Dr. Bhar explains that general sleep hygiene habits (like avoiding caffeine too late in the day, minimizing alcohol, and having a screen-free wind-down routine) matter more than what you’re sleeping on. He adds that sleep position matters a great deal too. As sleep doctors explain here, sleep position also impacts how well you’ll sleep and how you’ll feel when you wake up.

Dr. Bhar says that breathing issues during sleep are much more common than people think, especially for men. In the US, 25% to 30% of men have obstructive sleep apnea. That’s more than one in four. All three doctors explain that when you’re on your back, gravity pulls the tongue backward into the throat. This partially blocks the airway. But when you’re on your side, the airway is kept open, making it easier to breathe.