Sleep Positions: What They Say About Your Personality

Whether you're a starfish, a soldier, or a skydiver, the way you sleep can apparently say a lot about your personality. While there is little scientific research to back this up, sleep psychologists and experts have suggested that personality can factor into your sleep position and offer some insight into your traits and behaviours.

For example, if you sleep on your back with your arms and legs outstretched, you're likely to be an extrovert, a natural-born leader, and a people person. If you sleep on your side, you're likely to be open-minded, accepting, and sensitive. And if you sleep on your stomach, you might be a risk-taker and a free spirit, but you could also be a little anxious.

Back sleepers are focused, reserved, and goal-oriented

Back sleepers are often described as soldiers or starfish, depending on the placement of their arms. If you sleep with your arms by your side, you are likely a soldier sleeper. Soldier sleepers are quiet and reserved but hold themselves and others to high standards. They are also more likely to snore.

If you sleep with your arms up by your pillow, you are a starfish sleeper. Starfish sleepers are natural-born leaders who are helpful and positive. They value friendship and are good listeners. Interestingly, men are more likely to sleep in this position.

Both soldier and starfish sleepers can benefit from improved neck, shoulder, and lower back pain due to the proper alignment of their back and neck. This sleeping position can also reduce the risk of premature wrinkling.

Stomach sleepers are adventurous but may face health issues like spine problems

Sleeping on your stomach may indicate that you are adventurous, but it can also lead to several health issues, particularly spine problems.

Stomach sleepers are often described as the life and soul of the party, adventurous, and fun to be around. However, they may also be anxious deep down, craving the freedom of sleeping in this position while wanting to avoid criticism or extreme situations.

Stomach sleeping is generally not recommended due to the strain it puts on the body. This position can cause stress and tension in the neck, back, and shoulders, leading to poor spinal alignment and various aches and pains. The spine's natural curve is abnormally twisted, and the lower back is subjected to added stress. This position can also cause a tingling sensation in the arms due to constricted blood flow and compressed nerves.

Additionally, stomach sleeping can increase the likelihood of facial wrinkles, as one side of the face is pressed into the pillow, stretching and compressing the skin.

To reduce the negative impacts of stomach sleeping, it is recommended to use a very thin pillow or no pillow at all, as a thicker pillow forces the neck into an upward angle, causing strain. Placing a thin pillow beneath the pelvis can also help to align the spine. Investing in a firmer mattress can provide more support and relieve pressure points.

While stomach sleeping may have some benefits, such as reducing snoring and keeping the airway open, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with this sleeping position.

Fetal sleepers seem tough but are sensitive, craving care and enjoying creative activities

Fetal sleepers, or those who sleep on their side with their knees drawn up towards their chest, tend to be sensitive and crave care. They may project a tough exterior, but are actually soft-hearted and personable. They are also more likely to be women.

The fetal position is one of the most common sleeping positions, with 47% of people surveyed sleeping in this position. It is also known to be a comfortable position for pregnant women, as it increases circulation to the baby and reduces pressure on the heart.

Fetal sleepers may also be more introverted and prone to overthinking or worrying. They are likely to be shy when meeting new people, but also quite personable.

Fetal sleepers can improve their sleep quality by keeping their body more relaxed and less tightly curled. This can be done by keeping the knees slightly bent, rather than up towards the chest, and placing a small pillow between the knees to keep the spine in a more stable alignment.

Side sleepers are social and trusting, with log sleepers being especially healthy and outgoing

Side sleepers are social and trusting. They are easygoing and get along well with everyone, even strangers. They are also deliberate, taking their time when making decisions and sticking with them once they have been made. Side sleepers with one leg straight and the other tucked, and their arms in front of them or under their pillow, are known as log sleepers. Log sleepers are a subset of side sleepers and are extremely social, constantly on the go, and very trusting. They are also healthy, according to the Better Sleep Council. Log sleepers tend to be healthier than other sleepers, perhaps due to their outgoing nature. They are also more likely to believe that they get enough sleep.

Side sleepers who hug a pillow or tuck one between their legs tend to have a nurturing nature. They are loyal and prioritize family, friends, and partners above everything else. They also display a good balance between work and personal life.

Side sleeping is also considered the best position for improving spinal alignment and relieving back pain. It can also help with snoring and digestion issues.

Skydiver sleepers are playful, risk-takers, and free-spirited but can be anxious

Skydiver sleepers are adventurous risk-takers, regularly described as the life and soul of the party. They are playful, fun-loving, and free-spirited. However, they can also be anxious and crave security. Skydiver sleepers are stomach sleepers, lying with their arms wrapped around a pillow and their head turned to the side. This position is also known as the freefall.

The freefall position is the least popular of all sleep positions, with only 7% of the population sleeping this way. It can cause or worsen lower back pain due to the strain it puts on the neck and lower back. It can also aggravate snoring and sleep apnea. Therefore, while skydiver sleepers are playful and adventurous, they may also be anxious about their health.

Skydiver sleepers are also sensitive to criticism and can be unsettled by extreme situations. They are social and outgoing, but their openness can make them susceptible to criticism. They are brash and bold, but deep down, they crave security and comfort.

If you are a skydiver sleeper, you may want to consider changing your sleep position to reduce the risk of health issues. A very soft pillow or no pillow at all can help to keep your neck comfortable.

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