Doctor shares best positions to sleep in to avoid hurting your back

Getting a good night's sleep can be the difference between having a great day or a really bad one.

But many of us struggle to find the right position. Should you lie on your front, your back, or your side? Well, one expert has revealed the answer:

We all have our own ways of getting a decent night's kip; we might put some soothing music on or a podcast, or maybe whack the old diffuser on to help us drift off.

But once you're in bed, the position you get your body into can have a massive impact too.

There are generally three set ways people tend to sleep: either on their front, their back, or their side.

Each has its own benefits and draw backs, but which one is the best?

Barefoot Rehab Clinic in New Jersey specialises in sports injuries and chronic pain issues, so they know a little thing about the importance of good posture.

In a post to its TikTok account, one of its specialists has revealed what position is the best to avoid injuring or straining your back.

@barefootrehab/TikTok

In the video, Dr Joe can be seen listing the three ways most of us tend to lie on a bed, testing them out on his table.

And according to the good doctor, sleeping on your back is the way to go.

After demonstrating the various methods, with the final one being on his front - otherwise known as the 'free faller' pose - Dr Joe explains that it adds undue pressure on a person's neck.

"We don't walk around with our head tilted to one side, so imagine sleeping like this for six to eight hours a night, how is your neck gonna feel?" he says.

I mean, the man makes a good point.

But if you're still undecided on whether or not Dr Joe knows what he's talking about, read on.

Perhaps you are one of those out there who insists that sleeping on your front is the only way to assure you get the required 40 winks - I'll admit, I'm one of you.

Andriy Popov/Alamy

Well, Sammy Margo is a sleep expert and physiotherapist, and has some news for you.

Speaking to the Sun, she claimed it was the worst position of them all as it puts unnecessary strain on your neck and added pressure on your back.

She said: "Probably the worst position anyone can sleep in, this could leave you with a lifetime of back and neck problems.

"Your lower back bends in towards the mattress, which means it becomes hyper-extended, squashing structures and reducing the space in the lower back area, which may cause aches and pains such as sciatica, knee pain and cramps."

So yeah, maybe it's time for a change.