In general, every person has a preferred sleeping position in which they feel most comfortable. However, certain sleep positions are best avoided by people who have breathing issues, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Therefore, if you have been experiencing trouble breathing during sleep, continue reading below to learn which is the best sleeping position for you.

Sleeping Positions for Breathing Issues

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is considered to be the most suitable sleeping position for those with respiratory issues. For instance, back pain and snoring can be significantly reduced if you sleep on your sides. Additionally, this sleeping position is also the most comfortable during pregnancy.

Furthermore, the side sleeping position can also help alleviate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms throughout the night, especially sleeping on the right side. Unfortunately, side sleeping can cause shoulder or neck pain which can be avoided by putting a pillow between the legs.

Stomach Sleeping

Next, research shows mixed results when it comes to sleeping on the stomach and breathing issues. Namely, some studies found that stomach sleeping may reduce OSA symptoms like breathing interruptions and drops in oxygen levels. On the other hand, other studies suggest that switching from side sleeping to stomach sleeping can worsen breathing issues for some OSA patients.

Back Sleeping

The third sleeping position, back sleeping, is linked to the most negative effects on breathing, especially for people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Indeed, they have more frequent breathing interruptions during the night when they sleep in this position.

Other issues like snoring and gastrointestinal reflux can also worsen if they sleep on their backs. Plus, COPD-related breathing issues can also increase. Luckily, you can reduce the risk of experiencing worsened symptoms by elevating your head with a supportive pillow.

Breathing Issues and Lying Down

The truth is, that certain sleep-related breathing disorders and other conditions can lead to breathing difficulties when lying down or sleeping. Here’s a brief list of them:

• Obstructive sleep apnea – OSA is characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep which wake up a person gasping for air.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – Since COPD affects the lungs and airways, it leads to frequent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, etc.
• Anxiety – Although it is not directly linked to the respiratory system, anxiety can result in shortness of breath during panic or worry.
• Sinuses or nasal passages issues – Persistent congestion due to allergies, rhinitis, or other health issues linked with the nasal passages leads to breathing issues when lying down.
• Heart failure – One of the symptoms of heart failure is shortness of breath that typically worsens over time and intensifies when lying down on the back.

How to Relieve Shortness of Breath

Finally, let’s see how you can relieve shortness of breath. In short, the treatment or strategy to relieve it mainly depends on the cause of shortness of breath. However, before even trying to solve your problem at home, it’s key that you consult your doctor and identify the reason why you are experiencing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

That said, if you are having breathing issues as a result of anxiety, you might want to try some breathing exercises before bedtime to help you alleviate anxiety and relax. Moreover, COPD patients may try exercises and breathing techniques for strengthening the lung muscles such as yogic breathing techniques, computer breathing exercises, etc.