This Is The Best Sleep Position For Deep, Uninterrupted Rest

As Bhopal tells mbg, this is going to be different for everyone. What really matters is finding a position that's most comfortable for you that allows the spine to be aligned and supported, she says.

And according to Breus, this comes down to sleep posture more than your actual sleeping position. When lying down, your spine should follow its natural curves at the neck, the middle back, and the low back, he explains. "For these curves to fall naturally during sleep, the whole body must be supported," he adds.

For one thing, good sleep posture allows the body to fully relax and be supported, which can mitigate stiffness upon waking up. As Breus notes, poor sleep posture can worsen any existing discomfort you deal with in your hips, back, shoulders, neck, etc., and create new issues like stiffness, especially at the joints.

"A strong sleep posture allows these natural curves to be maintained throughout the night, no crunching at your neck, no sagging of your lower back, no torquing of your middle back," he adds.

While there may be no universally "best" sleeping position, there is universally good sleep posture, and it all comes down to keeping your spine in alignment. If you're frequently waking up stiff, your sleep posture could have something to do with it, so try adjusting your position and posture when you sleep to keep that spine straight—and make sure your pillow and mattress are supportive enough to help out.