{"id":25053,"date":"2022-12-12T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-12T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/back-sleeper\/"},"modified":"2023-07-07T21:24:52","modified_gmt":"2023-07-07T21:24:52","slug":"back-sleeper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/back-sleeper\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Sleep Tips for Back Sleepers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Many experts consider back sleeping to be the healthiest sleep position.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSleeping on your back is generally considered the healthiest sleeping position because it minimizes the amount of stress being put onto your spine and pelvis,&#8221; explains&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ascentchiropractic.com\/\">Grant Radermacher<\/a>, a licensed chiropractor and owner of Ascent Chiropractic in Brookfield, Wisconsin. &#8220;Back sleeping evenly distributes weight along the full length of the body, minimizes pressure points, and ensures good alignment of the head, neck, and spine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But like other sleep positions, it still has its pros and cons. Read on if you\u2019re already a back sleeper and would like to improve your sleep\u2014or if you\u2019d like to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-on-your-back\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">train yourself to become a back sleeper<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-back-sleeper\">What is a back sleeper?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhile they may change positions somewhat throughout the night, those categorized as \u2018back sleepers\u2019 spend the majority of their time spent sleeping on their back,\u201d says Radermacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-back-sleepers\">Types of back sleepers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a couple of different types of back-sleeping positions\u2014and at times, they can&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/sleep-positions-and-personality\/\">give away aspects of your personality<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-soldier\">Soldier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSomeone who sleeps in the \u2018soldier\u2019 position sleeps on their back, arms straight down at their sides and legs extended, as though standing at attention,\u201d Radermacher says. \u201cThe soldier position is generally associated with quiet, reserved personalities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-starfish\">Starfish<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just as the name implies, the starfish sleeping position is on your back but with your arms overhead and legs spread out like a starfish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPersonality-wise, starfish sleepers tend to be more outgoing and make friends easily,\u201d Radermacher observes. \u201cIf you have shoulder problems, it\u2019s probably best to avoid this position as it tends to put pressure on the nerves, muscles, and ligaments in the shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-benefits-of-back-sleeping\">Benefits of back sleeping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some benefits of being a back sleeper. According to Radermacher, the top ones include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sleeping on your back minimizes strain on the back and neck.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Studies show sleeping on your back can help reduce gastric reflux symptoms (just be sure to&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/thesleepdoctor.com\/physical-health\/how-to-sleep-with-acid-reflux\/\">elevate your upper body<\/a>&nbsp;a bit to lessen symptoms).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Back sleeping also prevents \u201csleep wrinkles\u201d caused by the constant pressure put on your face by your pillow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-drawbacks-of-back-sleeping\">Drawbacks of back sleeping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Radermacher, there are some downsides to sleeping on your back: &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you\u2019re dealing with discogenic pain (pain caused by inflammation of the intervertebral discs), back sleeping can actually make your pain worse. This is because you\u2019re flattening out the natural forward curve of your low back, increasing the pressure on your discs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sleeping on your back can also exacerbate&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-snoring\/\">snoring<\/a>&nbsp;as gravity forces your tongue to the back of your throat when you lie down on your back, restricting airflow. This also makes your back a less-than-ideal sleeping position for people who suffer from&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/sleep-apnea-guide\/\">sleep apnea<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, if you\u2019re wondering about sleeping on your back while pregnant, you should know experts prefer pregnant people to sleep on their sides with bent knees. This tends to be more comfortable than back sleeping and promotes healthy circulation as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-sleep-tips-for-back-sleepers\">Best sleep tips for back sleepers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to make the most of your back sleeping each and every night, read on for Radermacher\u2019s top tips. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To really keep your spine and pelvis &#8220;neutral&#8221; while lying on your back, prop a pillow or foam wedge under your knees and lower buttocks. This promotes the normal curve of the lumbar spine and allows the muscles in the lower back to relax.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try to elevate your knees and upper legs two or three inches above your sleeping surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As for your head, don\u2019t be afraid to be picky about the pillow you sleep on. The wrong pillow can lead to&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/waking-up-with-headaches\/\">headaches<\/a>, neck pain, and shoulder pain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rule of thumb: Your pillow shouldn\u2019t be thicker than the distance from your neck to your shoulder at max. Back sleepers can cause problems in their cervical spine if their heads are propped up too far forward. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"saatva-product-slider bg-fuscous-gray text-white\">\n            <p class=\"bg-makara p-4 text-center\">Find the perfect mattress for back sleepers at Saatva<\/p>\n    \n            <div\n            class=\"focus:!outline-0\"\n            data-flickity=\"{&quot;wrapAround&quot;:true,&quot;pageDots&quot;:true,&quot;adaptiveHeight&quot;:true,&quot;prevNextButtons&quot;:false,&quot;autoPlay&quot;:5000}\"\n        >\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\/saatva-classic\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/saatva-classic-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva classic innerspring mattress\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/saatva-classic-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/saatva-classic-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/saatva-classic-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/saatva-classic-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/saatva-classic.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\/saatva-classic\">Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\/saatva-classic\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\/saatva-latex-hybrid\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/latex-hybrid-1-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva latex hybrid mattress\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/latex-hybrid-1-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/latex-hybrid-1-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/latex-hybrid-1-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/latex-hybrid-1-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/latex-hybrid-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\/saatva-latex-hybrid\">Latex Hybrid Mattress<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>This hybrid mattress combines the pressure-free support of natural latex with the classic innerspring feel. Handcrafted with pure materials for the ultimate in cool and healthy sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\/saatva-latex-hybrid\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\/memory-foam-hybrid\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/memory-foam-hybrid-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva memory foam hybrid mattress\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/memory-foam-hybrid-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/memory-foam-hybrid-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/memory-foam-hybrid-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/memory-foam-hybrid-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/memory-foam-hybrid.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\/memory-foam-hybrid\">Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>This memory foam hybrid mattress features the perfect balance of body-contouring and responsive feel. Enjoy the innovative cooling system, which prevents overheating.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\/memory-foam-hybrid\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-mattress-for-back-sleepers\">Best mattress for back sleepers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn general, when it comes to mattresses, the&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/best-mattress-for-back-sleepers\/\">firmer the better for back sleepers<\/a>,\u201d Radermacher says. \u201cIf your mattress is starting to sag (this happens more quickly for traditional memory foam mattresses), consider upgrading to a firm(er) mattress to rest your body on.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Radermacher recommends&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/hybrid-mattress-need-to-know\/\">hybrid mattresses<\/a>&nbsp;to get the best of both memory foam and innerspring mattresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-pillow-for-back-sleepers\">Best pillow for back sleepers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Radermacher says any medium-loft (height) pillow that keeps your head in a relatively neutral position while supporting your neck is a good back sleeper pillow choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cShredded memory foam fill tends to keep its shape better than down or buckwheat,\u201d he says. \u201cAnd in general,&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/best-pillow-for-back-sleepers\/\">back sleepers should aim for pillows<\/a>&nbsp;on the firmer end of the pillow spectrum.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you suffer from neck pain, it may be worth trying a cervical contour or orthopedic pillow, Radermacher adds. Contour pillows have bolsters, or cylinder-shaped sections, that nestle into the natural forward curve of your neck for extra support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-should-a-back-sleeper-sleep\">How should a back sleeper sleep?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Preferably with a pillow or foam wedge under your knees and lower buttocks, which promotes the normal curve of the lumbar spine and allows the muscles in the lower back to relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-i-train-myself-to-sleep-on-my-back\">How do I train myself to sleep on my back?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re wondering how to sleep on your back if that\u2019s not your regular sleeping position, Radermacher offers some \u201ctraining\u201d tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you can, try to fall asleep on your back. But if you wake up in the middle of the night on your stomach, get in the habit of flipping back over. It might feel unnatural at first, but you\u2019ll quickly get used to being on your back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a body pillow(s). Stomach and side sleepers often like the comfort of having the front or sides of their body in contact with the mattress. To transition to sleeping on your back, try using body pillows on either side of you. This will help you doze off comfortably while keeping you from rolling over.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-should-a-back-sleeper-use-a-pillow\">Should a back sleeper use a pillow?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn general, back sleepers shouldn\u2019t try to go pillow-less,\u201d Radermacher says. \u201cYour neck needs at least some support if you\u2019re lying in the same position for eight hours at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-should-your-pillow-be-placed-when-you-sleep-on-your-back\">Where should your pillow be placed when you sleep on your back?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Radermacher says while sleeping on your back, position your pillow beneath your head and neck but not your shoulders. \u201cYour shoulders should never be<em>&nbsp;<\/em>on<em>&nbsp;<\/em>your pillow,\u201d he says. \u201cInstead, tuck your pillow just above and around your shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-shop-mattresses-and-pillows-for-back-sleepers-at-saatva\">Shop mattresses and pillows for back sleepers at Saatva<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Saatva offers a wide range of high-quality&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattresses\">mattresses<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/bedding?types=pillows+type\">pillows<\/a>&nbsp;suited for back sleepers. All of our mattresses come with a 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty so you can try one out before deciding if it&#8217;s right for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take our&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/mattress-quiz\">mattress quiz<\/a>&nbsp;to find your perfect match.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here&#8217;s how to improve your sleep as a back sleeper or train yourself to sleep on your back if you aren&#8217;t one already.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":25054,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[389,390],"tags":[],"coauthors":[418],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-25053","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sleep-health","category-sleep-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25053","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25053"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25053\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25054"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25053"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25053"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25053"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=25053"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=25053"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=25053"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}