Do You Sleep on Your Side? Everything You Need to Know

Everyone has a particular sleeping position they end up in every night, whether for a nap or a usual nightly slumber.

According to various surveys, the maximum number of sleepers prefer to sleep on their side, either left or right. Do you know that despite the varied percentage, it is the desired sleeping position across the globe compared to other sleeping positions that are back sleeping and stomach sleeping?

However, many still remain unaware of side sleeping, its impacts on health, and its relevance to a person’s character. Thus, we set out to produce a guide that encompasses everything you need to know about sleeping on your side.

Types of side sleepers

Have you ever thought that your sleeping position might reveal the inner emotional up-down that you often try to keep hidden?

According to a study, just like our body language, our sleeping position also reveals the inner personality traits we often don’t understand. Also, those same studies reveal that there are various side sleeping positions, each having a different meaning.

So, let’s explore the common side of sleeping types and what it says about a sleeper.

1. Fetal Position

A classic sleeping position where you curl up like a baby with knees held tightly to your chest. It’s the most common sleeping position, with more than 41% of people using it every night.

A person who sleeps in a fetal position is considered sensitive at heart despite looking tougher on the outer side.

2. Log Position

Not so common or the least famous sleeping position where you sleep on your side with arms close to your body and stretched down. Around 6% or fewer people sleep in this position.

A person who sleeps in the Log position is generally very popular with others and is a social butterfly with an easy-going nature.

3. Pillow Hugger

A sleeping position where side sleepers take a pillow or pillows for cuddling. Many people tend to sleep with a pillow at night on a regular basis.

A pillow hugger is famous for dedicated behaviour towards their relationships with others. They have lovely personalities, and other people respect them for it.

4. Yearning position

In this position, you sleep on your side with outstretched arms in front. Around 13 to 15 % of people sleep in a yearning position. Yearner sleepers are said to be suspicious people towards others. Also, their sleeping position suggests that they are yearning for something that they don’t have. They struggle with decision-making in life but remain firm on it once they make it.

5. Thinker position

This position is a second version of the fetal position where you sleep with one knee pulled towards the chest and a hand under a chin as if thinking.

This type of sleeper is generally a moody person. Their happy mood will make your day, but if they get angry, they will turn everything upside down with their anger and frustration.

Benefits and drawbacks

The side sleeping position has its benefits and drawbacks like any other.

Benefits

Sleeping one-sided on your mattress or bed has many more benefits than you can consider. From reduced snoring issues to relief from back pain, side sleeping provides a good option for those on the verge of being a patient with sleeping disorders.

Our digestive system works whether standing, sitting or lying on a mattress for a night’s sleep. Side sleeping helps your digestive system function better and reduces gastronomical issues saving you from heart burns, bloating and constipation.

In recent years, scientists have discovered another benefit of the side sleeping position: improving the glymphatic system, which clears brain toxins and transports substances such as lipids, amino acids, glucose, and neurotransmitters.

Drawbacks

Sleeping on the side has its benefits; however, some drawbacks can hinder your peaceful time whether you purchase a mattress online or from a famous shop.

Continuous sleeping on the side can erect shoulder pain along with pain in other body parts.

Also, sleeping on the side can create a ruffle between your face skin and pillow cover, which ultimately causes you to have acne, face wrinkles, and fine lines.

Which side is better, right or left?

According to research, either side is beneficial when it comes to side sleeping position. However, sleeping on the left side turns out to be a more famous choice amongst doctors and experts.

But it is suggested to change sides often to avoid straining one side of your body.

For whom is it good?

The side sleeping position is the most advantageous for almost everyone. The doctors recommend pregnant women sleep on their side to improve blood flow to their uterus and fetus.

However, when it comes to heart patients, whether sleeping on the side is beneficial or not is still a topic of debate.

Doctors and experts also recommend side sleeping during pregnancy to improve blood circulation in women and fetuses; as well as, for heart conditions, doctors suggest sleeping on the left side to improve blood flow.

Tips for side sleepers for better sleeping

With its pros and cons, side sleeping is a top contender amongst other sleeping positions. Therefore, we have come up with a few tips and tricks to get better sleep on the side with little loss and maximum profits.

• Use a medium-firm mattress that provides enough support to your body and reduces pressure from the shoulder and hips.
• Use a firm pillow to hold your head steady and between two shoulders.
• Use a pillow between your knees to prevent the wrong alignment of your legs and sore hips.
• Also, using multiple pillows is beneficial when it comes to side sleepers.
• If you are expecting, have heart disease, or suffer from a sleep condition like sleep apnea, sleep on the left side.

Conclusion:

Sleeping on your side or not is a personal choice; sometimes, it happens subconsciously. However, in both cases, make sure you buy a mattress online that will give you proper support and cuddle your body curvatures to avoid any destructive impacts.