What's the best sleeping position?

Every night, we slip into bed with the goal of getting a good night's sleep. However, one element we don't always think about can influence our comfort: our sleeping position.

On our side, back, or stomach... we all have our habits. Some people remain almost motionless during their sleep, while others change position regularly without even realizing it.

But is there really a "best" sleeping position?

The answer isn't that simple. It depends on your body type, your habits, your bedding, and, above all, your own sensations.

Understanding the specifics of each position can nevertheless help you choose your pillow better and create an environment more suited to your nights.

Why is sleeping position important?

During the night, your body's comfort partly depends on the position you sleep in and the support provided by your bedding.

A comfortable position helps promote a feeling of relaxation.

Conversely, an uncomfortable posture maintained for several hours can lead to feelings of tension or discomfort in some people, particularly in the:

• neck;

• shoulders;

• back;

• hips.

The position you sleep in, combined with the support of your mattress and pillow, can therefore play an important role in your comfort during the night and upon waking.

Sleeping on your side: a very common position

Sleeping on your side is a particularly common habit.

This position can be very comfortable, but it has an important peculiarity: the shoulder naturally creates a space between the head and the mattress.

The pillow then fills part of this space.

If it's too thin, the head may tend to tilt towards the mattress. Conversely, a particularly thick pillow can place the head higher than necessary.

The goal is therefore to find comfortable support that allows for a natural position between:

• the head;

• the neck;

• the shoulders.

Which pillow is best for side sleepers?

People who primarily sleep on their side may look for a pillow that offers enough support to accommodate the space created by the shoulder.

Ergonomic shapes can be interesting when they allow the head and neck to naturally find their position.

However, there is no single ideal height for everyone.

Body type, shoulder width, mattress firmness, and personal preferences can significantly alter sensations.

Sleeping on your back: finding the right balance

Sleeping on your back generally allows you to maintain a relatively symmetrical position.

In this position, the pillow should support the head and neck without giving the sensation of pushing the head excessively forward.

A very thick pillow can be uncomfortable for some people, while a model that is too thin may not provide the desired support.

The goal remains the same: to find a balance between support and comfort.

Memory foam, in particular, can be appreciated for its ability to gradually conform to contact areas.

Sleeping on your stomach: prioritize a thin pillow

Some people naturally sleep on their stomach and do not want to change their habits.

However, this position has a peculiarity: the head is usually turned to the side to allow breathing.

A particularly thick pillow can then accentuate the elevation of the head.

This is why people who sleep on their stomach may prefer thinner support.

Again, individual sensations remain essential. A comfortable position for one person will not necessarily be comfortable for another.

So, what is the best sleeping position?

There is no one perfect position that suits everyone.

Your body type, habits, and bedding all play a role.

The best position is primarily the one in which:

• you feel comfortable;

• your body can relax;

• your head and neck receive appropriate support;

• you don't feel the need to force a position that doesn't feel natural to you.

Therefore, it's not necessary to disrupt your habits simply because another position is sometimes presented as "better."

It may be more relevant to adapt your sleep environment to your natural way of sleeping.

The role of the pillow according to your sleeping position

A pillow should not be chosen solely for its appearance or price.

Its shape, thickness, material, and level of support directly influence the sensations felt when you rest your head on it.

The sleeping position can notably modify:

• the desired height;

• the desired level of support;

• the contact areas with the head and neck;

• the overall feeling of comfort.

It is precisely to address these different constraints that ergonomic pillows have different shapes from traditional pillows.

Their design aims to create different zones to more naturally cradle the head and neck.

Why Viversys is interested in how you sleep

At Viversys, we believe that improving your sleep environment begins with better understanding your own habits.

Some sleep primarily on their side. Others prefer their back or stomach. And many simply change positions several times during the night.

Therefore, there is no single "right" way to sleep.

This is the logic behind ÉLAN™, our ergonomic memory foam pillow. Its design is intended to offer comfortable head and neck support in different sleeping positions.

Our goal is not to impose a particular position on you, but to help you create a more comfortable environment adapted to your habits.

Beyond position: creating a sleep-friendly environment

Your position and pillow are just one part of your sleep environment.

Other simple habits can also contribute to creating better conditions for the night:

• maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom;

• reduce light sources as much as possible;

• maintain relatively regular bedtime hours;

• limit screens close to bedtime;

• choose a mattress and pillow suited to your preferences;

• create a calm and restful environment.

There isn't necessarily a single habit that transforms a night. It is often the combination of the environment and habits that influences our perception of comfort.

Conclusion: adapt your environment to your way of sleeping

On your back, side, or stomach: each position has its specificities.

Rather than desperately searching for "the perfect position," it may be more interesting to observe your own habits and the sensations you feel upon waking.

Understanding your way of sleeping can then help you choose bedding and a pillow better suited to your preferences.

Because a better night doesn't just depend on when you close your eyes.

It also starts with the environment you create for sleeping.