Optimal sleep posture for individuals who favor sleeping on their side involves strategic pillow placement to maintain spinal alignment. This typically requires a pillow supporting the head and neck, ensuring the spine remains relatively straight. For example, the height of the head pillow should fill the space between the ear and the outside shoulder.
Proper pillow arrangement can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce the incidence of neck and back pain. Maintaining correct spinal alignment minimizes stress on joints and muscles throughout the night. Historically, various cultures have recognized the importance of supportive sleep surfaces, developing different methods and materials to achieve comfortable and healthy sleep positions.