Getting a good night’s sleep is a goal for many of us. Whether you run a white noise machine, diffuse oils, wear an eye mask, or simply climb into bed, we all have our rituals. But sometimes our sleep isn’t good despite our best efforts. Whether outside distractions or our own internal issues cause disruptions, it can make for a long night - and an even longer day. But did you know there are best practices for getting more rest at night? It seems that your sleep position plays a big role in getting the rest your body deserves. Here are a few ways that how you sleep can influence how well you sleep.Back SleepingBack sleeping is said to be the best position for those with back issues, and for a healthy back. That’s because it helps to keep your spine aligned as you sleep. Unfortunately, however, sleeping on your back isn’t always the best sleep position for conditions like sleep apnea, so if you do have sleep apnea, consider shifting positions when it’s time to head to bed.Side SleepingSide sleeping is probably the most common way to sleep, with a reported 60 percent of all people sleeping on their side. Side sleep can be beneficial to those with acid reflux or heartburn, and can also be helpful to those with sleep apnea. Unfortunately, side sleeping has also been found to cause shoulder pain and facial wrinkles, so experts recommend you change sides frequently to lower your risk of developing these side effects.Stomach SleepingStomach sleeping is another sleep position that is good for snorers or those with sleep apnea, but unfortunately, it’s not great for your back or spine. That’s because it puts pressure on your back, and can twist the spine because your head turns to one side as you sleep. For this reason, medical professionals suggest sleeping with a pillow under your abdomen if you are a stomach sleeper. This can alleviate some of the inherent spinal pressure.No matter what side you sleep on, if you have sleep apnea, it’s important to be evaluated and treated. Oral sleep apnea appliances can be custom crafted by Dr. Peterson and can help you breathe easily as you sleep. To learn more about these devices, give Dr. Peterson’s office a call and schedule your consultation today.