Are you struggling to find the right sleeping position? Do you sometimes wake up feeling tired, with a stiff neck or heavy legs? The cause might be simpler than you think — the posture you adopt at night.

As we age, the way we sleep has a greater impact on our overall health, especially on the heart and brain. Should you sleep on your back, on your side, or curled up like a dog? Let’s explore which sleeping positions are the most beneficial — and which ones to avoid.

Sleeping on Your Back: Comfortable, but Not for Everyone

Sleeping on your back can feel relaxing, particularly for the spine. However, for people over 60, it may do more harm than good. Why? Because this position can sometimes reduce blood circulation, especially in the neck and head.

With age, blood vessels become more fragile, and lying flat on your back may create slight compression that slows blood flow. This can increase the risk of poor oxygenation, small clots, or even cardiac discomfort.

You don’t need to completely avoid sleeping on your back, but reducing the time spent in this position can be a wise preventive measure.

The Ideal Position for Better Sleep and Health

Sleep specialists generally agree that the best sleeping posture is on your side — ideally, your left side. This position promotes better circulation, supports heart and digestive function, and can even reduce snoring.