There are all sorts of sleeping positions, and each of them can have its own benefits and drawbacks. The most common sleeping position is laying on your side, so it’s no wonder that so many people experience issues related to it. Finding the right mattress for side sleepers can also be a little tricky.

So, to help, here are the best tips that will help eradicate your side sleeping issues. Keep reading and find out just how easy it can be to solve all your problems. 

The wrong type of mattress

Finding the right mattress can be tricky no matter what side you sleep on, but it can be especially hard when you’re a side sleeper. Ideally, you don’t want a mattress that’s too firm; otherwise, it puts a lot of pressure on your joints. You’ll most likely feel much more supported with a softer one, and you won’t find that your shoulders feel achy when you wake up. Memory foam is said to be one of the best options for side sleepers, as it contours with the body and provides comfortable cushioning. So, when it comes to choosing furniture mattresses, make sure you find one that has plenty of support but is on the softer side of the firmness scale.

Neck and shoulder pain

You might think that as a side sleeper, you need a couple of pillows or one thick one under your head. However, this can actually cause a lot of issues for your neck as it’s being held in a position that isn’t natural for hours at a time. Side sleepers are much better off having one thinner pillow under their head to support their neck and then placing one in between their knees to support their hips. This then takes all the pressure off of your body and will prevent you from feeling any neck pain. 

Always sleeping on the same side

A lot of side sleepers have a preferred side to sleep on, and this can actually cause a lot of damage. If you fall asleep on your side and wake up in the same position, you may have been led like that for hours at a time, which means you’ve had a consistent pressure on your body at all times. Make sure you change which side you sleep on regularly, and you’ll soon find that your shoulder and neck pain dissipate. Try not to always lay on your left side either, as it’s been suggested that it puts extra pressure on your cardiovascular muscles. 

Not cleaning your pillows

Acne is a commonly reported issue for side sleepers, and this can sometimes be caused by your pillow. Side sleepers have their faces pressed into the pillow for hours and hours during the night, so if there’s any bacteria on them, then it’s making itself at home on your face. Make sure you clean your pillowcases regularly, and you’ll find that your skin problems clear up. Silk pillowcases are also said to be better for your skin and prevent it from becoming sore or wrinkling prematurely, so they might be worth considering as well. 

Sleeping too curled up

While sleeping on your side, it can be hard to know what to do with your arms. Normally, people end up with them all bunched up under their pillows or tucked into their chests. This can cause a lot of aches and pains in your arm joints, and you may find that you suffer from pins and needles a lot. The best way to combat this is to stretch out your arms and try to sleep with them down by your sides, even in this sleeping position. It might feel odd at first, but you’ll definitely notice the difference right away. 

Takeaway

Sleeping on your side is thought to be one of the best ways to sleep, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t got it’s problems. Try these simple solutions out when you next go to bed, and you’ll be able to feel the difference as soon as you get comfy. You don’t have to change your sleeping position or spend hours trying to get comfortable each night. Instead, follow these easy tips, and you’ll be sleeping better in no time at all.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.