Can Sleeping Sideways Hurt Your Back?

Lying on the side can be comfortable, but it can pull the spine out of alignment, straining the lower back. It can be easy to correct this issue by placing a firm pillow between the knees.

Is sleeping sideways bad for back?

Benefits of sleeping on your left or right side

When done correctly with the proper body alignment, sleeping on your side can reduce both joint and low back pain, as well as chronic pain associated with long-term conditions like fibromyalgia.

Why does sleeping on my side make my back hurt?

3. Alternate sides if you're a side sleeper. Some evidence suggests that habitually sleeping on one side on an ill-fitting mattress may contribute to muscle imbalance and pain. Always sleeping on the same side suspends the middle of your body between your hips and shoulders, the broadest parts of the trunk.

Elena Rostova

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.