How you sleep best in your bed and how that affects your health, wealth, intelligence and happiness is a guaranteed sleep-related media headline – and over the past year there have been dozens of studies to show the benefits or pitfalls associated with whether you lie on your front, back or side.
So here’s our roundup of the best:
- Sleeping on your side is better for your brain: Researchers at Stony Brook University in the US say your brain produces waste materials which are best removed during sleep when you’re lying on your side. They reckon that’s why most wild animals sleep on their side too and think it might be a good way to prevent on the onset of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other Neurological diseases.
- Sleeping face-down is good for digestion: A survey of 1000 people by the UK’s Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service looked at not only the health benefits, but also some of the personality traits linked to how we sleep -the face-down “freefall” position with arms raised and head to one side showed an extrovert, brash personality.
- Curled up on your left side: Although the “fetus” position of being curled up is the most common sleeping position it can put stress on your liver, stomach and lungs if you sleep on your left. Best move on to your right side to be healthier.
- Sleeping straight out on your side with your arms by your side: This is apparently good for your back because it keeps your spine straight.
- Lying on your side with your arms out means you’re open to new things but cynical: Another one from the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service although they add that lying on your side in this way can also help soothe issues around acid reflux and sleep apnea.
- Sleeping on your back makes you snore more: This isn’t just bad for your own sleep patterns, but can lead to bad nights’ sleep for your partner too.
- Sleeping on your back leads to fewer wrinkles: Plastic surgeon Dr Goesel Anson, writing in Harper’s Bazaar says that sleep wrinkles can become long-term wrinkles if you sleep on your side all the time but this can be avoided (and you can achieve “clearer, firmer skin”) by sleeping on your back.
- How you sleep can reduce back pain: Living with chronic back pain can leave you tired and restless because you can’t find a comfortable way to sleep. The Mayo Clinic says you can place a pillow under your knees to maintain the curve of your lower back if you’re a back-sleeper; put a pillow between your knees if you’re a side-sleeper; or sleep without a pillow or with one under your pelvis if you’re a front-sleeper.
- Sleeping on your left is best while pregnant: This is because it’s best for blood flow.
- Your mood changes depending on which side of the bed you sleep: This research came from bed manufacturers Sealy who questioned 1000 people to determine that those who slept on the left were 4% more likely to wake up in a good mood, 8% more likely to have friends and enjoy their work and 9.5% more likely to have a sunny outlook on life.
At Bedpost, we understand everyone has their own individual method for sleeping well – that’s why we advise you to come in and sleep test our beds and pillows to make sure we get the right fit for you – whether you’re a front, side or back-sleeper. For more information on your nearest Bedpost store or to discuss the right mattress, pillow and base combination for your personal requirements contact us on 0800 233 767 or Live Chat or email us via the website.
