The way you sleep is telling of any health issues or sleeping disorders you may or may not have.
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MSN profiled a recent study from Stony Brook University that examined how sleep position can affect the brain and found that side sleeping may be the best for your health. Researchers concluded that sleeping on your side makes it easier for the brain to clear out waste.
Between 50 and 70 million U.S. adults live with sleep disorders and 30% of Americans struggle with poor sleep habits, according to the CDC. Bad sleep can contribute to many health problems, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and dementia.
Snorers are often told to sleep on their sides rather than on their backs because if you’re a back sleeper, the base of your tongue can sometimes collapse into the back of your throat and obstruct your breathing.
Sleeping on your back can actually lead to snoring. One study found that 54% of snorers were “positional snorers,” who snored only when sleeping on their backs.
However, for some snorers, changing sleep position may not make a difference. There are two types of snorers — those who snore when sleeping on their backs, and those who snore in every position. Weight also plays a role in sleep apnea and snoring. In studies, snorers who were overweight and then lost weight saw reductions in the severity of their apnea or snoring.
If you frequently toss and turn during sleep, chances are you’re a side sleeper or stomach sleeper. For sound, healthy sleep, one of the best sleeping positions is on your back, in a neutral position, with a pillow under your neck, not your head, to maintain proper spinal curve.
Poor sleeping position is a common cause of aches and pains. It can also trigger or aggravate arthritic conditions. Your preferred sleep position could be giving you back and neck pain, stomach troubles, or can even be aging you prematurely.
Your preferred sleep position may also reveal clues about your personality, according to the results of an analysis from the U.K.’s Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, shown below.
The Fetus — Sleeping in the fetal position means you are tough on the outside but have a sensitive heart. You may also be shy at first when meeting new people.
Log — People who sleep on their side with legs straight and arms straight at their sides are easygoing and social, but may be gullible.
The Yearner — Side sleepers who stretch their arms out in front make slow decisions but stick with them once their mind is made up. They also tend to be open in nature with an air of cynicism.
Soldier — The soldier position is flat on your back with arms down at your sides. Soldier sleepers are typically reserved and quiet but hold themselves to high standards.
Freefall — Freefall is sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side and arms cradling your pillow. Freefallers may be nervy and brash but dislike criticism.
Starfish: — Sleeping on your back with both arms up over your head (bent at elbows) is the starfish position. Starfish sleepers are helpful and make good listeners, but they prefer not being the center of attention.