What Your Sleeping Position Reveals About Your Personality
Whether it's on your side, your back, or your stomach, everyone has their go-to sleeping position. A person's sleeping position can reveal a lot about their personality and overall health. Keep reading to learn what your sleeping habits say about you.
The Fetal Position Is Very Common, Especially For Women
In Britain, professor and sleep expert Chris Idzikowski surveyed nearly 1,000 volunteers to determine if there was any correlation between sleep positions and personality.
Idzikowski found that the fetal position is the most common sleep position, especially for women. Someone who sleeps in the fetal position may have a shy and sensitive personality. The position might also give someone a sense of safety, especially if they are lacking it in real life.
Sleeping On Your Back Makes You More Refreshed
A research study done by Sealy and reported by the Huffington Post UK found that people who slept on their backs tended to be between the ages of 25 and 34 and worked in transport or logistics. Those who sleep on their backs will wake up more refreshed, but it can also cause them to snore more.
"When you're lying on your back, your throat is more narrow, making snoring louder and more frequent," SleepScore's Dr. Breus said in Readers Digest. Those who prefer to sleep on their back should place a pillow behind their knees to support the spine and reduce back pain.
Most Couples Sleep Back-To-Back
The most common sleeping position for couples is a bit misleading. While it might not seem romantic, most couples will sleep back-to-back and far apart. This position is called liberty lovers.
Corrine Sweet, a relationship psychologist, found that this position means a couple is connected and secure in their relationship. About 27 percent of couples sleep this way each night. Healthline reports that this is actually a good position for both partners because it can relieve pressure on internal organs.
Sleeping With Your Backs Touching Is Good For Couples
Corrine Sweet, a relationship psychologist, conducted a survey among couples to find their most common sleeping positions and back-to-back touching came in second. This is when couples are facing away from each other, but their backs are touching.
Good Housekeeping reported Sweet's findings, "Both partners are relaxed and comfortable with one another - this is often common in new relationships." Since this is a form of side sleeping, couples have reported feeling less joint pain in the morning.
The Pillow Talk Position Could Mean Trouble
The pillow talk position will include two people sleeping on their sides and facing each other, but they won't touch. This could indicate a problem in the relationship with both parties seeking attention from one another, but failing to receive it.
"This position shows a need for intimacy and close communication," said relationship psychologist Corrine Sweet. If you find that you and your partner regularly sleep in this position, it may be time to try listening to each other more.
It's Important To Rotate Which Side You Sleep On
While sleeping on the left side of the bed can apparently help with heartburn, sleeping on the right side has different effects. It's important to rotate which side you sleep on in a practice called "symmetrical side sleeping" meaning you rotate sides.
A survey from Sealy found that 34% of people prefer to sleep on the right-hand side, making it the second most popular sleeping position in the UK at the time.
Maximize The Benefits Of Sleeping On Your Side
While there are many ways to sleep on your side, there are certain things that can optimize your comfort and health. Especially when it comes to breathing and proper posture.
Chiropractic experts suggest keeping a small pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned while sleeping in a sideways position. Also, try hugging a pillow between your arms to keep them outstretched. This opens up your chest, lungs, and other airways.
These Sleepers May Be Trusting And Indecisive
According to a sleep study published in the BBC, the "log" sleeping position is when someone sleeps on their side but stretches their arms out in front of them. Someone who chooses to sleep this way may be a little more open and trusting than most.
While this person probably isn't too gullible in their life, they may be very indecisive. Luckily, once they make up their mind, they usually stick to their opinion. Also, side sleeping is great for digestion and can reduce snoring.
Sleeping On Your Left Side Helps With Heartburn
If you experience any painful heartburn symptoms after eating certain foods and laying down in bed, sleeping on your left side may help relieve your discomfort.
"The reason for this is because when you sleep on your right side, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing stomach acid to leak out, which can result in irritation," said SleepScore Labs Advisory Board Member Michael Breus, MD, as reported in Readers Digest.
Sleeping On Your Stomach Isn't Ideal
There are a lot of things that can go wrong for people who sleep on their stomachs. It can obstruct airways for people with sleep apnea and chronic snoring and puts stress on the lower back and neck.
Sleeping on your stomach can cause your spine to realign, which can give you chronic pain during the day. Dr. Idzikowski's research suggested that someone who sleeps face down on their stomach tends to be gregarious, yet brash. They also don't like to be criticized and avoid dangerous situations.
Sleepy Soldiers Are Shy And Reserved
Someone who sleeps in the "sleepy soldier" position will lay flat on their back with their arms straight down at their side, giving the appearance of a soldier standing at attention.
The personality traits of someone who sleeps as a sleepy soldier tend to be quiet, reserved, focused, and independent. These are people who love structure, they might take themselves too seriously, and have high expectations for themselves and those around them.
Why The Shooting Star Is So Unique
The shooting star or starfish sleeping position is one of the most unique choices. This is when someone sleeps on their back with their legs stretched out and their arms stretched above their head.
Men are more commonly found in this position and the personality traits associated with it are selfless, giving, supportive, and good listeners. Shooting star people are very loyal and make their relationships and friendships a top priority in their lives.
The "Skydiver" Position Isn't As Daring As It Sounds
Someone who sleeps in the skydiver, prone, or free-faller position will lay on their stomach with their head to the side and have their arms wrapped around a pillow.
Nectar Sleep explains that a skydiver sleeper will be open, playful, and fun on the outside, but may be anxious and controlling on the inside. Also, these people aren't afraid to take risks.
Easy-Going People Will Sleep Like This
Professor and sleep expert Chris Idzikowski found that people who were more social, outgoing, and trusting of strangers tended to be side sleepers. These kinds of sleepers keep their arms down at their sides as well.
Dr. Idzikowski also mentioned that side sleepers tend to be a bit more gullible. People who sleep in this log position tend to not experience numbness, but the BBC discovered that only about six percent of the world's population prefer this method.s
Spooning Is A Classic
Spooning is usually one of the most popular sleeping positions among couples. It's one of the preferred cuddling positions as it allows couples to be close without being face-to-face.
One person is the "big spoon" and give a sideways hug to the "little spoon" with both parties sleeping on their sides. The upsides to spooning are that it's better for breathing and can relieve aches and pains.
This Position Is Two-In-One
According to Good Housekeeping, psychologist Corrine Sweet found that about 8% of couples sleep in the unraveling knot position. This is when the couples begin intertwined and after about 10 minutes, each person will sleep in the position of their choosing.
"It's a compromise between intimacy and independence, allowing for the best of both worlds," said Sweet. Healthline reports that couples who sleep in this position have likely been together for a long time and feel more secure in their relationship.
Couples Should Avoid This Position
A partnership should be equal and even a sleeping position can reveal a struggling power dynamic. For example, one partner may be sprawled across the bed and the other is tucked into a corner with little room.
If one partner is dominating the space and the other is fighting for room to be comfortable, it can have negative effects on the couple. Even though it might not seem like much, this is a huge sign of power disparity between a couple and should be addressed early on.
The Cradle Position Is Filled With Passion
When someone refers to a couple as in the "honeymoon phase," it wouldn't be uncommon to see them sleeping in the cradle or nuzzle position. This occurs when one person lays flat on their back and the other will rest their head on their partner's chest.
It's also common for the couple to be wrapping their arms and legs around each other while sleeping. This position is most popular with both new and rekindled relationships, but only four percent of couples actually sleep like this every night.
The Tangle Position Can Be Overwhelming
One of the most intense couples positions is the tangle. While this is quite rare, it is usually seen at the beginning of new relationships. It would look like two people hugging each other very tight while lying on their sides.
Also, legs are usually intertwined. This position has a lot of meaning behind it. The tangle usually translates to a couple who is very codependent and feels the need to physically and mentally stay attached to their partner.
Some People Change Up Their Sleeping Position
While some people are true back, side, or stomach sleepers, others will often change up their sleeping position depending on their comfort level. A survey from Sealy explained that these "freestyle" sleepers commonly work in utilities and are between the ages of 35 and 44.
Almost everyone will change up their sleeping position throughout their lives, so it's completely normal. People will move about 50 to 80 times throughout the night in order to wake up refreshed, move their muscles, and give their body nutrients and hormones.
