Sleeping on their side is a popular sleeping position among many, offering relief for snoring, backache and heartburn – it is even recommended during pregnancy!
According to research conducted by Sealy, those who sleep soundly on their side tend to be laid-back and social; yet suspicious of others.
Log sleepers
Sleeping on your side (also referred to as lateral sleeping) is an ideal way to promote spine health, helping with digestion, snoring reduction and heartburn prevention, supporting your natural curve and relieving shoulder and arm numbness and pain. Utilizing a pillow as support will ease this discomfort while increasing its comfort level in this position.
The shooting star sleep position is one of the less commonly practiced positions and may reveal something about one’s personality type. People in this sleep position tend to be loyal and supportive towards their friends, often acting as sounding boards for problems and providing emotional support during times of trouble. These individuals also love structure and take themselves very seriously – it is an ideal position if you suffer from neck or shoulder problems as it allows your spine to remain aligned and extended throughout the night.
Surveys that examine sleep positions and personalities don’t prove anything definitively, but research has revealed some correlations. One study discovered that stomach sleepers tend to be open-minded and trusting of others while becoming unsettled by criticism. Another found those preferring the fetal position were more introverted while people in log position preferred more outgoing and assertive personalities.
Reacher side sleepers
People who sleep on their sides typically curl into a fetal position or stretch out like they’re relaxing on a beach. Sleep researcher Idzikowski notes that those who prefer starfish sleeping posture, lying back with arms raised near pillow and legs outstretched, typically value friendship and are good listeners; this type of side sleeper accounts for 74% of the population.
Sleeping on one’s side may be beneficial to health; however, an insufficient mattress or pillow may lead to hip and shoulder discomfort. Furthermore, side sleepers have an increased tendency of pushing one shoulder closer towards their neck which may misalign their spines and lead to misalignments.
Side sleepers looking to improve their rest should choose a pillow that supports the natural curve of their spine and maintains it in an neutral position. A body pillow, which provides more support than regular pillows, may help as it keeps heads from rolling over to one side while providing additional spinal assistance.
An additional way for side sleepers to improve their quality of sleep is elevating their head with a foam or feather pillow. A thicker pillow may prevent prayer position – in which both hands come together under your head as though praying – which may lead to neck pain. You can find these products locally at mattress or home goods stores as well as online.
Fetal sleepers
Fetal sleepers resemble babies sleeping in their mother’s womb by curled into a ball-like position and imitating its shape while resting. Fetal sleepers can initially be shy around new people but tend to open up fairly quickly; they are emotionally sensitive and may overthink. Fetal sleepers are an excellent choice for those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea as their natural side-sleeping position reduces snoring while decreasing tongue blockage which restricts breathing.
Fetal sleeping positions are ideal for pregnant women as they increase circulation and prevent their uterus from pressing against the liver, while at the same time being uncomfortable due to placing pressure on scapulae and hips. The good news is that by limiting how long fetal sleepers spend in this position they can decrease strain on joints.
If you prefer a fetal position when sleeping, consider placing a body pillow between your legs for added support and to reduce pressure on hips and lower back. A wedge or ergonomic pillow may be more suitable to relieve neck and head pressure; both should avoid sleeping with arms stretched out as these positions increase risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, ensure your mattress supports spine curvature as well as comfortable pillows to support neck curves.
Pillow huggers
Pillow huggers are an affectionate type of side sleeper who embrace their pillows with such affection that stuffed animals would envy them. They like to hold tight to them tightly and snuggle close for maximum spinal alignment and pain reduction when dealing with snoring or sleep apnea symptoms. Furthermore, pillow huggers tend to be friendly individuals who prioritize personal relationships over anything else.
Trusting natures often make them vulnerable to smooth-talkers or cheaters, yet they remain adept listeners who will lend an ear when needed. They provide great emotional support.
This sleeping position resembles that of the foetus: your legs curl in toward your chest as if tucked into a tight ball. If this describes you, chances are high that you are an emotional yearner prone to be easily carried away by either positive or negative emotions; although open-minded in general and deliberate when making decisions (though possibly stubborn about upholding beliefs!). If this describes your sleep pattern it would likely suggest that you are an aggressive yearner!
