Body & Mind

Science says: this sleeping position causes the most nightmares

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!31Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:14 +0200+02:001431#31Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:14 +0200+02:00-5Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202331 08pm31pm-31Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:14 +0200+02:005Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam2023312023Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:14 +02000050010pmSunday=9#!31Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:14 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam10#10-08-2023#!31Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:14 +0200+02:001431#\/31Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:14 +0200+02:00-5Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202331#!31Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:14 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam10#

woman nightmare at night with hands in front of face

On vacation with Kendall Jenner, marrying my ex or having to retake my final exam without having been able to study: it's a daily occurrence for me. At least, in my dreams. The moment I close my eyes, the adventure begins and I am pulled from one dream to another, causing me to wake up exhausted every day. For a long time, I told myself that this is just how I am and that it's in my DNA. My grandfather also suffered from sleepless nights due to his busy dreams and my mother can relate. However, new research tells a different story: what you dream about is actually related to your sleeping position. For example, if you often have nightmares, you might want to avoid sleeping on your back. And if you're in the mood for a nighttime adventure, science suggests you should turn onto your stomach.

Back sleepers have the most nightmares
People who are used to sleeping on their backs are more likely to experience nightmares. This phenomenon could be linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a breathing disorder that leads to the cessation of breathing during sleep. In people with OSA, the severity of apnea is often worse when they sleep on their backs, which can result in decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide in the body. These breathing problems and the subsequent fluctuations at night can lead to stressful dreams, such as suffocation, being underwater, or having to hold your breath. Additionally, sleeping on your back can cause your nose to become congested, leading to a similar sensation.

Stomach sleepers have the most erotic dreams
Stomach sleepers have the most vivid and erotic dreams. This may be due to the pressure that sleeping on the stomach exerts on the lower body, leading to stimulating sensations. The feeling of excitement that arises from this results in spicier dreams than when you sleep on your back or side. Unfortunately, it's not all good news: stomach sleepers who sleep on their stomachs more often dream that they are trapped, being suffocated, or tied up. This may be due to the limited mobility of the arms and legs in this sleeping position.

Side sleepers on the right have the nicest dreams
People who are used to sleeping on their right side have the nicest dreams of all. According to a study with 63 participants, those who slept on their right side had the calmest dreams. Researchers found that the emotional content of dreams from these right-side sleepers often included positive feelings such as happiness, joy, excitement, hope, peace, and love, compared to those who slept on their left side; they reported many nightmares and restless dreams. People who sleep on their right side get the best night's sleep and are unlikely to get out of bed on the wrong foot, so you know what you need to do tonight.

Source: Everyday Health