A sleep expert has revealed the three positions that could improve sleep and keep a partner from waking you up throughout the night.
James Leinhardt, a sleep posture expert and founder of Levitex in the UK, shared in a TikTok video last month three positions that help keep your spine straight and are the most likely to trigger the release of happiness chemicals like oxytocin.
He also showcased a position that he claims ‘reduces morning aches’ and ‘improves overall sleep quality.’
He says following his advice can reduce the risk of a ‘sleep divorce’ – which is when couples sleep in a separate bed or room from one another.
The latest survey data shows that more than one-third of Americans practice it.
‘The secret to a happy relationship might be a position you haven’t tried yet,’ said Leinhardt, in his video that has more than 97,000 views. ‘I do this with my wife every night.’
The three positions Mr Leinhardt recommends for harmonious sleeping (from left to right): ‘The Dreamers,’ ‘The Reverse Dreamers,’ and ‘The Soldiers’
‘The secret to a happy relationship might be a position you haven’t tried yet,’ Mr Leinhardt said in the video, which has more than 97,000 views. ‘I do this with my wife every night’
The first position the sleep specialist demonstrated was the dreamer (left), which involves each person laying on their side with their shoulders, knees, and ankles ‘stacked on top of each other so that spine is nice and straight.’ The position also works while lying back to back (right)
Leinhardt’s first recommended position is what’s commonly known as spooning, or what he calls ‘the dreamer’.
Here, each person lies on thie side, with shoulders, knees, and ankles ‘stacked on top of each other.
This keeps the spine ‘nice and straight.’
But unlike traditional spooning, he advises couples to place a pillow between their knees. This helps couples ‘melt’ into each other’s bodies while keeping the spine and pevis in a stable, neutral position.
The physical intimacy of the position triggers the release of the happiness chemical oxytocin, Leinhardt says.
A survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that more than a third of Americans are practicing sleep divorce, which involves sleeping in separate beds or different rooms
‘The Dreamer is the best position for night-time posture, offering maximum support for the head, neck, spine and hips. The body rests in neutral alignment with no twists or bends throughout the night.
‘It also sets the stage for a fantastic night’s sleep, bringing all sorts of relationship perks like improved mental health, libido, motivation, and happiness.’
You could also adopt the same position but face the opposite direction, so your backs are facing. While this may not be optimum for intimacy, it keeps the spine healthy and protected from injury.
He also suggested the soldier position, which involves lying on your back and placing a pillow underneath your knees
Another recommended position is ‘the soldier’ – lying on your back with a pillow underneath your knees, ‘ensuring your spine stays in a straight position’.
This will reduce morning aches, fatigue and improve overall sleep quality, according to Leinhardt.
Getting a ‘sleep divorce’ – choosing to sleep apart – has been traditionally frowned upon and considered a sign of a dying marriage.
But more than a third of American couples sleep in a different room from their partner, according to a new national survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Stigma aside, these couples may actually sleep better because of it.
Experts believe it could cut out distractions like snoring, stolen covers and early alarms, which may lead to a more restful night’s rest.
And it may even improve their relationship.
Dr Seema Khosla, pulmonologist and spokesperson for the AASM, said: ‘We know that poor sleep can worsen your mood, and those who are sleep deprived are more likely to argue with their partners.
‘There may be some resentment toward the person causing the sleep disruption – and this can negatively impact relationships.’
Mr Leinhardt said: ‘The key to getting a good night’s sleep is around the quality of your sleep rather than the quantity, which is why sleeping position is really important,.
‘And with almost half the nation saying that they get six hours sleep or less a night, we should stop setting ourselves unrealistic expectations to live up to and instead focus on what really matters – our sleep quality.’
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
