Many people don’t give a second thought to how they sleep. You get into bed and make yourself cosy, then drift off into dreamland. But your sleep position actually says a lot about your health and personality beyond basic comfort. You can learn about yourself and others when you pay attention to how they sleep.
Every person has their own favourite sleep position. You might think the “best” position is simply a matter of personal preference. However, doctors agree that the best sleep position is one that promotes healthy spine alignment and support from your hips to your head. Without good spinal support, you risk waking up achy and causing strain to your spinal joints.
What alignment looks like for you depends on your personal health and what you find to be comfortable. It’s what we lovingly call “body language in bed” because your sleep position says a lot about you!
Let’s go “undercover” and reveal the most common sleeping positions and what they can tell you about your health, your personality, and even your relationship!
Lying flat on your back to sleep might give your spine and neck the support it needs. It can help alleviate neck and back pain. Plus, it may offer skin benefits since your face never touches the pillow or mattress. This is a common position for younger adults and often leads to feelings of refreshment in the morning.
However, it’s also a position that’s highly prone to snoring. Lying on your back narrows your throat, which can make it a little harder to breathe.
If you’re a solo sleeper, back sleeping-and-snoring might not be an issue. But if you have a partner, it could mean that you wake feeling refreshed while your partner struggles to get a good night’s rest.
The most popular sleeping position is side sleeping, chosen by more than 55% of Australians. Sleeping on your side is ideal for pregnant women, those with low back pain, and those who snore or have acid reflux. It relieves pressure on your spine by promoting healthy spinal alignment.
In terms of relationships, side sleeping can have a number of implications, depending on how you side sleep. For instance, curling into the foetal position can be a sign of loneliness and longing. If your partner also sleeps on their side and you face each other, it could be a sign of affection. Sleeping in opposite directions but still touching each other is a sign you each value space—but not from each other. “Spooning” with your partner can indicate a high level of trust and feelings of protection.
Sleeping with a pillow between your legs can promote better spinal alignment. Changing positions and ensuring you have a soft mattress with some “give” can keep you cradled all night long while giving the lower shoulder some relief.
Stomach sleeping is often considered the worst sleeping position due to the increased pressure it puts on the neck and back. Because more weight is held in the centre of the body, it’s hard to maintain a neutral spine position.
However, a few Australians swear by this position as being the most comfortable. Personality-wise, stomach sleepers tend to be talkative, friendly, and outspoken. They’re often honest but also prefer to avoid confrontation.
Stomach sleepers should choose a firmer mattress to maintain better spinal alignment.
If you’re a solo sleeper, finding your ideal sleep position likely comes naturally. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll need to consider your own sleeping position as well as that of your partner’s to ensure both of you enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
You might wonder how to go about this. For example, do you like your foot hanging out of the bed to stay cool while your partner snuggles deep inside their cocoon?
Bedsmade is perfect for couples that prefer different sleeping styles. Tuck in or untuck the side of our luxury sheets and still enjoy that high-end hotel look and feel. Our sheets’ innovative design is tailored to your mattress depth to keep them in place all night and reduce creases in the morning after sleep.
Buy bedsmade—we are experts in the linen industry with our groundbreaking innovative design for bedsheets that almost make themselves.