SLEEP POSITION - WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE?

Your sleeping positions go beyond back, stomach or side and each position has a lot of information to offer about your personality. Are you a Sleeping Soldier or a Shooting Star? Find out what your sleeping position says about your personality.

We spend a third of our lives sleeping so our bodies can relax and reboot. One important aspect to getting the most out time spent sleeping is having a comfortable mattress, high-quality pillows, luxurious lifestyle bed frame and making the bedroom a sleeping haven, free from the endless distractions of the outside world.

What you may not know is that when it comes to catching those premium hours of rest, the position that you sleep in may be the reason for your recent lack of sleep. Whether you are on your side, on your back, or somewhere in between, sleeping positions vary as much as the sleeper.

Your sleeping position can even benefit your life beyond the bed.

BACK SLEEPER

37% of People

SIDE SLEEPER

26% of People

STOMACH SLEEPER

37% of People

What Your Sleep Position Says About Your Personality?

Believe it or not your sleep position can say a lot about your personality. It’s not surprising when you think about the fact that the average human spends a third of their life sleeping. While you might not be able to change your personality, what you can change is how you support your sleep position with the right pillow.

When it comes to sleep positions, the one you tend to favour at night says a lot more about you than you may realize. The way we choose to sleep at night is an intimate question of what we find comfortable and what is comforting to us. The way in which we snooze is something that we do while we are unconscious, making it an honest expression of our innermost selves.

For example, those who rest in the shooting star position tend to be trusting and good communicators. They are open to others and let their guard down easily. They are generally very amiable, likeable people. On the other hand, those who sleep in the baby position, tend to be a bit more reserved and cautious when it comes to new people. Their exterior is tough but it’s only to shelter their kind, sensitive, and cuddly interiors.

There are lots of articles out there claiming certain sleeping positions are better than others but truthfully, if you are suffering from lack of sleep, any position that you find comfortable and that helps you catch those much-needed zzz’s is better than not sleeping at all. We’ve researched some frequently asked questions about sleep positions in order to assist you even further on your quest to beautiful, restful, sleep.

The LOTUS Adjustable Pillow is a shredded memory foam pillow with a bamboo cover which has been designed to be supportive on any part of the body – whether it’s to cradle your neck if you are a side sleeper, or hold in your arms if you sleep curled up like a baby. Take our pillow quiz, to find your perfect pillow.

WHAT POSITION DO YOU SLEEP IN?

LOG ROLLER

THE SLEEPER RESTS ON THEIR SIDE, LEGS EXTENDED STRAIGHT AND ARMS IN PLACE.

Log sleep position, in which the sleeper rests on their side, legs extended straight and arms in place, is the second most popular position for any sleeper. Though the sleep position looks stiff, a sleeper with style like this is anything but rigid and cold. Log sleepers are typically social and easygoing people. They converse with all kinds of people, but can prefer running with an A-list crowd. They are also very trusting, which can sometimes make them seem a little more gullible to outsiders. The log roller is when you are on your side with your arms at your sides as well. This position keeps your neck and back in alignment, making it one of the best positions for back pain and neck pain. You can also add a pillow or blanket between your knees in this position to help ease any discomfort. An offshoot of the log position is the yearning dreamer position where you are on your side but both arms are outstretched. Like the log roller position, the yearning dreamer does well to support your back because it follows the natural curve of your spine, keeping it straight, mattress-supported, and elongated. There is a potential for some arm numbness, or neck and shoulder pain in this position, but don’t worry, it can easily be remedied by more pillows of course! Place a pillow under your arms, or if you’re feeling cuddly, hug a pillow while you sleep.

THE YEARNING DREAMER

THE SLEEPER SNOOZES ON THEIR SIDES, BUT THIS TIME THEIR ARMS ARE STRETCHED OUT IN FRONT OF THEM: THINK LIKE A MUMMY.

The yearning dreamer sleep position is related to the log. The sleeper snoozes on their sides, but this time their arms are stretched out in front of them: think like a mummy. Studies have shown that people who choose this position are typically inviting and open. Yet, they can be suspicious of new friends and acquaintances. The Yearning Dreamers are also as slow and deliberate when it comes to decision making, but once their minds are set, they are set on that path. Good and reliable friends.

SLEEPY SOLDIER

A PERSON THAT SLEEPS IN THE SLEEPY SOLDIER POSITION SLEEPS ON THEIR BACK, WITH THEIR ARMS STRAIGHT DOWN AT THEIR SIDE — LIKE THEY ARE STANDING AT ATTENTION.

Up and at ‘em, sargent! A person that sleeps in the sleepy soldier sleep position sleeps on their back, with their arms straight down at their side — like they are standing at attention. Sleepy Soldiers live up to their name. They are strong, silent, and focused people who don’t like a big fuss. They love structure and take themselves very seriously. This also means that they can have high expectations for themselves and others around them.
This is also a sleep position that can lead to snoring.

The sleepy soldier position (sleeping on your back) is one helps a good mattress do its job. It is one of the best positions out there because it allows your back and neck to be in their proper alignment, especially if you aren’t using many pillows.

It leaves the neck in a neutral position, decreases the chance for premature wrinkles (who doesn’t want that?), and allows your weight to be evenly distributed with no added pressure on the shoulders or spine. An added bonus for this position is that it can help with symptoms of acid reflux.

Snoring is more common the older you get, affecting more than half of all adults and there is a chance that sleeping on your back will increase snoring. This happens because our good pal, gravity, forces your tongue to the back of your throat when you are laying down on your back. This restricts your air ways, and may also be a poor sleeping position for those suffering from sleep apnea.

THE SHOOTING STAR

TRULY UNIQUE. THEY LIE ON THEIR BACKS WITH LEGS STRETCHED OUT, THEIR ARMS STRETCHED UP BEYOND THEIR HEAD, LOOKING LIKE A STARFISH ON LAND.

The shooting star sleep position is the least popular sleep style by numbers. Truly unique. They lie on their backs with legs stretched out, their arms stretched up beyond their head, looking like a starfish on land. People who sleep like this may have an unconventional style, but are very loyal friends and make relationships a great priority. They love to be supportive, acting as a sounding board for their friends’ problems, and will go out of their way to help. This makes perfect sense, since it the shooting star makes them look like they are perpetually reaching their arms out for a hug. Similar to the sleepy soldier position, the shooting star position is when you are sleeping on your back but your limbs are splayed out – arms above your head and feet spread wide. It is an unusual position and offers insight into a sleep personality that is unique and one of a kind. This position may also increase snoring and is not the best option for sleep apnea, so is not recommended if you have these sleep disturbances. It may, however, help with acid reflux. A trick for making this position better is placing a blanket, towel, or pillow under your knees. As long as your mattress offers good support, you should not have an issue in this position.

THE SKYDIVER

A SKYDIVER SLEEPS ON THEIR STOMACHS, HEAD TO ONE SIDE, WITH THEIR ARMS WRAPPED AROUND BEHIND A PILLOW.A skydiver sleeps on their stomachs, head to one side, with their arms wrapped around behind a pillow. As the name suggests, skydiver sleepers have open, playful, and downright fun personalities. They are usually to-the-point with what they want, but sometimes this comes off as brash. They may seem free spirited, but skydiver sleepers can be secretly anxious and crave control of a situation. They tend to be risk takers. This sleep position takes up space and will benefit from at least a Queen or King size mattress. The skydiver position (sleeping on your stomach) may sound like an adventure, but it is actually one of the worst ways your can spend your slumber. This position greatly increases your risk of neck and back pain because it crunches the sensitive muscles that protect that area, while flattening the natural curve of your spine causing strain that may lead to back pain and airway blockage. On the plus side, this sleep position often corresponds with having an adventurous spirit and is aligned with someone who is a risk-taker and likes to have fun. And, it has the potential to ease snoring and sleep apnea, so it’s not a total bust. If this position is the most comfortable to you and you must sleep in this position, sleep with your forehead on the edge of a soft pillow facing your mattress instead of turning your head to the side. This will ensure that your airway is open and will help to ease stress on your neck while easing potential upper back pain.

THE BABY

THE BABY, OR FETAL POSITION, IS WHERE A PERSON SLEEPS ON THEIR SIDE WITH THEIR LEGS CURLED UP UNDERNEATH THEM.

The baby, or fetal sleep position, is where a person sleeps on their side with their legs curled up underneath them. This is the most popular sleep position of all. According to a survey performed by sleep specialist Chris Idzikowski, author of the book, Learn to Sleep Well, 41 percent of all sleepers use this sleep position. It makes sense – since we all did this once in the womb. If you use the baby position while you sleep, you may have a tough exterior that hides a shy and sensitive nature inside.

The baby position is one of the most common sleeping positions around. Who doesn’t love curling up after a long day? It’s an extremely comforting position reminiscent of, yes, your early days as a baby, but it’s more than just a cozy way to doze off.

Sleeping in the baby position is also recommended by sleep specialists as the position that causes the least amount of sleep interruptions. It is hands down the best position for aligning the spine as well as one of the best sleeping positions for back pain. The fetal position has gotten a bit of a bad rep for potentially causing strain on your neck and back joints, but if you have a decent pillow and a good quality mattress, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Sleeping on your side in the baby position is also the best position for, funnily enough, when you are pregnant. Sleeping on your left side improves circulation to your baby while preventing your uterus from pressing against your liver. It also helps to put a pillow under your hips and baby bump to relieve even more pressure and keep your back and baby as happy as can be.

COUPLES SLEEPING POSITION

Speaking of cuddling, you may have been wondering how this sleep position guide translates into the world of co-sleeping. Sleeping positions with a partner can say a lot about your relationship, but not in the way you might think.

Spooning and cuddling is a strong sign of intimacy that you both share, and some couples cuddle throughout the night. However a truly confident couple is able to let go a little and give each other some space. Having some cuddles and then curling up in your own corners may mean nothing more than confidence in your couplehood.

Sleeping next to someone else can be a difficult feat because sleep styles can vary so greatly. An honest talk with your partner about styles optimal for your sleep health can do wonders. If both people are sleeping well, it not only benefits your physical health, but also your emotional, and mental well-being, doing only good things for your relationship in turn.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sleeping positions because everyone is unique in their bedtime needs. If you have sleep apnea, it may be best to sleep on your side. If you are concerned about premature aging, sleeping on your back may be the best bet.

Sleeping on your left side relieves pressure from your liver and allows blood to flow more freely, making it a better option than others. If you are pregnant, sleeping on your left side is important because it improves circulation to your baby and also relieves pressure from the liver pressing on the uterus.

Your back and your side are the best positions. Both positions allow the spine to remain in alignment, and are the best positions to attempt to relieve back pain.

It is definitely ok to sleep without a pillow, especially if the pillows you have are poor in quality or really old. When pillows don’t provide proper support our neck and upper back muscles have to engage to help support the head. Without a proper pillow, it is better for the head to rest just on the mattress at night.

Sleep professionals seem to agree that sleeping on your back or your side are generally the best options, all depending on your individual needs.

Sleep should improve your posture by settling your spine into a neutral position during the night. With a supportive mattress and a pillow that isn’t too big or too soft, you should wake up feeling refreshed and without aches or pains, making it easier to move in a healthy posture throughout the day.

The best side to sleep on is definitely your left side. Sleeping on your right side may restrict blood flow and also may put pressure on your liver. Sleeping on your right side could also worsen instances of heartburn and put strain on other internal organs.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR COMFORT

Customers like the supreme comfort that our foam tor LOTUS pillows give them no matter what sleep position they prefer. Our pillows provide comfort to recharge your batteries after a long day of risk-taking.

SO WHAT'S YOUR SLEEP STYLE?

Regardless of your go-to position, you can rest assured you'll sleep better on a NECTAR mattress. We've got you covered no matter what position you sleep in.