The Habit of Choosing a Side
In sustainability circles, the concept of habits often comes up, particularly in the context of changing unsustainable behaviors. While breaking up with single-use water bottles or ditching coffee pods for more eco-friendly options are common topics, understanding our habits in general is crucial for becoming more sustainable. One such enduring habit is the side of the bed you sleep on. While this may not have a direct sustainability angle, the psychology behind it is fascinating and can influence our personal carbon footprint.
Comfort and Familiarity
No matter how hard you try to change it, you eventually pick a side of the bed—and stick with it. You’ve got everything just right on your side. The night lamp is within an instinctive reach, and you can turn off your alarm without opening your eyes. This habitual comfort makes it difficult to switch sides. Breaking this habit may be challenging, but fortunately, there may not be a need to change this particular one.
Evolutionary Factors
Why we choose a particular side is more complex than it seems. Research from the University of Munich suggests that we position our beds based on primal fear. People prefer sleeping places that allow them to view entrances to the room while remaining concealed. This fear of predation, even in modern homes, influences how we arrange our sleeping spaces. But what about the division of the bed itself? Factors like enjoying morning sunlight, bathroom proximity, and even a partner’s safety preferences come into play.
Happiness and Well-Being
A 2011 poll sponsored by a hotel chain found that individuals sleeping on the left side of the bed reported higher levels of happiness and well-being. These “generally more cheerful” sleepers were reluctant to swap sides with their partners. However, it’s unclear whether the left side of the bed makes people happier or if happier individuals are drawn to that side.
At the end of the day, your preference for one side of the bed may not have significant implications beyond pillow talk with your partner. However, understanding why we do what we do can be an essential part of making healthy, sustainable choices—a notion that’s certainly worth considering.
