Meaning of Sleeping Positions: What Your Sleep Position Says About You

Is the fetal position most comfortable for you? This is when a sleeper is curled up, sleeping in a ball, lying on one side with legs and arms bent. The Better Sleep Council identifies it as the most common sleep posture, with 47% of adults preferring it.⁽¹⁾

According to Reader's Digest, Professor Idzikowski believes that people who prefer the fetal position are tough on the outside, but are actually sensitive on the inside.⁽²⁾ They also tend to be shy initially but quickly relax around new company.

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.

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!

Also known as the Skydiver position, this involves lying in the prone sleeping position, with your arms wrapped around a cushion or stretched out upwards, with your head tilted to the side.

According to BBC News, Professor Idzikowski's survey revealed that Freefallers are outgoing yet brash.⁽³⁾ However, they aren't very good at handling criticism or extreme situations. You tend to be impulsive, which ties in with Samuel Dunkell's belief about stomach sleepers.

Sleep experts agree that sleeping on your stomach is the least common position. This comes as no surprise, as it can cause back and neck pain due to poor spinal alignment.

The starfish position is a supine sleep position. It involves sleeping with arms above the head and the legs extended. Imagine an actual starfish, and you'll get a general idea of how you position yourself. Unwittingly, you aren't the most considerate of bed partners.

Those who sleep in the starfish (or shooting star) position are usually trusting and good communicators. Starfish sleepers value friendships and are fabulous listeners, usually the first to lend a helping hand.

The Sealy survey suggested that left-side sleepers are more artistic. Incidentally, this is also the best side to sleep on.

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.

Medically, sleeping on your left side can help ease symptoms of acid reflux, while sleeping on your right side might aggravate them. It's also one of the best sleeping positions while pregnant because it can relieve pressure on your abdomen and encourage blood flow.

Sleeping on your right side is another popular side sleeping position. 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?

From a medical perspective, sleeping on your right or left side can reduce snoring, relieve lower back pain and improve spinal alignment.

Did you know those who spoon with their spouse likely feel more cranky than solo sleepers?

Couple sleeping positions like this one may indicate a blissfully happy relationship. But it has a downside because you’re more likely to have a night of disturbances!

It goes without saying that sleep awakenings leave you tired and groggy the next day.

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.

Similar to the fetal position, this pose involves sleeping with hands tucked under chin. Your hands may rest on it as well.

Thinkers are often guilty of letting their emotions 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.

Ever asked yourself, "Why do I sleep with my arms crossed on my chest?”

This position involves back sleeping, with arms straight by your sides or folded on your chest. It's creepy, to say the least. Thus, its name. It’s also referred to as the coffin or corpse sleeping position.

This sleep posture means you likely have a quiet personality and live your life to a high moral standard.

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 wrapped around your head.

It may mean your friendships are your number one priority. You'll do anything to keep your buddies close. You also tend to be happy and an all-around positive person.