How does sleep pattern shape your dreams?! Scientists have found that the position you sleep in directly affects the type of dreams you experience. Sleeping on the right side of the body is associated with positive dreams, while the left side carries mild nightmares. Sleeping on your back can bring the worst nightmares, while sleeping on your stomach leads to erotic dreams1. These discoveries open the door to understanding how we can choose our dreams by choosing our sleeping position.
How does sleep pattern shape your dreams?! Research has shown that sleeping on the left side of the body can increase the likelihood of nightmares. One study found that nearly 41% of participants who slept on their left side reported disturbing dreams, compared to only 14.6% of those who slept on their right side. The theory behind this is that certain positions put pressure on different parts of the body, which can trigger the release of stress hormones. These hormones can then affect REM sleep, the stage of sleep when most dreams occur.
Sleeping on your stomach has been shown to be a position that can stimulate erotic dreams. This may be due to the pressure the body feels in this position, leading to dreams that reflect this sense of pressure. So with a few simple changes to your sleep routine, you can control the type of dreams you experience. For example, if you want to have positive dreams, sleeping on the right side of your body may lead to more pleasant dream experiences.
How sleep patterns shape your dreams Therefore, understanding the effect of sleep position on dreams is a fascinating area of research that can help us better understand how our body communicates with our mind during sleep. By adjusting your sleeping position, you may be able to find the perfect balance between comfort and pleasant dreams that will leave you rested and ready for a new day.
