What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You?

There’s nothing better than crawling into bed at the end of a long day. Whether you like to starfish across the bed or curl up into a ball, everyone has a favourite position to doze off in. Have you ever wondered what your sleeping position says about your personality though?

In 2003, Professor Chris Idzikowski from the UK’s Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service analysed six common sleeping positions. He concluded that each position was linked to a particular personality type.

The Foetus

Those who curl up in the nation’s most popular position were found to have a tough exterior, but were sensitive at heart.

Starfish

These people were always willing to listen to others, but did not enjoy being the centre of attention.

Soldier

People who sleep on their back with their arms pinned by their sides were found to be quite reserved.

Log

Those who sleep on their side were found to be easy-going people who were social and trusting of strangers.

The Yearner

Sleepers who lay on their side with arms outstretched were considered open natured, but can often be suspicious and cynical.

Freefall

These people lie on their fronts with their arms around the pillow, and are often brash and gregarious.

Although Professor Idzikowski was unable to replicate his findings in further studies, his research did prove to be a successful vehicle for health messages. He concluded that the freefall position was good for digestion, and the starfish was likely to lead to snoring.

And whilst individual positions may not have been found to be specifically linked to certain personality traits, it’s widely recognised that sleeping in the wrong position can have an effect on your mood and personality in day to day life.

Sleeping in a position or on a mattress which is uncomfortable can disrupt your slumber, and can significantly alter your personality and mood. Our resident sleep expert, Cristabel Majendie, says that you may lack motivation, experience concentration problems, and feel less social.

Studies have shown that preferences for sleeping positions change with age too - so a particular position or mattress which used to be comfortable may no longer be as you get older.

Research suggests that the older you are, the less likely you are to move in your sleep. Children spend almost equal amounts of time sleeping on their backs, sides, and stomachs, whilst adults show a preference for sleeping on their side, so it’s always worth reviewing your sleeping position and mattress comfort every so often - especially if you’re struggling to doze off.

If you find that disrupted sleep has had a negative impact on your personal life, changing something as simple as your position, or choosing a mattress to suit personal preference, could help improve your sleep, health and mood.