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Healthy Sleep

6 min read

sleeping positions: what is the best sleeping position for you?

written by Liz Tabron

updated 07.12.2023

Man sleeping on his side in bed

There are a lot of people sleeping in bad positions without realising the impact this has on their body. To find the best sleeping position for you, consider physical factors like your height and weight. Do you have any breathing difficulties or body pains, like a sore lower back and stiff neck? This could be caused by a long-term health condition or something temporary like a cold or the flu.

You also have to think about how your sleep environment affects your position, including the firmness of your mattress and height of pillow. Considering these elements will help you find the healthiest way to fall into a deep and restful sleep.

what is the best position to sleep for posture?

Ideally, your sleep position should keep your spine and hips in alignment. This reduces any strain on your back and neck. Depending on your position preference – side, stomach, back or a mixture of the three – you need to choose the right mattress to support your spine.

Side sleepers benefit from a soft to medium mattress, with just enough give to let your hip sink into the bed. Our Just Dream Premium Hybrid Mattress uses zoned springs to provide enhanced spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers require a firmer mattress like the Just Snug Memory Hybrid which has a firmness rating of medium firm. A hybrid mattress made from foam or latex keeps the body in alignment and prevents your spine from curving during the night.

Back sleepers need a medium to firm mattress to keep your spine aligned and muscles relaxed while you sleep. Choose the firmer Natural Pocket mattress that offers you support where you need it most.

what is the healthiest sleep position?

Sleeping on your back or side is more beneficial to you because these positions make it easier to keep your spine supported and balanced. However, the best position to sleep in depends on your personal needs. For someone with lower back or neck pain, you may want to sleep on your back with your weight evenly distributed. A medium firm Just Breathe mattress uses zoned springs to keep your spine in alignment.

If you have chronic lower back pain, consider a mattress which stores body heat to ease sore muscles. Mattresses made of latex and Geltex hold onto body heat, keeping you warm and snug. Geltex mattresses include a gel-infused layer to target your pressure points for relief in your sleep and are ideal for side sleepers, the best sleeping position for lower back pain.

If you have sleep apnea or another breathing disorder, side or stomach sleeping is more effective at keeping your airways open. This is also helpful if you are sleeping with a cough or cold. Side sleeping keeps your nose from feeling as blocked which makes it easier to breathe. If you can only sleep on your back, consider keeping your head elevated with an Eco Comfort Pillow. Your head should be raised at a 60° angle, high enough to clear your airways without straining your neck.

what direction should your head face when sleeping?

To create your perfect sleep environment, you can consider the teachings of vastu shastra and feng shui. Translated, vastu shastra means the “science of architecture”. It puts a lot of value in the layout of your bedroom. Vastu shastra encourages people to sleep with their head facing southward because the human head is meant to have a polar attraction. It explains that your head should face southward to attract the opposite pole while you sleep. Sleeping northward should be avoided as it can cause dizziness and headaches.

Alternatively, in the teachings of feng shui, the elements which go into creating a restful sleeping environment are rooted in the five interdependent elements instead of architecture. The bedroom should have objects representing the elements: wood, fire, water, metal, and earth. Every bed should have a headboard which symbolises strength and stability. Your bed should also be placed opposite the doorway and against the wall, but not underneath any windows. Like vastu shastra, feng shui suggests sleeping with your head pointed southward. This can promote the flow of positive energy.

what are bad sleeping positions?

If you have ever slept in a bad sleeping position, you know it can reduce the quality of your sleep. Poor body alignment can cause headaches, fatigue, lower back pain and neck pain. Avoid bad sleeping positions like laying on your arm or sleeping upright.

Most of us change sleeping position between 30 and 60 times a night. For a restless sleeper, this number can be much higher. If you are a restless sleeper and know you might end up in an uncomfortable position during the night, it’s important you invest in the right mattress. The Lift Rejuvenate Hybrid uses mini springs to adapt to any tossing and turning, all while keeping your spine in alignment so you stay comfortable all night.

Choose the right sleeping position by listening to your body and what it needs. Find the perfect mattress to support your muscles and keep your spine in alignment, ensuring you wake up each and every morning feeling refreshed.

Alternatively, invest in a mattress topper to improve your sleeping position. Read our advice on how to pick the best mattress topper here.

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