Poor sleep posture can do more than just leave you groggy—it may strain your body in ways that add up over time. This under-recognized issue, known as suboptimal sleep positioning, refers to how your body’s alignment during sleep affects your muscles, joints, and even breathing. Seniors, especially those with arthritis, back pain, or breathing issues, are most at risk. If ignored, bad sleep posture might lead to chronic discomfort, reduced mobility, or even disrupted sleep quality, making you feel tired all day.

The consequences aren’t just about aches. Research suggests poor sleep posture can worsen conditions like sleep apnea—a condition where breathing stops briefly during sleep—or increase strain on your spine. For older adults, this can mean more fatigue, higher fall risks, or even heart strain over time. But what’s the most problematic position, and how can you fix it? Let’s count down three key insights, with a surprising reveal at the end that could change how you sleep.