Science-Backed Alternatives for Healthier Sleep
Not all sleep positions are created equal, and some offer remarkable support for your body’s recovery systems. Among the most recommended by sleep professionals is the “starfish” position—lying on your back with arms and legs gently spread out. This posture allows your spine to remain in a neutral, elongated alignment, which may reduce pressure on joints and support healthy circulation.
Interestingly, in a survey of 5,000 individuals, about 30% of those who slept in this position reported experiencing the highest quality of rest. It’s also less likely to cause facial compression, making it a gentle choice for skin health as well.
Another widely supported option is sleeping on your left side. This position is often recommended for individuals with digestive discomfort or acid reflux, as it naturally supports gravity-assisted digestion. Lying on your left can also enhance circulation to the heart and may be particularly beneficial for pregnant individuals, as it can relieve pressure from major blood vessels.
Sleeping on the right side, while slightly more likely to aggravate reflux, is still a preferred posture for many. It may reduce the sensation of pressure on the heart and can provide a sense of comfort for those with certain sleep habits or muscular patterns.
What Your Sleep Style Might Reveal About Your Life
Interestingly, sleep researchers have also looked into correlations between preferred sleep positions and lifestyle traits. While these are general patterns and not strict rules, they provide some fascinating insights.
People who sleep on their left side tend to be in professional careers and are often between the ages of 45 and 54. Right-side sleepers are more likely to include individuals who consume coffee or nicotine and work physically demanding jobs. Stomach sleepers often correlate with high-stress lifestyles or disrupted sleep habits. Those who favor the starfish position are frequently independent, self-directed individuals with high morning energy. Meanwhile, “free-form” sleepers—those who frequently change positions—are often women in service-related fields and may experience lighter, more restless sleep.
Sleep Quality Rankings by Position
In a national sleep habits survey involving 5,000 participants, here’s how people ranked the refreshment level of their sleep based on position:
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Starfish (back, arms and legs spread): 30% felt most refreshed
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Free-form sleepers: 25%
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Left-side sleepers: 23%
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Right-side sleepers: 22%
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Stomach sleepers: 21.5%
These percentages suggest that while personal comfort varies, some positions may support a deeper rest cycle more effectively.
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