Do you know that how you sleep affects your dreams?
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night after a terrifying dream? or even sleep paralysis—the inability to wake up from a sleep while feeling pressed down. Experts say your sleeping position might play a role in whether you experience nightmares.
A study in “Sleep and Hypnosis” suggests left-side sleepers may be more prone to bad dreams (41% chance compared to 15% for right-side sleepers). Dream analyst Theresa Cheung believes left-side sleeping puts stress on the heart, potentially leading to poorer sleep quality and nightmares.
A 2018 study found that patients who slept on their left side showed changes in heart activity, indicating stress due to minimal heart movement.
Back sleeping isn’t nightmare-free either. People with sleep apnea often experience more anxiety-themed dreams when sleeping on their backs. A doctor, Lisa Billars, explains that back sleeping can worsen sleep apnea, leading to oxygen reduction and increased carbon dioxide levels. These fluctuations trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, manifesting as stressful or suffocating dreams in nightmares.
A 2016 study offered a different perspective. High school students who slept on their stomachs reported more “empowering” dreams.
Try sleeping on your right side, as it promotes healthy breathing.
