures can be difficult. Just look at the latest photos of Olympic champion Ceccon, who chose to sleep next to a bench rather than in the Olympic village. Lying on his side, with bent legs, he appeared very composed and relaxed, despite his makeshift bed.
But are some sleeping positions better than others for a good night's rest?

Actually, there's no golden rule or single best sleeping position: each of us has a preferred position that helps us rest better.

Here are some general guidelines that can be considered for a restorative rest.

Supine position (on your back)

This position is suitable for almost everyone, with the exception of snorers: in this position, the muscles of the oral cavity relax – the jaw slides back and part of the palate compresses the pharynx, obstructing the airways.

This leads to sleep apnea and micro-awakenings that can result in poor sleep quality. It's better to turn onto your side.

Prone position (on your stomach)

This position is favored by younger people because it distributes body weight better. In older age, it can be useful for falling asleep, but it risks causing neck problems due to the neck's position. Many people start sleeping this way and then change position during sleep.

Not suitable for overweight individuals and pregnant women.

Side position

Everyone can choose how much to bend their legs, whether to keep them almost straight or adopt the fetal position – this is useful for those with back pain to relieve the day's muscular load.

Contrary to popular belief, it's best to avoid sleeping with a pillow between your knees: it can increase circulation problems.

Right or left side? For those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux and pregnant women, the left side is better.

Position with two pillows

Basically, sleeping with two pillows is not a good idea: the spine is bent too much. It can be a good temporary solution for some ailments like colds and heartburn, but it's best not to overuse this position – in the long run, it could create joint problems or exacerbate spinal curvatures and osteoarthritis.

In short: to sleep soundly, it's essential to find your ideal position.
It's also important to choose a quality mattress that can properly support the spine.

Do you have a particular personal "trick" or positions for sleeping well?