BEST PILLOWS FOR SIDE SLEEPERS

While it may not be something you’ve considered, your sleep position may reveal personality traits unique to you. Or so says the UK sleep expert Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service.

After analysing six common sleep positions, Professor Idzikowski found that each position was linked to a particular personality type*. This analysis showed that much like our body language can reveal the way we feel when we are awake, so too can our sleep position subconsciously reveal aspects of our personality.

SLEEP POSITIONS AND PERSONALITY

The Foetus: In this, the most common sleeping position, sleepers lie on their side, curled up in a relaxed foetal position. People who sleep in this position are described as tough on the outside but soft on the inside, they may be shy when they first meet someone but soon relax.

The Log: Lying like a ‘log’, these sleepers lie on their side, with both arms down by their side. Those who sleep in this position are social and easy-going, they like being in the in-crowd, and are very trusting in strangers. As a downside of this, they may be gullible.

The Yearner: Sleeping in a similar position to the Log, these sleepers have both arms out in front, as if ‘yearning’ for something. Sleeping in this position may mean you have an open nature, but you can be suspicious or cynical. These sleepers are slow to make up their minds, but once they have made a decision, they’re unlikely to alter their mindset.

The Soldier: In this position, sleepers lie on their back with both arms down by their sides. This sleep position indicates a person is quiet and reserved, doesn’t like fuss, but sets themselves and others high standards.

Freefall: Sleepers who sleep in ‘Freefall’ lie on their front, with their hands around their pillow and their head turned to one side. These sleepers are often extroverted and outgoing but can be anxious and thin-skinned underneath. They don’t like criticism or extreme situations.

Starfish: Lying like a starfish, these sleepers lie on their back with both arms up around their pillow. Sleeping in this position, people generally make good friends, as they are always open to listening to others, ready to offer help when needed. But, they don’t like being the centre of attention.

SLEEPING POSITIONS AND HEALTH

Of course, there’s more to sleep positions than personality. The position you sleep in may also affect your health.

• If you are a stomach sleeper, you may find that your sleep position eases snoring, but it may exacerbate other issues. When you sleep on your stomach, your neck and spine are not in a neutral position, so you may experience neck and back pain. Putting pressure on certain nerves, stomach sleeping can also cause tingling, numbness and nerve pain.
• If you are a back sleeper, you may find you suffer from low back pain. This sleep position can aggravate existing back pain, snoring or sleep apnoea. However, back sleeping can aid heartburn, and as your head, neck and spine are in a neutral position, you may be less likely to experience neck pain.
• If you are a side sleeper, you may find this position can alleviate insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation, and can also help those who suffer from back or hip pain, as well as those who are pregnant, or sleepers who snore**.

WHAT IS THE BEST PILLOW FOR SIDE SLEEPERS?

In general, side sleeping is thought to be one of the best positions for sleep. So, what is the best pillow for side sleepers? There are many different types of pillows, with some that work better for stomach sleepers, some that are best for back sleepers, and others that are more suited to side sleepers.

When it comes to the best pillow for side sleepers, this will generally be a feather pillow or a memory foam pillow, as these pillows conform to the shape of the neck. Contoured pillows are often a popular choice for side sleepers.

When choosing a neck pillow, the key is to find one that keeps your spine straight. This pillow should be higher at the neck and lower at the head, and there should be no gap between your neck and your pillow when lying on your side.

Pillows for side sleepers can also include body pillows. These can be used between your knees to keep your hips in alignment, or can simply be used as a ‘hug’ or ‘companion’ pillow. A great example of this type of pillow is the TEMPUR Long Hug Pillow, which may just be the best body pillow Australia has to offer.

TEMPUR PILLOWS

TEMPUR pillows are available in a wide range of styles, suitable for all sleep positions. In terms of ergonomic pillows, the TEMPUR Ombracio Pillow is ideal for stomach sleepers, while the TEMPUR Millennium Pillow works perfectly for back sleepers.

As for side sleepers, the TEMPUR Original Pillow is best. This pillow also suits if you change your sleeping position from side to back during the night. Working just as a side sleeping pillow should, it is contoured to support the head and neck in a neutral position, moulded to be bigger at the neck, and lower at the head.

Whatever sleep position you favour, you can find your perfect pillow at TEMPUR. Check out the options to enjoy your best night’s sleep today.

* http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3112170.stm

** http://bettersleep.org/better-sleep/sleep-positions/