**Sleeping on your side or your back are considered to be healthier for spinal alignment and overall body relaxation, but stomach sleeping can be okay if it's the position that gets you the best night's sleep.** - Sleeping on your side has benefits for spinal alignment, sleep apnea, overall muscle relaxation, and is always recommended for pregnant women, particularly on the left side, since sleeping on the left prevents pressure on the liver and ["facilitates healthy blood flow to the fetus, uterus, kidneys, and heart."](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeping-positions) It is estimated that [more than 60% of people](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeping-positions) sleep on their sides, with the figure increasing as we advance through adulthood due possibly to decreased flexibility of the spine. - Sleeping on your back has similar benefits for spinal alignment, and is even better for neck pain than side sleeping. It is [not good](https://www.sleep.org/best-sleep-position/) for sleep apnea, however, as it can allow the airway to collapse more easily. People who suffer from acid reflux or similar issues may wish to avoid sleeping on their back as well, as it can exacerbate these conditions. - Stomach sleeping has the [worst reputation](https://www.healthline.com/health/is-it-bad-to-sleep-on-your-stomach#tips), as it causes spinal misalignment and puts pressure on the back and spine. However, it can aid in snoring/sleep apnea problems (and is probably the best position for those who suffer these). Since the body has to work more against gravity to breathe in this position, it may theoretically cause a less "restful sleep", which is why it makes some sense that it is estimated that overall we [only spend 10%](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeping-positions) of our time asleep on our stomachs. - Personally, I'm a longtime stomach sleeper. I'm not able to fall asleep in any other position; I can't get comfortable without the feeling of fully sinking into the bed. I've never seen myself at night, so I don't know how long I stay on my stomach for, but I do know I almost always wake up on my back--- which makes sense with the hypothesis that the stomach is not the most restful position, if my body moves to "correct" it at some point during the night. - If stomach sleeping is the only way you can sleep, then it's what's best for you. Putting a pillow under your body (your pelvis, specifically) and refraining from using one for your head can [promote proper spinal alignment](https://www.healthline.com/health/is-it-bad-to-sleep-on-your-stomach#tips) for this position, anyway.