If it's too high, your neck may tilt upward.

Either situation can contribute to morning stiffness or neck pain.

A good side-sleeping pillow should generally fill the space between your head and mattress while keeping your neck relatively neutral.

The ideal height depends on your body shape, shoulder width, mattress firmness, and personal preference.

9. Put a Pillow Between Your Knees

If you're a side sleeper, one simple adjustment can make a noticeable difference.

Place a pillow between your knees or lower legs.

This can help keep the hips and pelvis in a more neutral position rather than allowing the upper leg to rotate forward.

For some people, this reduces strain on the hips, knees, and lower back.

A full-length body pillow can provide similar support and may be particularly comfortable during pregnancy.

10. Your Mattress Can Change How Side Sleeping Feels

A sleeping position doesn't exist in isolation.

Your mattress determines how much your shoulders and hips sink into the surface.

If the mattress is extremely firm, side sleepers may experience pressure around the shoulders and hips.

If it's extremely soft, the body may sink too deeply, potentially making it harder to maintain a comfortable spinal position.

There's no single mattress firmness that's perfect for everyone.

The goal is to find a surface that supports your body while allowing your shoulders and hips to settle comfortably.

11. Left-Side Sleeping Isn't Automatically Better for Your Back

If you have back pain, you may have been told that side sleeping is the answer.

It can help some people, but there isn't one universally correct position.

Some people feel better sleeping on their side with a pillow between their knees.

Others prefer sleeping on their back with a pillow underneath their knees.

Still others find that a combination of positions works best.

The important thing is maintaining a comfortable, relatively neutral alignment and avoiding positions that consistently aggravate your symptoms.

Persistent or severe back pain should be evaluated rather than managed solely by changing sleep position.

12. Your Shoulder May Tell You Which Side to Choose

One potential disadvantage of side sleeping is increased pressure on the shoulder.

If you have shoulder pain, arthritis, bursitis, or another shoulder problem, lying directly on that side may make symptoms worse.

In that case, sleeping on the opposite side or using additional pillows for support may be more comfortable.

You don't need to sleep on the left side simply because someone says it's healthier.

Your body provides useful feedback.

If your left shoulder hurts every morning, forcing yourself to remain on your left side all night probably isn't the solution.