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Meaning of Sleeping Positions: What Your Sleep Position Says About You
Want to know about the meaning of sleep positions in relation to your personality? Read this blog post to find out what yours has to say about you.
You may not realize it, but how you sleep could tell of your personality. Experts have spent loads of time dissecting what sleeping positions mean. Their primary intent is to figure out whether they convey our character traits.
This blog post explores some research. It also provides a rundown of the 12 most common sleeping positions and how they relate to temperament.
Let’s dive into it.
Table of Contents
The Link Between Sleep Position and Personality
Some research suggests that how you sleep reflects your personality. In particular, a survey conducted by sleep expert Professor Chris Idzikowski.
According to Healthline, he surveyed over 1,000 British adults. Based on his findings, certain sleep positions reflect specific personality traits(1). Body language doesn't lose significance when we doze off. Instead, it becomes even more telling.
Mattress maker Sealy conducted another survey. It found correlations between sleep position, occupation and lifestyle.
Both surveys had valuable insights but with limitations. Meanwhile, other studies dispute the connection between the two.
Yup, the jury is still out on a conclusive association. But hey, it’s still fascinating to know what your sleep position says about you.
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12 Common Sleeping Positions and Their Meanings
Fetal
Is the fetal position most comfortable for you? (This is when a sleeper is curled up, sleeping in a ball as they lie on one side with legs and arms bent.) If so, you likely show the world a hard front. But on the inside, you're a massive softie.
So, what’s the fetal position psychology? According to Reader’s Digest, here's what Chris Idzikowski, Ph.D. had to say. “Those who favor the side-lying fetal position tend to be sensitive but may project a tough exterior(2).”
You also tend to be shy initially but quickly relax around new company.
Free Faller
This is the sleep position that resembles skydiving. You sleep in the prone sleeping position, with your arms wrapped around a cushion and your head tilted to the side.
You likely have a “larger than life” personality. However, you’re not very good at handling criticism or tricky situations.
Are you asking “Why do I sleep on my stomach with one leg bent?” The mountain climber sleeping position is a variation of the free faller where you lie in prone position with one arm and leg extended. Personality-wise, this sleep posture is much like that of the free faller.
Yearner
As the name suggests, the yearner position is when you look as though you’re reaching out while side sleeping.
Yearners are typically very cautious when making decisions. But once you've made up your mind, there’s no going back!
Coffin or Corpse Sleeping Position
Ever asked yourself, "Why do I sleep with my arms crossed on my chest?”
This position means back sleeping, with arms straight by your sides or folded on your chest. It's creepy, to say the least. In fact, some call it the vampire sleeping position.
This sleep posture means you likely have a quiet personality and live your life to a high moral standard.
Starfish
The starfish position means sleeping with arms above head and your legs extended. Imagine an actual starfish, and you’ll get a general idea of how you position yourself.
Those who sleep in the starfish (or shooting star) are usually trusting and good communicators. You’re a fabulous listener and usually the first to lend a helping hand. But you aren't the most considerate of bed partners.
Log
This side sleeping position requires sleeping on your side, with your arms close. In general, you’re sociable, friendly and approachable.
However, sleeping in the log position might also mean your trusting nature can result in being gullible. It sometimes makes you an easy target for manipulation, which isn’t cool.
Left-Side Sleeper
The Sealy survey suggested that left-side sleepers are more artistic.
Those who prefer sleeping on their left are more likely to work in the creative industry, which includes advertising and marketing.
You're also more likely to have a higher level of education.
Right-Side Sleeper
The same Sealy survey showed that right-side sleepers likely drink more caffeine. People who sleep in this side position may also enjoy the odd cigarette or two.
Also, more right-side sleepers surveyed work in the manufacturing and transportation industries. Who knew?
Spoon
Did you know those who spoon with their spouse likely feel more cranky than solo sleepers?
Couple positions like this one may indicate a blissfully happy relationship. But it has a downside. The Sleep Doctor says sleeping with someone else makes you 50% more likely to have a night of disturbances(3)!
It goes without saying sleep awakenings leave you tired and groggy the next day.
Stargazer
This position for back sleepers involves sleeping with your arms folded under your head as if you're stargazing.
Stargazers, you fall asleep on your back with your arms enveloped around your head.
It may mean your friendships are your number one priority. You'll do anything to keep your buddies close to you. You also tend to be happy and an all-around positive person.
Pillow Hugger
Do you love snuggling with your pillow while sleeping? (This is when you sleep on your side with a pillow or blanket between the knees.) There's a good chance you value your relationships.
It doesn't matter whether it's your spouse or colleague. You appreciate your connections with other people.
Thinker
This hands under chin position is similar to the fetal position. Your hands may rest on your chin as well.
You may ask, “Why do I sleep with my hands tucked under my chin?” Thinkers are often guilty of allowing their emotions to get the best of them. If this is you, your intense passion makes it hard to balance your feelings. Sometimes, everyday life is difficult for you.
Okay, now you know what how you sleep says about you. Why not learn how to sleep in your favorite position, problem-free?
Conclusion: Sleep Positions and What They Mean
So, now you know what your sleeping position says about you. Remember, though, that this isn't a conclusive personality assessment.
We're curious. Which sleeping position sounds most like you? Can you relate to the personality traits listed above? Let us know by commenting below.
(P.S. If you liked this blog post we're sure you'll get a kick out of taking our sleep personality quiz.)
Sources:
(1) "What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About Your Personality and Health?" Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/what-does-your-sleeping-position-say-about-you. Accessed 10 March 2023.
(2) “This Is What Your Sleep Position Reveals About Your Personality." Reader's Digest, www.rd.com/culture/sleep-position-personality/. Accessed 6 Dec. 2018.
(3) "How Cuddling Affects Your Sleep." The Sleep Doctor, thesleepdoctor.com/sleep-hygiene/cuddling-and-sleep/. Accessed 10 March 2023.