From apps and trackers to silk duvet covers and pillow sprays, we’ll test out anything to achieve a good night’s sleep.
But did you know that the position you fall asleep in could make a significant difference?
To improve our sleep, expert and TED Talk speaker James Leinhardt has been sharing valuable tips on TikTok.
How many hours of sleep should I get?
Many people think that the ideal amount of sleep is eight hours.
But how true is this?
James argues that it’s a ‘common misconception’.
James explains, “There is a common misconception that the ‘magic eight hours of sleep’ is the only way to get a good night’s rest. However, as a nation, we shouldn’t be focusing solely on this.”
“For most people, achieving eight hours of sleep is unrealistic—our study shows that fewer than 1 in 5 people actually manage it. Instead, we should focus on improving sleep quality rather than just aiming for a specific quantity.”
“If you’re getting a good quality night’s sleep, it shouldn’t matter whether you wake up at 6 a.m. or get a full eight hours every night.”
Is sleeping on your side best?
Everyone has a preferred sleeping position they tend to default to.
Some people prefer sleeping on their side, while others drift off lying flat on their stomach.
James recommends just two sleeping positions.
He says, “When you’re lying on your back, your spine is fully supported by the mattress, and your body weight is evenly distributed.”
He adds, “If you place a pillow under your knees while lying on your back, your pelvis will tilt slightly, allowing more of your back to make contact with the bed for better support. That’s the first position I recommend.”
“Number two is lying on your side. Clinical evidence shows that this position places the least amount of tension on your spine. You should aim to have your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles aligned vertically.”
Which side should I sleep on?
Choosing between sleeping on your left or right side can have different effects on the body.
For example, The Sleep Foundation explains that sleeping on the left side is beneficial for pregnant individuals and those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Meanwhile, sleeping on the right side may be more comfortable for individuals with heart issues.
A study revealed that sleeping on the left side can shift the position of the heart due to the force of gravity.
“For those with high blood pressure, it’s recommended to sleep on your right side. On the other hand, individuals with acid reflux and pregnant women are advised to lie on their left side.”
“However, for everyone else, James suggests alternating sides while sleeping.”
