Colin Snow
Your sleeping style can reveal a lot about your personality and your health. Sleep positions can be linked to certain personality traits, with research suggesting that the fetal position is common among those who are sensitive and shy, while starfish sleepers tend to be social and carefree. Sleeping on your back may indicate that you are focused and silent, while side sleeping is associated with being open and family-oriented. Right-side sleeping is also believed to be better for your heart. Beyond personality, your sleeping position can also affect your physical health, with back sleeping potentially causing neck pain and side sleeping reducing the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. While the research on sleep positions and personality is limited, contemplating the meaning of your sleeping style can be a fun way to gain insight into your unique traits and behaviours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping on your back | Focused, silent, strong, conflict-avoiding, truth-teller, self-confident, sensation-seeking, free, and less likely to experience numbness |
| Sleeping on your side | Nurturing, sensitive, shy, introverted, family-oriented, less likely to snore, reduced risk of sleep apnea, recommended for pregnant people |
| Sleeping on your stomach | Playful, open-minded, social, brash, work in agriculture, heavy drinkers, likely to experience neck pain, chronic pain, and muscle spasms |
| Soldier position | Friendly, polite, selective about close friends, high standards |
| Log position | Social butterfly, friendly, carefree, popular, gullible, less popular, sleepwalking, believed to be healthier, getting the right amount of sleep |
| Skydiver position | To-the-point, adventurous, playful |
| Stargazer position | Positive, helpful, loyal, family-oriented |
| Starfish position | Eager to support friends, outgoing, positive, carefree, good listeners, quick to help, sleepwalking |
| Foetus/Fetal position | Sensitive, shy, desire to be protected, nurtured, and understood, family-oriented, anxious in crowds, nervous in public speaking, most common position |
| Yearner position | Open-minded, cynical, less gullible, indecisive |
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What You'll Learn
- The foetus/baby position: sleeping on your side with legs curled up
- The stargazer position: sleeping on your back with arms behind your head
- The soldier position: sleeping on your back with arms and legs straight
- The starfish position: sleeping on your back with arms and legs outstretched
- The skydiver position: sleeping on your stomach with your head to one side and arms wrapped around the pillow
The foetus/baby position: sleeping on your side with legs curled up
The foetus/baby position is one of the most common sleeping positions, with research by On Health finding that 41% of people sleep in this position. It is particularly common among women, with 47% of women surveyed by the BSC preferring this style of side sleeping.
In this position, sleepers lie on their side with their legs curled up underneath, mimicking the posture of a baby in the womb. Some people in the foetal position also curl one arm under their pillow to support their head.
According to Helena from Christy England, people who sleep in the foetus position tend to be sensitive. They like the sense of safety and security that this position offers. Professor and sleep expert, Chris Idzikowski, also found that the foetal position can be linked to shyness.
There are several health benefits associated with the foetus position. Firstly, it can help to alleviate snoring by keeping the airways more open. It can also reduce symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn, especially if sleepers lie on their left side, as this promotes digestion and blood circulation. Sleeping on the left side while pregnant is also recommended as it avoids putting unnecessary pressure on the back and cardiac system.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to the foetus position. Curling up tightly may restrict the expansion of the chest and diaphragm, potentially leading to shallow breathing. It can also cause strain on the neck and spine if the head is bent forward or sideways, and may increase body heat retention, making it difficult to regulate body temperature.
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The stargazer position: sleeping on your back with arms behind your head
While there is a lack of rigorous research on sleep positions and personality types, some studies have drawn connections between common sleep positions and personality traits. One such position is the stargazer, where you lie on your back with your arms behind your head. People who sleep in this position are said to be positive, helpful, and loyal to their loved ones. They are also said to have an easy-going, positive outlook and are extremely caring about their personal relationships.
The stargazer position is similar to the starfish position, where sleepers lie on their backs with their arms up near the pillow and their legs outstretched. Starfish sleepers value friendship, are good listeners, and are quick to help others. They are also said to be more carefree and tend to go with the flow.
Back sleeping, in general, is one of the most common sleep positions, as it distributes body weight evenly, leading to more restful sleep. It is also effective in preventing premature facial wrinkles since you don't press your face into your pillow every night. To enhance the benefits of back sleeping, a small pillow or rolled towel can be placed under the knees to maintain the natural curve of the spine. Additionally, a cervical pillow or a small, rounded pillow at the curve of the neck can help relieve neck pain.
The stargazer position is also similar to the soldier position, where sleepers lie on their backs with their arms down at their sides. Soldier sleepers report preferring this position for its health benefits and tend to stick to it throughout the night.
While the stargazer position may offer insights into personality traits and health benefits, it is important to note that these interpretations are not universally applicable and should be considered with a degree of flexibility.
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The soldier position: sleeping on your back with arms and legs straight
The soldier sleeping position is when you lie on your back with your arms straight and close to your sides and your legs straight and close together. It is also known as the "army pose" or "military pose" because it resembles a soldier's posture when standing still.
The soldier position is not as common as side or back sleeping, with only about 8%-11% of people preferring it. Soldier sleepers often report choosing this position for its health benefits, such as reduced spinal pain and better spinal alignment, and they tend not to change positions throughout the night. This position also distributes body weight evenly, which can lead to a more restful sleep and less strain on the neck and shoulders.
According to a survey by Professor Chris Idzikowski, people who sleep in the soldier position "don't like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards". They are often perceived as strong, silent, structured, and focused in their daily lives. However, it's important to note that different sleeping positions work for different people, and the wrong position can make it hard to fall asleep or cause you to wake up feeling unrested.
To improve sleep quality in the soldier position, it is recommended to use a pillow that supports your head to reduce pressure on your spine and neck. Placing a small pillow under your knees can also take pressure off your lower back and aid your spine's natural curve. Sleeping on a supportive mattress that suits your unique sleep posture is also important.
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The starfish position: sleeping on your back with arms and legs outstretched
The starfish position is when you sleep on your back with your arms up near the pillow and your legs outstretched. About 7% of survey respondents sleep in this position. Starfish sleepers tend to value friendship, and while they prefer not to be the centre of attention, they are good listeners and quick to help others. They are also likely to be more self-confident, open, and sensation-seeking.
Sleeping on your back distributes body weight evenly, so no one part of your body is under more pressure than another. This can lead to a more restful sleep. A smaller pillow or even a rolled towel under the knees can help to maintain the natural curve of the spine. Additionally, sleeping on your back can help to reduce snoring, prevent heartburn, and possibly boost brain health.
However, back sleeping is not recommended for everyone. For example, if you snore, have allergies, or experience heartburn, it may be better to elevate your head with a wedge pillow. If you experience back pain, putting a pillow under your belly or bending your knees with a pillow between your legs can provide support and relief.
The starfish position is similar to the yearner position, where sleepers lie on their side with their arms and legs stretched out in front of them. Yearners tend to be open-minded but suspicious and stubborn in sticking to their decisions. They may also experience shoulder pain due to the position of their arms.
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The skydiver position: sleeping on your stomach with your head to one side and arms wrapped around the pillow
The skydiver position is a sleeping style where one sleeps on their stomach with their head turned to one side and their arms wrapped around the pillow. This position is reminiscent of a skydiver in freefall, hence its name.
People who sleep in this position are thought to be playful, adventurous, and bold. They may also be more anxious when faced with uncomfortable situations and may not take criticism well. They may have a tough exterior but are sensitive on the inside.
The skydiver position, or freefall position, offers several advantages. It can help alleviate snoring and reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by preventing the collapse of the tongue and soft palate backward, which can obstruct the airway. It may also help reduce episodes of sleep paralysis. Additionally, this position can provide relief from back pain, especially for pregnant women in the early stages of their pregnancy.
However, sleeping in the skydiver position may not be suitable for everyone. It can lead to neck stiffness, muscle tension, and spinal misalignment due to the unnatural curvature of the spine. It may also exacerbate respiratory issues for individuals with asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorders by restricting the chest and abdomen, thereby increasing breathing difficulty.
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Frequently asked questions
Back sleeping is the second most popular position, and people who sleep like this tend to be focused, silent, strong, and conflict-avoiding. They also tend to be sensation-seekers and are likely to wake up feeling refreshed.
This is the most common sleeping position, especially among women. It is also known as the foetus or baby position. People who sleep on their sides tend to be shy, sensitive, and nurturing.
Stomach sleeping is less popular and is not recommended for pregnant women or those with neck injuries or back problems. People who sleep on their fronts tend to be playful, adventurous, and open-minded.
This is known as the starfish position. People who sleep like this tend to be outgoing, positive, and eager to support their friends. They also tend to be less gullible and more cynical.
This means you like to feel cosy and value your personal relationships. You are also likely to be family-oriented.
