INSPIRATION & IDEAS

Bedroom: Choose the Best Mattress for your Sleep Style

Did you know the average person spends one-third of their lives sleeping? That means the way we sleep has a big impact on our overall health.

Most of us have a preferred sleeping position – the one that makes us feel most comfortable when we’re ready to drift off. Choosing the right mattress for your sleeping position is important, because it means your muscles, joints and bones will get the right type of support while you sleep.

What’s Your Sleeping Style?
How does it affect your health, and what does it say about your personality?

• People who sleep on their backs are usually said to be highly self-confident. Sleeping on your back is a good way to keep your head, neck and spine aligned, but it can increase snoring.

• Those who prefer to sleep on their front are more likely to be defensive and sensitive. Sleeping on your stomach puts extra pressure on your spine, because you have to twist your neck to one side.

• Curling up in the foetal position is usually linked to shy, introverted people with a tendency to overthink. It’s a comfortable position for pregnant women, and for people with lower back issues.

• Side sleeping is very popular, and this sleep position is linked to relaxed, open-minded personality types. The side position is also a good way to keep your spine aligned and in a neutral position.

Top Tip: When you go to bed at night, start off sleeping on your left side. Because of the position of your organs, left-side sleeping helps to improve digestion and circulation, reduce heartburn and even prevent snoring.

What do Side Sleepers Need from a Mattress?
If you mostly sleep on your side at night, you will be supporting your body with your shoulders and hips. You should choose a mattress that allows these points to gently sink into it, just enough to keep your spine straight and distribute your weight evenly. Soft to Medium Support is Best for Side Sleepers.

Plush: This is the softest type of mattress, with extra layers of fibre and foam. A plush mattress conforms to your body shape, providing extra cushioning for the hips and shoulders, and preventing stress on your pressure points while you sleep.

Medium: A medium mattress will give you a firmer foundation without being too rigid. Medium mattresses also help to promote even weight distribution, so you won’t be disturbed if your partner tosses and turns at night.

Firm: The most rigid mattress types are more suitable for back sleepers than side sleepers. A firm mattress doesn’t have enough ‘give’ for a comfortable side sleeping position; it will put extra pressure on the shoulder and hip areas.

Shop the Daylesford and Jackman mattress ranges from Freedom, including a wide variety of plush and medium designs in various sizes. For a side sleeper, medium or plush mattresses are the healthiest choices.