A sleep expert has revealed the three positions that can improve sleep and prevent a partner from waking you up throughout the night.
James Leinhardt, sleep posture expert and founder of Levitex in the UK, shared three positions in a TikTok video last month that help keep the spine straight and are most likely to trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin.
He also introduced a position that he claims “relieves morning pain” and “improves overall sleep quality.”
He says following his advice can reduce the risk of “sleep divorce” – which is when couples sleep in a separate bed or room from each other.
The latest survey data shows that more than a third of Americans practice it.
“The secret to a happy relationship might be a position you haven't tried yet,” Leinhardt said in his video, which has more than 97,000 views. “I do this every night with my wife.”
The three positions that Mr. Leinhardt recommends for a harmonious sleep (from left to right): “The Dreamers,” “The Inverted Dreamers,” and “The Soldiers.”
“The secret to a happy relationship could be a position you haven’t tried yet,” Mr. Leinhardt said in the video, which has more than 97,000 views. “I do this every evening with my wife”
The first position the sleep specialist demonstrated was that of the dreamer (left), in which each person lies on their side with their shoulders, knees and ankles “stacked on top of each other so that the spine is nice and straight.” The position also works when lying back to back (right)
Leinhardt's first recommended position is what is commonly known as “spooning” or what he calls “the dreamer.”
Here, each person lies on their side with their shoulders, knees, and ankles stacked on top of each other.
This keeps the spine nice and straight.
But in contrast to traditional spooning, he advises couples to place a pillow between their knees. This helps couples “meld” with each other’s bodies while keeping the spine and pelvis in a stable, neutral position.
The physical intimacy of the position triggers the release of the feel-good hormone oxytocin, says Leinhardt.
A survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that more than a third of Americans practice sleep divorce, where they sleep in separate beds or in different rooms
“The Dreamer is the best position for nighttime posture, providing maximum support for the head, neck, spine and hips.” The body remains in neutral alignment throughout the night without twisting or bending.
“It also sets the stage for fantastic sleep and brings all sorts of relationship benefits, such as: B. improved mental health, libido, motivation and happiness.”
You could also assume the same position but face the opposite direction, with your back facing forward. While this may not be optimal for intimacy, it keeps the spine healthy and protects it from injury.
He also suggested the soldier's position, which involves lying on your back with a pillow under your knees
Another recommended position is the “soldier” position – lying on your back with a pillow under your knees “so that the spine remains in a straight position.”
According to Leinhardt, this will reduce morning pain and fatigue and improve overall sleep quality.
A “sleep divorce” – the decision to sleep apart – is traditionally frowned upon and seen as a sign of a dying marriage.
However, more than a third of American couples sleep in a different room than their partner, according to a new national survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Aside from the stigma, these couples can actually sleep better as a result.
Experts believe this could eliminate distractions like snoring, stolen blankets and early alarms, which could lead to a more restful night's sleep.
And it might even improve their relationship.
Dr. Seema Khosla, a pulmonologist and spokesperson for the AASM, said: “We know that poor sleep can lower mood and that those who are sleep-deprived are more likely to argue with their partners.”
“There may be some resentment towards the person causing the sleep disorder – and this can have a negative impact on relationships.”
Mr Leinhardt said: “The key to a good night's sleep lies in the quality rather than quantity of sleep, which is why sleeping position is really important.”
“And with nearly half the population saying they sleep six hours or less per night, we should stop setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves and instead focus on what matters most – our quality of sleep.”