1. 95% of adults sleep in the same position every night. You will usually move around while sleeping, but it is most likely that you will always fall asleep and wake up in your preferred position.
2. The most common sleeping position is on the side, and this is also the position best suited to falling asleep quickly.
3. Of the majority of people who sleep on their sides, over 40% will sleep in a foetal position. More than twice as many women sleep in the foetal position as men.
4. The least healthy position to sleep in is on the stomach. Sleeping on your stomach compresses your organs and puts excess pressure on the body. Generally medical experts only recommend sleeping on your stomach when you are suffering from a medical condition that hampers your ability to sleep on your side or your back.
5. Sleeping on your back is the healthiest position from the perspective of the body, although it is recommended that a pillow be placed under your knees to maintain the correct curvature of the spine while sleeping on your back.
6. Sleeping in a flat position on your back often leads to stomach contents making their way back up to the mouth. In many adults this can lead to painful acid reflux or heartburn during the night.
7. Adults are most likely to snore or suffer symptoms of sleep apnoea when lying on their backs. While this position may be the most comfortable for you, it is less likely to lead to a refreshing night’s sleep.
8. Less than 10% of adults sleep with their entire body under the covers. The most common trait is for people to stick either one leg or one arm out from under the duvet. Slightly less common is for people to allow both feet to stick out from under their duvet.
9. Pregnant women are more likely to sleep on their sides than on their backs. Sleeping on the left side of the body can help get blood and oxygen to the placenta and a growing baby. Sleeping on the back is not recommended for pregnant women as it can lead to backaches, haemorrhoids, low blood pressure and a decrease in blood supply to the placenta.
10. Sleeping on your side with your top leg bent over your bottom leg causes unnecessary pressure on the spine and lower back joints and is most likely to lead to the common feel of lower back pain in the morning.