When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, lots of us have a favoured position. But just because a pose feels comfortable doesn’t guarantee it’s doing us any good. A physiotherapist has warned there are common sleep positions that could put ‘unnecessary strain’ on your spine. Thankfully, there are also simple tweaks you can use to improve your sleep.

Sammy Margo, Sleep Expert at Dreams told the Mirror: “When it comes to sleep, we generally adopt one of four main positions: on the right side, left side, back, or front. While some people prefer sticking to a single position through the night, others may change positions frequently.

“Regardless of your go-to position, I recommend maintaining a ‘midline position.’ This means keeping your head and neck in line with your spine to avoid unnecessary strain and ensure balanced support.”

The expert continued: “For those who sleep on their stomach, common postures involve either lying with arms by the sides or wrapped around the pillow. Some even tuck their hands around the pillow while turning their head to one side. As a physio, I tend to avoid encouraging this position, as it often twists the neck too much to one side, increasing the risk of asymmetrical stress.”

Those who regularly sleep on their back should also be mindful of their position, she added. “Back sleeping also has variations, with arms either down by the sides or up near the pillow. However, if you’re a back sleeper, try to avoid extending your legs too straight, as this can arch the back, potentially straining the lower spine too much.”

If you experience back pain, you might benefit from a memory foam mattress, according to Sammy. “Memory foam contours to the body, offering targeted pressure relief and reducing stress on sensitive areas,” she explained. “By cradling the body in alignment, memory foam helps reduce pain and discomfort, making it a great option for a restful night.”