Nightmares When Sleeping on Back: How Sleep Positions Affect Dreams
Can changing your sleep position alter your dreams. How does sleeping on your back influence nightmares. What are the effects of different sleep positions on dream content and quality.
The Science Behind Sleep Positions and Dream Content
Recent research has shed light on the intriguing connection between sleep positions and dream content. A study published in the journal Dreaming, conducted by researchers at Hong Kong Shue Yan University, surveyed 670 students and uncovered fascinating insights into how our sleeping posture may influence our nocturnal experiences.
Dr. Calvin Kai-Ching Yu, the lead researcher, proposes that physical pressure on different parts of the body during sleep could be a significant factor in shaping dream elements. This theory suggests that our body’s position and the sensations it experiences while we slumber may directly impact the scenarios that unfold in our dreams.
The Surprising Link Between Stomach Sleeping and Erotic Dreams
One of the most striking findings from the study was the correlation between stomach sleeping and more intense, vivid, and sexual dreams. Despite being the least common sleep position among participants, those who slept on their stomachs reported experiencing the most erotic dreams.
Why might this be the case? Dr. Yu hypothesizes that the physical pressure experienced when sleeping face-down could be the catalyst for these provocative dreamscapes. Additionally, stomach sleepers more frequently reported dreams of being “tied,” “locked up,” or “unable to move,” which aligns with the restricted movement associated with this sleep position.
The Impact of Side Sleeping on Dream Content
Sleeping on one’s side is the most common sleep position, with over half of the 2,000 Americans surveyed by mattress maker Tempur-Pedic reporting this as their preferred posture. Interestingly, the side on which one sleeps may influence the emotional tone of their dreams.
Studies have found that right-side sleepers tend to experience more positive dreams and fewer nightmares compared to their left-side counterparts. This distinction raises questions about the potential physiological or neurological factors at play in determining dream content based on lateral sleeping preferences.
Left-Side Sleeping: A Remedy for Nighttime Reflux?
For individuals suffering from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), medical professionals often recommend sleeping on the left side. Dr. Michael J. Breus, a clinical psychologist and sleep expert, explains that this position keeps the stomach below the esophagus, allowing gravity to assist in preventing reflux.
Conversely, sleeping on the right side may increase the likelihood of experiencing dreams related to swallowing or burning sensations. This suggests a direct link between physical discomfort and dream content, further supporting the theory that our body’s state during sleep significantly influences our dream experiences.
Back Sleeping: A Potential Trigger for Nightmares?
Sleeping on one’s back, also known as the supine position, is associated with a higher incidence of nightmares and difficulty in dream recall. Dr. Yu’s research indicates that individuals who sleep on their backs not only experience more nightmares but also find it harder to remember their dreams upon waking.
What factors contribute to this phenomenon? The supine position may lead to various sleep disturbances that could affect dream content and quality:
- Increased likelihood of snoring
- Higher risk of sleep apnea
- Potential for lower back pain
These issues can interfere with restful sleep and may contribute to more disturbing or vivid dream experiences. Moreover, breathing-related sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, have been found to significantly impact the intensity of dreaming.
The Pros and Cons of Stomach Sleeping
While stomach sleeping has been associated with more erotic and intense dreams, it comes with its own set of drawbacks. Dr. Yu advises against sleeping face-down with one’s face against the pillow, citing several potential issues:
- Increased restlessness due to frequent tossing and turning
- Potential strain on the lower back
- Risk of neck pain
These physical discomforts may outweigh the potential benefits of more vivid or sexually charged dreams. It’s crucial to consider the overall quality of sleep and physical well-being when choosing a sleep position.
Multiple Sleep Positions: A Common Phenomenon
Many individuals don’t maintain a single sleep position throughout the night. In fact, of the 670 students surveyed in the Shue Yan University study, 194 reported sleeping in two or more positions with similar frequency. This raises intriguing questions about how changing positions during sleep might influence dream content and recall.
Is the position we find ourselves in upon waking the most influential for our dream experiences? Research suggests that dreams typically occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a stage characterized by high brain activity. REM sleep occurs multiple times throughout the night, with the final and often most vivid dreaming period taking place in the morning before waking.
The Role of REM Sleep in Dream Formation
Understanding the relationship between sleep positions and dreams requires a closer look at the sleep cycle, particularly the REM stage. REM sleep is crucial for dream formation and occurs three to four times per night, with each episode lasting longer as the night progresses.
During REM sleep, the brain exhibits activity patterns similar to those observed during waking hours. This heightened neural activity is believed to be responsible for the vivid and often bizarre nature of our dreams. The final REM period, occurring just before we wake up, is typically the longest and most dream-intensive.
How Sleep Position May Influence REM Sleep
While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, sleep positions may affect the quality and duration of REM sleep. For instance:
- Back sleeping might lead to more frequent sleep disruptions, potentially interrupting REM cycles
- Side sleeping could promote more stable REM periods, especially for those with sleep apnea
- Stomach sleeping may cause physical discomfort that influences dream content during REM sleep
These potential influences highlight the complex interplay between body position, sleep quality, and dream experiences.
External Factors Affecting Dream Content
While sleep position plays a significant role in shaping our dreams, it’s essential to consider other external factors that can influence dream content. Dr. Yu emphasizes that various elements can have a substantial impact on our nocturnal narratives:
- Recent emotional experiences
- Dietary choices, particularly before bedtime
- Exposure to media (e.g., movies, books, or news)
- Environmental factors (noise, temperature, light)
- Stress levels and mental state
These external influences can interact with sleep position to create a unique dreamscape each night. For example, watching a scary movie before bed while sleeping on your back might increase the likelihood of experiencing a nightmare, combining the influence of media exposure with the tendency for back sleeping to promote more vivid and potentially disturbing dreams.
The Importance of Sleep Environment
Creating an optimal sleep environment can significantly impact both sleep quality and dream experiences. Consider the following factors:
- Room temperature: Maintain a cool, comfortable temperature to promote restful sleep
- Noise control: Use white noise machines or earplugs to minimize disruptive sounds
- Light exposure: Invest in blackout curtains or a sleep mask to create a dark sleep environment
- Bedding comfort: Choose mattresses and pillows that support your preferred sleep position
- Air quality: Ensure proper ventilation and consider using an air purifier
By optimizing these environmental factors, you may improve your overall sleep quality and potentially influence the nature of your dreams.
The Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Dream Recall
The quality of our sleep can significantly impact our ability to remember dreams upon waking. Research has shown that individuals who experience more frequent awakenings throughout the night tend to have better dream recall. This phenomenon may be due to the increased opportunities to transition from REM sleep to wakefulness, allowing for the consolidation of dream memories.
How does sleep position factor into this equation? Certain sleep positions may be more conducive to maintaining uninterrupted sleep, potentially affecting dream recall:
- Side sleeping: May promote better overall sleep quality, potentially leading to fewer awakenings and less dream recall
- Back sleeping: Could increase the likelihood of sleep disturbances, possibly enhancing dream recall but at the cost of sleep quality
- Stomach sleeping: Might cause physical discomfort leading to more frequent position changes and awakenings, potentially improving dream recall
It’s important to note that while increased dream recall may seem desirable for those interested in exploring their dream world, it should not come at the expense of overall sleep quality and restfulness.
Practical Considerations for Changing Sleep Positions
While the idea of altering sleep positions to influence dream content may be intriguing, it’s crucial to approach such changes with caution. Dr. Yu advises against drastically changing sleep positions solely for the purpose of altering dream experiences, as doing so may negatively impact sleep quality.
If you’re considering modifying your sleep position for health reasons or to address specific sleep issues, consider the following tips:
- Gradual transition: Make small adjustments over time to allow your body to adapt
- Supportive pillows: Use pillows to maintain proper alignment and comfort in new positions
- Consistency: Try to maintain the new position throughout the night to establish a habit
- Patience: Allow several weeks for your body to adjust to the new sleep position
- Monitor results: Keep a sleep diary to track changes in sleep quality and dream experiences
Remember that the primary goal of sleep is to rest and rejuvenate your body and mind. Any changes to sleep position should prioritize overall sleep quality and physical comfort over potential dream alterations.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If you’re experiencing persistent sleep issues, nightmares, or physical discomfort related to your sleep position, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional or sleep specialist. They can provide personalized advice and potentially identify underlying health issues that may be affecting your sleep and dream experiences.
Some situations that warrant professional consultation include:
- Chronic insomnia or difficulty falling asleep
- Recurrent nightmares or sleep terrors
- Symptoms of sleep apnea (e.g., loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep)
- Persistent pain or discomfort in any sleep position
- Significant changes in dream patterns or content that cause distress
A sleep specialist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and recommend appropriate interventions, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), lifestyle modifications, or medical treatments if necessary.
Can Changing Your Sleep Position Alter Your Dreams? – Sleep Center
Do you sleep on your side, your back, or your stomach? There’s new evidence that changing your sleep position could influence your dreams, but this kind of change might not be the best idea for your health.
Experts say there is no perfect sleep position. The first rule for sweet dreams and a restful night of sleep is to be comfortable. For many people, that means starting off on one side. More than half of the 2,000 Americans surveyed for mattress maker Tempur-Pedic reported that they slept on their sides, 17 percent slept on their backs, and 11 percent on their stomachs.
Though stomach sleepers are in the minority, they seem to be having the most erotic dreams. In fact, a study published in the journal Dreaming found that switching to your stomach might be better than reading Fifty Shades of Grey. Dream experts at Hong Kong Shue Yan University studied surveys from 670 students, two-thirds of them female, and found that students who slept on their stomachs described their dreams as more intense, vivid, and sexual.
Students who slept face down also reported dreams of being “tied,” “locked up,” or “unable to move.”
Lead researcher Calvin Kai-Ching Yu, PhD, says that physical pressure on the body when sleeping facedown could be the reason for the erotic dreams. “Different sleep positions may create pressure to different parts of the body, and body feelings may be the sources of dream elements,” says Yu.
The findings make sense to New York clinical psychologist and sleep expert Michael J. Breus, PhD, because people sleeping on their bellies may be more restricted in their movement than those on their sides or backs.
How Sleep Positions Influence Dreams (and Nightmares)
Yu believes that if you change your sleep position, your dreams will change too, but he doesn’t recommend it. Sleeping in an unfamiliar or unnatural sleep position interferes with the quality of your sleep. You may pay a high price in the morning for sexier dreams at night.
Each sleep position can influence your dreams — for better or worse — and your overall sleep.
On your side. Sleeping laterally is the most common sleep position. Studies have found that right-side sleepers experienced more positive dreams and fewer nightmares than left-side sleepers.
For people with heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), doctors say the left side is best. “GERD is a frequent cause of sleeplessness and could affect dream content,” explains Breus. “Sleeping on the left side keeps your stomach below your esophagus, and gravity may help with reflux. Sleeping on your right side may cause you to dream of swallowing or burning.”
On your back. Sleeping supine, or on your back, may lead to lower back pain, and it could cause other problems that may alter your dreams. The face-up position may lead to snoring, encourage sleep apnea, and interfere with restful sleep.
“Studies have shown that people who sleep on their backs experience more nightmares and find it harder to remember their dreams,” says Yu.
“Breathing-related sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, have been found to have significant impacts on the intensity of dreaming.”
On your stomach. Despite the reports of erotic dreams, “you should avoid sleeping face down with your face against the pillow,” says Yu. People who sleep on their stomachs report increased restlessness caused by frequent tossing and turning to get comfortable. Sleeping prone, on your stomach, may also put strain on your lower back and cause neck pain.
Multiple positions. Many people sleep in more than one position, changing positions during the night. Of the 670 Shue Yan University students surveyed, 194 reported sleeping in two or more positions with a similar frequency. The sleep position you find yourself in when you wake up could be the one that’s influencing your dreams. Dreams usually happen during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, when the brain is very active. REM sleep occurs three to four times a night, and the final stint of REM sleep, when dreams are most vivid, takes place late in the sleep cycle, usually in the morning before you wake up.
Yu says more research on sleep position and dreams needs to be done. The students in his study weren’t monitored as they slept; they filled out surveys about their dreams after they woke up, and he says that “the accuracy of self-reported sleep positions is uncertain.” Outside influences also can have a major effect on dreams, he adds. So, before you flip over, keep in mind it could just be that scary movie, spicy Chinese food, or rattling window that’s causing your unusual dreams.
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Does Your Sleep Position Affect Your Dreams? Science Says It Totally Does
Lifestyle
by Caroline Burke
Treasures and Travels
The way you position your body while you’re sleeping may have far-reaching implications beyond a crick in the neck when you wake up.
Your sleep position can reveal your stress levels, your comfort with your sexual or romantic partner, and even your personality type. The way that you sleep is so neurologically affected that some people have wondered whether sleep positions can affect your dreams. And it turns out, they just might play a bigger role than you ever expected.
Most people tend to sleep the same way every single night. If you’re a belly sleeper, it’s not likely that you’re going to flip onto your side the next night, just for fun. Sleeping is a habit, just like many other muscular habits in your life. So, depending on which position you sleep in most often, there’s a chance that it’s been affecting your dreams for quite some time now; you just never knew about it.
Believe it or not, there’s actually some science to back all of this up. A 2004 study published by the journal Sleep and Hypnosis, for example, revealed that people who sleep on their left side are far more likely to have nightmares than those who sleep on their right side.
What’s more, the people in the study who slept on their right side were more likely to have dreams related to relief or safety.
But there’s an interesting catch here: According to the study’s findings, the people who slept on their left side, the ones who had nightmares rather than comforting dreams, actually slept better, and were more well-rested than the people who slept on their right sides.
Clearly, the connection between your sleeping position and the types of dreams you’ll have is pretty complex.
For anyone who sleeps on their stomach, you seem to have a much better deal than those of us who snooze on our left or right sides. People who sleep on their stomachs report more erotic dreams than those who sleep in any other position, according to a 2012 study published in the journal Dreaming. In the study, which was conducted by researchers at Hong Kong Shue Yan University, students who slept in the “prone position” — aka on their stomachs — reported the highest level of vivid, intense, and sexual dreams of anyone assessed in the research.
Now, before you start training yourself to sleep on your stomach in the name of having a more ~arousing~ snooze, you might want to keep this in mind: Sleeping on your stomach is one of the least healthy sleeping positions out there for your body. It can put undue pressure on your spine and neck, leading to less-than-satisfactory rest, and even potential soreness. (Then again, if you’re waking up from sexy dreams every morning, you might not mind the neck pain, but I digress.) What’s really interesting, though, is that this pressure on your body is potentially the cause of those more erotic dreams, according to the head researcher of the Dreaming study, Calvin Kai-Ching Yu, Ph.D. He told Everyday Health,
Different sleep positions may create pressure to different parts of the body, and body feelings may be the sources of dream elements.
Unfortunately, much like left side sleepers, sleeping on your back may lead to a lot of nightmares, too.
Back sleepers, like right side sleepers, tend to have bad dreams, but for a totally different reason. Everyday Health reports that sleeping on your back can lead to irregular breathing, or even disorders like sleep apnea, in which your breathing stops altogether, causing you to wake up abruptly throughout the night. These breathing irregularities can often be tied to more intense dreaming, so if your partner’s snoring next to you all through the night, there’s a good chance they’re having a gnarly dream.
Of course, it’s not that easy to change your sleep position simply because you want to have (or avoid) a certain type of dream. Above all, you should always sleep in the position that leads to the highest quality of rest, and that feels best for your individual body. If you have any trouble figuring out what’s ideal for you, there’s no harm in talking to your doctor about it, or even a sleep therapist who specializes in these topics.
But if you want to sleep on your stomach every once in a while “just because,” I certainly won’t judge you.
Wink, wink.
Sleep positions that cause wrinkles and nightmares: September 06, 2021, 13:09
Illustrative photo @Shutterstock
September 06, 2021, 13:09
7
A good night’s sleep ensures not only a vigorous morning rise, but also good health throughout the day. It’s not just about how many hours you need to sleep, position during sleep is of great importance. TengriMIX will tell you which sleeping positions will help you get enough sleep, prevent early aging and relieve nightmares.
Sleep specialist and physiotherapist Sammy Margot says that the quality of sleep depends on both the length and the position you sleep in.
“Sleeping in certain positions can exacerbate all sorts of health problems, from neck pain to heartburn. The chosen position can also cause wrinkles and lead to sagging breasts,” – said the expert in an interview with The Sun.
Bent knee free fall, in which you lie on your stomach with your hands on a pillow, your head turned to the side and one of your legs bent at the knee, can lead to problems in your knees and hips.
“You’ll tense the front of an everted hip, which puts pressure on your back, causing your spine to curve unnaturally and upset your body’s natural alignment,” says Sammy.
The “free fall” position, where you lie on your stomach with your head turned to the side, with your hands on the pillow, causes back and neck pain. According to the expert, this is the worst sleeping position that guarantees you problems with your spine.
“If you find it difficult to fall asleep in a different position, put a pillow under your stomach to keep your lower back from arching. A pillow under your shins can also take the pressure off your lower back,” said the physiotherapist.
The “fetal” position, in which you lie on your side, bending your knees to your chest, curled up, leads to sleep disturbance and wrinkles.
The specialist notes that this is one of the popular sleeping positions on the side, which can be improved by using a pillow between the knees to take pressure off the hips.
“If you sleep in this position and at the same time snuggle up to your partner, then this will help your body release the “happiness hormone” – oxytocin,” the specialist notes.
However, your sleep may also be disturbed by your partner fidgeting or snoring, or you may become hot.
The “soldier” position, in which you lie on your back with your arms by your side, can cause breathing problems. The specialist does not recommend this pose for people with heartburn problems and high acidity in the stomach, as there is a risk that stomach acid can enter the esophagus.
“This is an undesirable position if you snore or suffer from sleep apnea. When sleeping on your back, the chin is pushed forward, which allows the tongue to fall to the back of the throat, partially blocking the airway,” Sammy added.
If you find it comfortable to fall asleep in the soldier’s position, add a pillow under your knees to take some pressure off your lower back.
The starfish position, in which you lie on your back with both hands on a pillow and your legs spread out, can cause nightmares.
“A US study has shown that people who sleep on their backs are more likely to have nightmares. Change your position if you wake up with bad dreams several times a week,” the specialist said.
The specialist also advises putting a pillow under your knees and under your lower back if you suffer from back pain.
The log position, in which you lie on your side with your arms and legs down, can cause shoulder pain and bowel problems. Sammy claims that lying on your side can cause shoulder problems, especially in older adults, as the area becomes less fleshy with age. Regular sleep on the right side also makes it difficult for the body to digest food and exacerbates irritable bowel syndrome.
“You can relieve the pain by placing something like a mattress pad between your shoulder and the mattress to create a little cushioning,” the specialist advised.
The yearning position, in which you lie on your side with both arms stretched out in front of you, leads to sagging breasts.
“Lying on your side is bad for your breasts, as your breasts will sink towards the mattress,” said Sammy.
Women with large busts are advised to wear a night bra for extra support to avoid stretch marks and sagging.
For quality sleep and morning wellness, Sleep Foundation expert Lisa Artis recommends following a daily schedule, airing out the room before bed, and keeping the room comfortably cool throughout the night. Artis also advises keeping the clock away from the bed so you don’t worry about the time before falling asleep.
In what positions do you usually fall asleep and wake up?
I have nightmares when I sleep on my back
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90 104 March 10, 2009 12:16
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By the way, I don’t watch horror at all for a long time)
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#21
as a child suffered from nightmares, it came to paranoia, now knowing how it can be controlled, everything is fine.
but it’s still interesting why it’s so, why exactly on the back there was an assumption that the pressure is increasing or something else happens in the GM, I didn’t manage to talk to anyone (… today I accidentally typed in Yandex and my eyes widened. Honestly , I’m surprised that many have the same situation) it means everything is not just like that
#22
the same meaning! Probably worth listening to …?
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good witch
pray before bed and don’t watch horror movies or crime shows
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especially if it’s stuffy in the room
still on the back when splb, it’s hard to wake up.
.as if I’m pulling myself out of sleep#34
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#36 900 05
I’m trying to wake up, I can’t get up, as if some force is holding me back, but in a dream it feels like reality is 100% although it is a dream.
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Arishka
Do many people have nightmares on their backs???
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Guest
This is not the first time I’ve been sleeping on my back tonight, I understand that I feel a sense of horror from this.
I’m trying to wake up, I can’t get up, as if some force is holding me back, but in a dream it feels like reality is 100%, although it’s a dream.
#48
Lord
When you fall asleep on your back, after a while it seems that you woke up, you can’t move, and you can see something at the chest level that looks like a bunch of steam that rushes from you or continues to hang in the air and choke you. All this is very real, but you can’t move and shout something, then you finally woke up …. If I fall asleep on my back, 99% what will happen.
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#50
According to Russian folk notions, nightmares come from the fact that the brownie “leans on the sleeping person during the night and crushes him so that at this time it is impossible to move or say a word.
.as if I’m pulling myself out of sleep
