As Sleeptember begins, sleep expert and TED Talk speaker James Leinhardt is sharing his insights on how workers across the UK can improve their sleep quality. With nine out of ten Brits suffering from the side effects of poor sleep, Leinhardt is on a mission to change the conversation around sleep health.
The Sleep Charity has dubbed September as “Sleeptember”, urging people to reevaluate their sleeping patterns and make long-lasting changes. Leinhardt, a viral TikTok personality and expert in sleep posture, aims to dispel some of the most common misconceptions about sleep and provide simple, practical solutions for better rest.
The “magic eight hours” is a myth
Leinhardt challenges the long-standing belief that eight hours of sleep is essential. According to his research, the reality for most people is quite different.
“There is a common misconception about the ‘magic eight hours of sleep’ and how this is the only way to get a good night’s rest,” he explains. “However, as a nation, this is not what we should be focusing on. For most people, it is unrealistic – our study has proven that not even one in five people manages to achieve eight hours.”
Instead, he stresses that sleep quality is far more important than quantity. “If you’re getting a good quality night’s sleep, it shouldn’t matter whether you are waking up at 6am or getting your full eight hours every night.”
Memory foam might not be the best choice
Many people are surprised when Leinhardt reveals that memory foam, a popular choice for mattresses, may actually be detrimental to sleep.
“Memory foam ‘remembers’ your shape, and with gravity pulling you down, its softness makes you feel like you’re sinking into a bowl of porridge,” says Leinhardt. While this may feel comfortable initially, he warns that it lacks the support needed for a restful night’s sleep. “As a result, you’ll likely wake up feeling unrested and uncomfortable, and in the worst-case scenario, in pain.”
Leinhardt encourages those experiencing discomfort to reconsider their mattress choice in favour of more supportive options.
The best sleep positions to protect your spine
When it comes to sleep posture, Leinhardt advocates for two specific sleeping positions to ensure spinal health and prevent unnecessary strain.
“Lying on your back is the most supported position as your spine is evenly distributed across the mattress,” he explains. For added support, he suggests placing a pillow under the knees to alleviate tension on the pelvis and lower back.
The second recommended position is lying on your side. “We know that clinical evidence dictates that you put the least amount of tension on your spine in a sideline position,” he says. “If you pop a pillow between your knees and ankles, it helps to keep your hips, knees, and ankles in alignment, reducing strain on the top leg.”
These two positions, according to Leinhardt, are the only ones that properly support the spine unless there is a specific medical reason to sleep otherwise.
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@levitex Do you sleep in one of the magic two sleeping positions? #sleepingpositions #sleep #sleepposture
Sleep challenges for neurodivergent people
Leinhardt also touches on the unique sleep challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, including those like himself who may struggle with feeling secure and supported while lying down.
“If you don’t feel safe and supported in your environment, you might start squeezing yourself together,” he says, mimicking the posture he calls “T. rex hands.”
Neurodivergent people, Leinhardt explains, can feel unsure of where they are in space while lying down. His advice? Simple tricks, such as hugging a pillow, can help provide a sense of security and stability, improving overall sleep.
@levitex Do you sleep with T-rex hands? #sleep #trexarms #neurodivergent
