A new survey suggests that our favourite position in bed may be causing headaches, tendon strain and sleepless nights.
The "Arrow" -- where snoozers sleep lengthwise on their sides -- is the most popular position for Canadians, but causes strain on the back and pelvis, according to a poll released by the Better Sleep Council of Canada.
To help promote Better Sleep Month, the BSCC has released a survey on Tuesday that shows the sleeping habits of Canadians may be causing neck and back problems.
"If left unchecked, improper sleep posture can wreak as much havoc on our bodies as spending long hours seated improperly at a computer," Kathy Kawaja, a certified ergonomist, said.
Sleeping regularly in bad positions may also deform the structure of a sleeper's back bone and lead to chronic joint and muscle strain in the neck, shoulder, and back, as well as chronic headaches and poor posture.
"Considering we spend approximately one-third of our lives in bed, it's just as important for our bodies and overall health to practice the same good posture while asleep as when we are awake," Kawaja said.
The survey shows four in 10 sleepers have awoken with some form of pain or discomfort and 43 per cent of that group said it was a result of an improper sleep position.
Men are most likely to prefer the "Arrow," with 39 per cent of males surveyed saying it is their preferred slumber position.
Women tend to favour the "Tummy Tuck," which resembles the fetal position when they sleep.
Experts recommend a comfortable version of the "Tummy Tuck," with a pillow between the legs to keep the spine aligned. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees is another recommended sleep position.
Sleeping on your stomach, also known as the "Skydive," is another position to avoid because it causes overextension of the lower back and awkward neck and shoulder postures.
The third most popular sleep position is the "Zombie" position, 15 per cent of Canadians say they sleep on their back with their arms by their side.
Meanwhile, the least popular position is the "Surrender" position; five per cent of Canadians say they sleep on their back with their arms up by their head.
Married Canadians are said to experience more pain than solo sleepers, with 44 per cent saying they sleep separated from each other in bed, while just 28 per cent said they both sleep on their side.
"The best advice for couples is to remember to apply some of those critical individual sleep posture tips when someone else is there," Kawaja said.
"You might want to try hugging or spooning, but if you're uncomfortable, are feeling pain or have limbs falling asleep that obviously isn't the best sleep position to be in."
However, experts say the position you prefer while asleep may not be the only thing to cause discomfort.
Kawaja says sleepers should think of their mattress and pillow as tools to help them attain a restful slumber.
"People need sleep to recover from the day's activities, so it's obviously important to consider what you're sleeping on to facilitate that recovery," Kawaja said.
A good mattress, usually with a lifespan between 8 and 10 years, should allow the sleeper to maintain the same natural spine alignment they have when standing.
Experts also recommend pillows should be placed under the head but not under the shoulders, and that they should be thick enough to allow the head to rest in a comfortable position.
The Decima poll surveyed 1,000 Canadian adults April 5 to 9, and is considered accurate within plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
