Which sleep position is best for you?

Sleep is a vital bodily function that does more than just shift the cobwebs and re-energise us. Sleep helps us heal, fight infections, and process the happenings of daily life. We all sleep in different ways, and everybody has their own sleeping position, but does your sleep position even matter?

When you consider that we spend around one third of our lives asleep, the answer is ‘yes’. The position you sleep in can either help or hinder your health, and some say it is even linked to your personality. Check out our run down of sleep positions to see if you need to change up how you drift off, and try our quiz to see if your personality matches your sleep position.

The Log

The old saying “I slept like a log” may be truer for some than for others. In the log position, you lie on your side, with arms and legs straight alongside the body. The log is excellent for keeping the spine in alignment through the back and neck, so a great way to try and drift off for those with back ache. To make the most of the benefits from this position, a good quality supportive mattress and pillow will really help you reach the land of nod.

The Soldier

One way to improve your sleep regime might just be to get a little more regimental. Try falling asleep in the soldier position, flat on your back, arms by your side, and legs out straight. This can be a great position for people who suffer with indigestion whilst they sleep, as well as people with back problems. Beware, however, this position can increase the chances of snoring, so make sure you’ve given your partner ear plugs before trying this out. 

The Starfish

The starfish is one of the less common sleep positions, with only 5% of people sleeping on their backs with their arms pointed up. Like with the soldier, sleeping in the starfish can be great for back issues, and another benefit to lying face up is it can help prevent wrinkles from forming. However, unlike a real starfish, snoring can be a problem in this position.

The Freefaller

Jumping out of a plane might not sound restful, but sleeping in the freefaller position can be a great way to feel refreshed. In this position, you sleep on your stomach, head turned to one side, with arms wrapped around the pillow. If your snoring is keeping your better half up at night, then you might want to try falling asleep in this position to open up the airways and breathe a bit more peacefully. If you’ve got lower back issues, however, then you’ll want to avoid the freefall, as it can put extra strain on the area.  

The Yearner

In the yearner, you sleep on your side but with one or both arms stretched out in front of you like you’re reaching out for something. This position can be great for keeping your spine aligned, so a good choice if you have back issues. If indigestion is keeping you up at night, it is a good idea to try and sleep on your left-hand side. Sleeping on your right-hand side can actually cause indigestion, so it’s always wise to try and drift off on your left, particularly after a big meal.

The Foetus

Sleeping like a baby doesn’t have to mean waking up in floods of tears every 2 hours. The foetal position is the most common sleeping position, with around 40% of people adopting this for their nightly slumber. In this position, you sleep on your side with your legs brought up like a foetus. There are a lot of benefits to curling up like a baby to sleep. It can stop snoring, alleviate lower back pain, and is a particularly good position for pregnant people. Try popping a pillow between your knees for an extra comfy night’s sleep, and make sure you have a good quality mattress to provide all the support you need.  

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