Sleeping should allow your body to relax in a comfortable position. Some people sleep on their sides, while others prefer their backs or stomachs. You may also toss and turn throughout the night or remain in one position.

However, some sleeping positions may offer more health benefits than others. People who sleep on their backs may be more likely to snore. This position may also worsen breathing problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). How you sleep can directly affect your breathing, physical health, and overall well-being.

If changing your sleep position does not improve your snoring or nighttime breathing, our sleep dentists serve patients throughout the Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area.

Does Back Sleeping Cause Sleep Apnea?

Several studies have proven that back-sleepers are more likely to snore at night. When sleeping on your back, gravity causes the tongue to fall back which usually causes a small amount of airway obstruction. The vibrations caused by the obstruction are what makes one snore. Those who are back-sleepers and are overweight face even more problems as not only can gravity cause minor obstruction to occur but excess fat deposits within the neck and throat area can put added pressure on the airway, thereby causing or further complicating an obstruction. The obstruction can cause one to suffer from sleep apnea and those who have the condition are more prone to cessations in breathing when sleeping on their back.

Watch for sleep apnea symptoms such as:

  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Waking up unrested
  • Morning headaches
  • Loss of drive
  • Depression and other mood disorders

If you’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea but feel uncertain about your treatment plan, seeking a second opinion for sleep apnea treatment can help ensure you receive the most effective care. Many patients find that alternative solutions—such as oral appliance therapy—provide a more comfortable and convenient option than CPAP.

Can Side Sleeping Cure Sleep Apnea?

Sleeping on your back does not cause sleep apnea, and not everyone who snores has the condition. Several factors can affect your risk, including the size and position of your tongue, the shape of your soft palate, and the anatomy of your airway.

If you snore, try sleeping on your side. You may need a different pillow to remain comfortable in this position. Anti-snoring pillows are another option, although their effectiveness has not been clinically proven. We recommend trying one only after testing confirms that you have simple snoring rather than sleep apnea.

If side-sleeping resolves your snoring, continue sleeping in that position if it helps. However, if your snoring persists, schedule a consultation with a sleep doctor or sleep dentist. If you also experience symptoms such as daytime sleepiness or waking up unrested, you should be tested for sleep apnea.

A sleep study can determine if you are suffering from sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. If you are diagnosed, our sleep dentists provide oral appliance therapy for patients throughout the Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area. Call (402) 493-4175 today to schedule your consultation.