Best Sleeping Position for Breathing Problems | Sleep Foundation (2024)

Side Sleeping

Though side sleeping is helpful for some respiratory issues, the best sleeping position for breathing problems depends on the cause of a person’s symptoms. For example, side sleeping may help to reduce snoring and back pain and is usually the most comfortable sleep position during pregnancy.

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may also benefit the most from sleeping on their sides, as this position has been shown to reduce the number of breathing problems Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source they experience. Some research suggests that sleeping on the right side may be the most effective at decreasing breathing problems related to OSA.

However, side sleeping can result in shoulder or neck pain for some sleepers. Using a pillow and mattress designed for side sleeping could offer the right amount of support and align the spine Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source . Additionally, sleeping with a pillow between the legs may reduce back pain in people new to side sleeping.

Stomach Sleeping

Research exploring how stomach sleeping affects breathing has mixed results. Some studies suggest that sleeping on the stomach could reduce breathing pauses and increase oxygen Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source in people with obstructive sleep apnea. However, other evidence shows that switching from the side to the stomach Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source can make breathing more difficult for some people with OSA.

Stomach sleepers should consider looking for a mattress and pillow made for this sleep position. Mattresses should provide a mix of comfort and support, while pillows should support the head and cheeks while offering an open space for nose and mouth breathing.

Back Sleeping

Back sleeping has the most negative effects on breathing for people with obstructive sleep apnea. People with OSA may experience more breathing pauses during the night if they sleep on their backs. Snoring and gastrointestinal reflux can also increase Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source with back sleeping, as can breathing problems related to COPD.

People who prefer to sleep on their backs may find it helpful to keep their heads elevated with a supportive pillow, which may improve issues like snoring, acid reflux, and breathing difficulties from COPD Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source . Placing a pillow under the knees may also relieve pressure on the spine.

What Causes Difficulty Breathing When Lying Down

Some sleep-related breathing disorders and other health conditions can make it more difficult to breathe when lying down or sleeping.

• Obstructive sleep apnea: People with obstructive sleep apnea experience breathing pauses during sleep and may wake up gasping for air.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the lungs and airways, making it difficult to breathe. People with COPD may frequently cough, wheeze, or feel short of breath, which can make sleeping difficult.
• Anxiety: Anxiety can cause shortness of breath during moments of panic or worry. People with anxiety disorders can experience persistent symptoms at any time, including at bedtime.
• Problems with sinuses or nasal passages: Congestion caused by allergies, rhinitis, or other conditions affecting the nasal passages can make breathing difficult, especially when lying down.
• Heart failure: Heart failure can cause shortness of breath that gets worse as the condition progresses. Breathing difficulties may increase when lying flat on the back.

A wide variety of other conditions can affect the respiratory system and interfere with breathing, when lying down or sleeping. For instance, people with diaphragm weakness may feel short of breath lying on their backs.

How to Help Shortness of Breath

Strategies to reduce shortness of breath depend on the cause of this symptom. Before trying to improve breathing at home, it’s important to work with a doctor to understand the cause of shortness of breath Trusted Source Medline PlusMedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends.View Source and whether it requires additional treatments.

For breathing difficulties related to anxiety, consider trying breathing exercises, like pursed lips breathing before bed. These exercises can help you relax for bedtime and may become more effective with regular practice.

In people with COPD who experience shortness of breath, doctors may recommend strategies to strengthen the muscles of the lungs Trusted Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)The NHLBI is the nation's leader in the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders.View Source , including exercise regimens and breathing techniques. Doctors may suggest yogic breathing techniques, breathing with feedback from a computer, and breathing styles that help clear the lungs of mucus.

When To Talk to Your Doctor About Breathing Problems

While mild shortness of breath is expected after strenuous activities, it’s important to contact a medical professional if breathing problems are new, unexpected, severe, or get worse over time.

It can also be helpful to consult your doctor if your breathing problems during sleep lead to insomnia symptoms, like frequent night wakings or daytime sleepiness. Your doctor may suggest further testing or a sleep study to determine what might be causing your breathing problems.

References

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