I’m Joe Wicks’ osteopath – here’s the best and WORST sleeping positions for your body

WE’VE all got our own favourite sleeping position, but that doesn’t mean it guarantees you the best night’s sleep.

In fact, according to osteopath James Davies, there’s more to how you sleep than just trying to get comfy enough to drift off.

James, who is Joe Wicks‘ osteopath, and who has also treated Kylie Minogue and David Beckham, believes there are pros and cons to consider, depending on your sleeping position.

The author of new book, Body, explains the most popular sleep positions and what you need to know about each…

SIDE-SLEEPING

Most of us sleep on our sides, sometimes curled up as we would have been before we were born.

I am a side sleeper and try to sleep on my left side.

The pros:

It’s good for stopping snoring as it helps improve our breathing through clearer airways.

It can also help with digestive issues, such as acid reflux and heartburn.

Sleeping in the foetal position can help with lower-back pain, particularly if you place a pillow between your knees.

It is the recommended sleeping position for the later trimesters of pregnancy. 

The cons: 

Can increase issues, such as acid reflux and heartburn.

May cause pins and needles or numbness in your hands because the blood flow is disrupted – try and move your shoulder slightly forward to alleviate this.

Not very good for weak shoulders.

BACK IS BEST

In general terms, it is thought that sleeping on our back is the best position, but this depends on the health conditions you have. 

The pros: 

Is good for the spine as it allows all the nutrients to flow freely into your discs overnight.

Beneficial for your hips and knees.

Good for digestion and reduces the risk of acid reflux. 

The cons

Can sometimes feel uncomfortable with lower-back pain. One way to alleviate this is to place a pillow underneath your knees as this takes the pressure off your lower spine.

May feel uncomfortable for neck pain.

A greater likelihood of snoring and sleep apnoea in this position.

Not recommended for women in their third trimester of pregnancy. 

FRONT DOWN 

Sleeping on your front is generally thought of as the worst position to sleep, but some negatives can be reduced with a few simple adjustments. 

The pros:

It’s the best position to stop snoring and sleep apnoea.

If you sleep face-down, rather than turning your head to the side, it keeps your upper airways clear and open.

The cons:

This can be the most damaging position for your neck as one side of the neck muscles can lengthen, while the other shortens.

There is also the risk of your neck joints locking during the night.

It can also put strain on your spine, which can put strain on your muscles, tendons, and joints. 

is published by HQ, HarperCollins on September 1 in hardback, eBook and audiobook.