Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for us to live happy and healthy lives. Good sleep means improved mood, a boost for our immune system and ability to focus; so, choosing a mattress that is perfect for you is key.
Did you know the position you sleep in determines the type of mattress you should choose? Whether you’re looking for the best mattress for side sleepers, or a model that suits back and stomach sleepers, there is something to suit everyone. Read on to find out more about which mattress you should choose if you’re most comfortable on your side.
What is a side sleeper?
The term side sleeper refers to some who does just that — they are most comfortable when sleeping on their side. All of us have different preferences regarding the position we are most comfortable in. Some of us sleep better on our sides, but a few of the most common sleeping positions include back sleepers and stomach sleepers that sleep facing the mattress. Some of us even switch positions during the night, which is classed as a combination sleeper.
As a side sleeper, if you don’t have the correct mattress to support your form during the night, you may end up with aches and pains when you wake. Your hips and shoulders tend to take the brunt of the weight of your body when you’re sleeping on your side, so choosing a mattress that has joint support is key. Read on to find out some of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers.
What type of mattress is best?
Being a side sleeper, choosing a mattress that supports your body and joints is important, however, it may be beneficial to try your mattresses out before you buy them, and here’s why. If you choose a soft, cushioned mattress, you’re not going to get a lot of joint support even though the mattress may seem like the most comfortable option at the time — during the night your joints will begin to sink.
With this in mind, you may think that a firmer mattress may work better for a side sleeper, to help support your joints — but choosing a mattress too firm can be uncomfortable and mean that it is more difficult to fall asleep. Choosing something between soft and firm is your best bet, you could try soft-medium firmness or medium-firm. You can try these out in stores to ensure that they are giving you quality comfort and support before you invest.
Benefits of side sleeping
Sleeping on your side comes with a range of benefits, so if this is your most preferred position, you can benefit from a reduction of joint and back pain, and relief from chronic pain if your body is aligned correctly. If snoring is an issue for you (or your partner), sleeping on your side can ease this problem.
A couple of other ways that you can benefit from sleeping on your side include improved digestive function, and relief from issues such as heartburn and bloating. Studies also show that sleeping on your side can positively impact brain health, too.
Other considerations
Making yourself aware of the types of mattresses best for sleeping on your side is the first step to getting a good night’s sleep, but it doesn’t stop there. Here are a few other factors that you should consider when purchasing your mattress.
You should consider whether you wake up frequently in the night and determine the reason for this. If you sleep next to your partner, maybe their movements wake you. If this is the case, opting for a material that offers motion isolation is advantageous, as their movements will be absorbed and you won’t feel a thing, even if they’re tossing and turning.
Another factor that you should consider is whether you would benefit from a hypoallergenic mattress. The older your mattress is, the more likely you’re going to be exposed to dust and mites, which can leave you feeling stuffy and itchy in the morning.
If you find that you often wake up in the night feeling too hot, you may benefit from a mattress that has a cooling effect, so that you can sleep soundly, and wake up feeling rested and ready to tackle your day.
