Which side you actually sleep on has a different effect on your body

From apps to trackers, silk duvet sheets and pillow sprays, we'll try anything to get a decent night's sleep.

But did you know that the position you fall asleep in could be making heaps of difference?

To understand how we can better our sleep, expert and TED Talk speaker James Leinhardt has been sharing some useful tips on TikTok.

How many hours of sleep should I get?

Most people believe that when it comes to sleep, eight hours is the golden rule.

But how true is this?

Well, James says it's a 'common misconception'.

“There is a common misconception about the ‘magic eight hours of sleep’ and how this is the only way to get a good night’s rest, however as a nation this is not what we should be focusing on,” he explains.

“For most people, it is unrealistic - our study has proven that not even 1 in 5 people manage to achieve 8 hours. The main thing we should be focusing on is sleep quality not quantity.

“If you’re getting a good quality night sleep, it shouldn’t matter whether you are waking up at 6am or getting your full 8 hours every night.”

Is sleeping on your side best?

Everyone has that one sleeping position that they always default to.

Some like sleeping on their side, while others dose off flat on their front.

James says there are only two sleeping positions that he actually recommends.

“If you're lying on your back, your spine is immediately supported by the mattress and you've got the most even distribution of body weight," he says.

"If you then pop a pillow underneath your knees, you'll find that you slightly tilt your pelvis and more of your back is now touching the bed, so it's better supported. That's number one.

"Number two is lying on your side. We know that clinical evidence dictates that you out the least amount of tension on your spine in a sideline position. You want your ears, your shoulders, your hips, your knees and your ankles all stacked on top of each other."

Which side should I sleep on?

When it comes to choosing your left or right, sleeping on different sides has a varying effect on the body.

For example, The Sleep Foundation explains that the left side has benefits for those who are pregnant and those who experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Meanwhile, sleeping on the right may be more comfortable for those with heart issues.

A study revealed that when sleeping on the left side, the position of the heart moves due to the force of gravity.

This can lead to changes in the heart's electrical activity, that are not present when sleeping on the right.

James explains: "Because there's no clinical need, I can alternate between my left and my right.

"Those of you that suffer with high blood pressure, you'll be recommended to stay on your right side and those who suffer with acid reflux and particularly pregnant ladies, you'll be advised to lie on your left side."

However, for the rest of us, James advises that we alternate sides while sleeping.