Good health habits often focus on diet, exercise, and stress, but your sleeping position is just as important. How you sleep can affect your long-term health in surprising ways.

We spend about one-third of our lives asleep, often in the same position for hours. Poor sleep posture can cause chronic pain, nerve compression, poor circulation, and fatigue, even after a full night’s rest.

Sleeping on your stomach is least recommended—it twists your neck, flattens your spine, and strains your lower back. Arms overhead or under the pillow can compress nerves, causing numbness. A tightly curled fetal position may limit lung capacity and strain the spine.

The best position? Sleeping on your left side. It improves digestion, reduces acid reflux, boosts circulation, and supports spinal alignment. It’s ideal for pregnant women and those with high blood pressure.

Use supportive pillows, avoid overly soft mattresses, and try a body pillow to maintain side sleeping for better rest and health.