What sleep position do you often maintain at night? Everyone has a favorite position that they settle in without giving it a lot of thought. Though sleep positions are about preference, they can have a significant impact on your bodies. You spend a lot of hours each day in a motionless position, and maintaining an uncomfortable sleep position can affect how well you sleep.
Your sleep position, therefore, has an impact on your health. According to research, your sleep position is somehow connected to your personality and also influences your dreams. Certain factors are also known to affect one’s sleep position. Apart from discussing these factors, we will also inform you how you should choose a quality mattress based on your sleep position. Enjoy!
What affects your sleep position?
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Comfort
Most people tend to maintain a certain sleep position since it feels comfortable to them. Your preference when it comes to how you sleep is quite different from any other person’s. For instance, you may feel uncomfortable sleeping on your back while your sleep partner may love it. Comfort s, therefore, the primary factor that influences people to sleep in different positions.
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Age
As people get older, they tend to gravitate more to a particular sleeping position. For instance, most old folks prefer sleeping on the side as opposed to the stomach or back sleeping. A study reveals that older adults often maintain the right side sleeping position. Since you may not move a lot while sleeping, you may find yourself maintaining the same sleep position for hours. While adults have this tendency, young ones are known to keep on changing sleep positions from time to time.
This implies that sleep positions become more relevant as people get older. Since age comes with a lot of health challenges, most people find themselves maintaining a sleep position that does not make them experience pain or stiffness.
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Gender
Women and men also have different preferences when it comes to sleeping. Most women prefer the fetal sleep position compared to men. The sleep position of a woman becomes more critical when one gets pregnant. During this stage, you should avoid sleeping on your back but rather maintain the side sleeping position. Resting on the left side can boost the flow of nutrients and blood to the placenta.
How to get the right mattress according to your sleep position
One of the considerations that you have to make when picking a mattress is your sleeping position. Mattresses make use of different technologies and have different materials that offer support at various levels. You need to choose one that can promote restful sleep and not expose you to any pain as you maintain a particular sleep position. Follow the tips below.
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Stomach sleepers
If you feel more comfortable sleeping on your stomach, then you have to be careful with the type of mattress you lie on. This is because stomach sleeping can easily cause strain on body parts such as the neck. It tends to push the spine outward, increasing the chances of experiencing back pain. Those who prefer this sleeping position also exert extra pressure on their lungs and breasts. Sleeping on the stomach can compress your abdominal organs.
You can, therefore, sleep safely on your stomach by choosing a plush mattress from Lull mattress. Alternatively, go for a memory foam mattress that can easily conform to the shape of your body. Your body can quickly sink into the mattress without causing any adverse effects. The mattress also tends to form a cushion layer on your body.
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Side sleepers
For a side sleeper, you should choose a mattress that can enhance your spinal alignment. Going for the wrong mattress can cause a lot of damage to the spine and make you prone to developing back problems. Side sleepers should, therefore, choose a memory foam mattress that has a firmness of soft to medium. Choosing one that is very firm is not recommended. This can leave a gap between your body and the top layer at your waist and neck area, increasing the chances of experiencing back pain.
If you go for a mattress that is too soft, you may not get the support that you need for your sleep position since your body contours may not be cushioned appropriately. As a side sleeper, you can also consider getting a hybrid mattress. This comes with various layers that can give you great support while sleeping.
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Back sleepers
Most doctors often recommend this sleeping position. When you rest on the back, you don’t exert a lot of pressure on your spine or neck. Sleeping on the back also prevents you from bending too much as opposed to stomach or side sleeping. This can, therefore, minimize the risks of getting back or joint pains. Back sleepers require support in particular areas for them to enjoy their sleep.
As you maintain this position, the back tends to arch upwards. Your lower body forms a concave shape. For this sleeping position, you should choose a cushiony mattress which does not feel very soft. For instance, a latex mattress would be an ideal choice for a side sleeper. This mattress is also known to be springy to boost comfort for a back sleeper. Ensure that you go for a mattress that offers orthopedic support for the lower back. Since a memory foam mattress has contouring benefits, it can also be ideal for a side sleeper.
What other considerations should you make?
When choosing a mattress based on your sleep position, you should not forget to factor in your weight. For instance, if you are a heavy person and sleep on your stomach, you should go for a soft mattress so that the stomach can quickly sink into it. You may not feel comfortable sleeping on a very firm mattress if you are a heavyweight stomach sleeper. A firm mattress is great for a lightweight person who sleeps on their stomach. Working with a mattress dealer can help you find the best mattress that is ideal for your sleep position.
