🔒 Does regular sleeping position affect health?

Everyone sleeps, some more than others.

In general, sleep accounts for 25%-35% of our lives—and many of us, especially as we age, rarely change positions significantly during sleep. It’s normal to move around a little during sleep, but many times, you go to sleep in the same position you wake up in.

Studies have shown that if you sleep on your back, back, right side or left side, you may be at risk of worsening different diseases. When I realized I had been sleeping on my left side, I became intrigued and wondered how this was affecting the health of my body.

Honestly, this is not what we usually teach in medical school, some research is needed. So I discussed with one of Henry Ford Health’s sleep medicine specialists that there are many situations where your sleeping position can be very important.

People with sleep apnea, heart disease, back pain, acid reflux, and even cosmetic concerns worry if you want to avoid wrinkles, according to sleep experts I spoke to. I’ll tell you up front: my tendency to sleep on my left side may help me eat later in the evening and may be prone to reflux.

We’ll share what we’ve learned live Thursdays at 5:45pm on Local 4 and Local 4+ – be sure to tune in, or Live on ClickOnDetroit. Hope this story helps you figure out if your sleeping position is the healthiest for you!

Just curious: what position do you usually sleep in? Tell us in the poll below!