from the publishers of: Verywell, Real Simple, EatingWell, Shape, Parents, Health and Allrecipes
Do you feel like you always wake up on the wrong side of the bed? There may be something to that. In order to get a good night’s sleep, you need to feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe when you crawl under the covers each night. But which side of the bed you choose may not matter as much as staying consistent. Here’s what to consider when deciding which side of the bed is right for you.
You may have seen polls claiming that people choose their side of the bed based on personality or that you’re more likely to wake up in a bad mood on one side of the bed. But there is no prescribed right or wrong when it comes to which side of the bed you sleep on—the most important factor is how well you sleep. Here are a few considerations to take into account when deciding which side of the bed is best for you:
If you tend to get up a lot during the night to use the bathroom or attend to children, it’s often best to sleep on the side closest to the door. You won’t have to crawl across the bed or bump into things on your way out of the room.
Some people prefer to sleep with their back to a wall rather than a window or doorway. This can provide a sense of security if you don’t like the idea of leaving your back exposed.
In certain situations, doctors advise side sleepers to choose to sleep on the left or right side. For instance, sleeping on your left side is advised during pregnancy. Sleeping on your left side can also help with acid reflux. Alternatively, some heart failure patients experience less shortness of breath when they sleep on the right side. Talk to your doctor and then choose a side of the bed based on whether you want to face your partner or the wall.
If you tend to get too warm or cold while you sleep, you may want to sleep on the side of the bed that is closest to a vent. If light tends to disrupt your sleep, choose the side furthest from nightlights and windows. On the other hand, some people find it soothing to watch the sunset before they fall asleep or prefer to wake to a sunrise.
If you’re finding it difficult to fall asleep, it never hurts to try the other side of your bed to see if you can get more comfortable. But once you get used to a particular side of the bed, it’s often best not to change your routine. Sleeping on the opposite side of the bed can feel alien enough that you have a harder time falling and staying asleep. No matter which side of the bed you sleep on, setting a consistent bedtime routine will help you get a good night’s sleep.