If you’re tired of waking up groggy—neck cricked like a question mark—let’s talk real quick about why side sleepers should choose the left side. No joke, I used to flop around from side to side like a pancake, but ever since my friend (yes, my yoga friend who loves to read science papers for fun) schooled me on left-side sleeping, mornings just got less grumpy. Here’s the kicker: sleeping on your left side helps with digestion and heart health, which I thought was some old wives’ tale…until I dug into the science. If you’re curious, I first read about it here: the science of sleep position and left side sleeping. Also, hey—cleaning up breakfast messes faster lets you enjoy an extra ten minutes in bed, so you might appreciate these old mom cleaning hacks not on the bottle too.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Here’s why I love this Why Side Sleepers Should Choose the left side: it bakes up beautifully and it tastes like a weekend dinner. If you’re tired of waking up groggy—neck cricked like a question mark—let’s talk real quick about why side sleepers should choose the left side. No joke,…
What makes a great side sleeping mask
So, you want to sleep cozy on your left—let me save you from midnight mask struggles. Picking a side sleeping mask isn’t just about blocking out light (although, seriously, I’m solar-powered in the worst ways). Here’s what actually matters:
- Soft fabric—because scratchy masks should be illegal.
- Shape that fits your face (not your neighbor’s flat pillow face).
- A flexible, adjustable strap—no elastic headaches, please.
- Lightweight, so it doesn’t squish your cheek or leave a weird mark.
A good mask really can make you feel like you’re drifting off at a five-star hotel, not just your own squeaky bed.
My favorite mask: Alaska Bear Silk Contoured Sleep Mask
Okay, story time. I splurged on the Alaska Bear Silk Contoured Sleep Mask after reading way too many reviews and it was glorious. It’s not magic, but it is darn close. Here’s why I like it:
- The silk feels cold (nice surprise), even on those muggy nights.
- It doesn’t flatten my eyelashes (which, look—I paid for the good mascara).
- Contour design—yes, it actually curves for side-snoozers.
“I never thought a sleep mask could actually make that much difference! But this one? Game changer. I finally wake up to my alarm instead of the sun blasting through my curtains at 6am.” – Leah C.
Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask
I’ll be honest; I used to think Tempur-Pedic only made mattresses for folks with doctor’s notes. But their sleep mask? It surprised me in a good way.
- Cushioning is next-level (literally feels like a pillow for your eyes).
- Blocks out light, even if your partner thinks 5am is breakfast time.
- Strap doesn’t snag your hair—nobody needs that at 2am.
It’s not the cheapest, but it’s worth tossing in your gift list. (I’m just saying—Mother’s Day, anyone?)
Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask
I found out about the Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask from a mom friend who’s been through more sleepless nights than a college student in finals week. Fun fact: it fits almost any face.
- Lightweight, almost floaty—honestly, you forget it’s there.
- Designed for side sleepers, so it stays put, no drama.
- Comes with earplugs, too. I mean, double win if the neighbor’s dog has opinions at midnight.
I don’t use this one every night, but it’s always packed in my travel bag for those sketchy hotel curtains.
Preparing Your Bedroom for Sleep
You could have the fanciest mask, but if your room is chaos, good luck. Here’s my non-fancy checklist:
- Turn off or dim ALL lights way before bedtime. (Even your phone screen. Oops.)
- Wash bedding often—nothing ruins sleep like crunchy pillowcases.
- Try a white noise machine if street sounds bug you.
- A cool room is best. Seriously, toss the quilt if you wake up sweating like you ran a marathon.
Even a few little changes go a long way. Oh, and if you’re looking for more night-time comfort food, nothing beats a plate of best smothered chicken and rice. Or make it for breakfast—no judgment from me.
Common Questions
Q: Why is left side sleeping supposed to be better?
A: It helps with digestion and might even make heartburn less annoying. Pretty wild, right?
Q: Do sleep masks really help you sleep?
A: If you’re sensitive to light (hello, spring sunrise at 5:15am), a sleep mask is a total game changer.
Q: What if the mask feels too tight?
A: Look for adjustable ones with soft straps—don’t settle for elastic torture.
Q: Does the material make a difference?
A: 100% yes. Silk or soft cotton feels the best. Scratchy materials = cranky mornings.
Q: Any other quick sleep tips?
A: Keep your phone away from the bed and try winding down early. Oh, and never underestimate the power of clean sheets.
Ready for Comfy Left-Side Dreams?
If you’re fed up with tossing and turning, give the left-side thing a real shot. Seriously—pair a legit side sleeping mask with a few tweaks to your bedtime routine, and you’ll notice a difference (it might not turn you into a morning person overnight, but hey—progress!). Trust me, I’m all about shortcuts that actually work. Don’t just take my word—there’s tons of info from Choosing the Best Sleep Position | Johns Hopkins Medicine if you want to go full-science, plus a quirky and helpful uncompromising guide to sleep masks for side-sleepers. Try something new tonight—and if you end up dreaming about deliciously easy Christmas Oreo balls, well, I call that a win. Sleep tight!
