Is it Beneficial to Sleep on Your Side?
If you’ve ever attempted to consciously alter your sleeping posture (perhaps due to a medical intervention or unconventional bed), you’re likely aware of the challenge in resisting your innate tendencies. The positive news for individuals who favor side sleeping is the widespread agreement among professionals that it’s on par with any other alternative.
Experts on sleep at Houston Methodist suggest that side sleeping has “the least adverse impact on health.” This is fantastic! Sleeping on your side ranks better for your well-being compared to inadequate sleep or sleeping in any other pose!
I’ve always admired individuals who sleep on their backs, but according to the Mayo Clinic, sleeping on your back is deemed the “least favorable position,” while side sleeping is hailed as “an ideal way to sleep.”
Which Mattress Type is Optimal for Side Sleepers: Hybrid or Memory Foam?
Our preference for side sleepers is hybrid mattresses. Since you’re exerting more pressure on a smaller surface, you might assume that memory foam provides a more comfortable experience than a hybrid mattress containing coils. While memory foam allows you to sink into a plush cloud with lateral support, the issue arises when the foam slowly compresses with prolonged immobility through the night. If it’s simply a single layer of low-quality foam, it could eventually feel like resting on a yoga mat. This is why mattresses with diverse layers of foam of varying densities are superior, which is why we prefer hybrids. The addition of springs in hybrids prevents excessive compression of the foam. A good hybrid enables uninterrupted sleep for approximately six hours without requiring position changes, a benefit that may not be guaranteed with an all-foam mattress. Furthermore, hybrids typically offer superior temperature regulation, as the presence of less solid foam minimizes heat absorption.
What is the Recommended Firmness for Side Sleepers?
The majority of side sleepers lean towards softer mattresses, often favoring memory foam over innerspring options. However, maintaining sufficient support throughout the night is crucial. While various mattress types can provide this support, it’s important to scrutinize the firmness scale promoted by the manufacturer and the available firmness levels. Additionally, consider your physique, as individuals with greater body mass may require a firmer mattress.
Which Mattress Type is Ideal for Heavier Individuals who Favor Side Sleeping?
I am a larger individual—although marginally slimmer than when I commenced mattress testing, thanks to semaglutide, I still fall into the larger category. From my experience, the heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be to prevent excessive compression of the foam and springs beneath your body.
