The Psychology of Sleeping Positions: What You Reveal In Your Sleep

Ever wondered what your favourite sleeping position says about your personality? How about your relationships? Yep! Your body language can reveal a lot about your thoughts and your personality, even (surprise, surprise) when you are fast asleep. The Reader’s Digest got a few experts to weigh in on the topic, and this is what they had to say:

 

“When you think about it,” observes David Gurnear MD of NYC Surgical Associates, “Most people spend six or more hours per day sleeping, so of course your sleeping position reveals a lot about you.” And by that, Dr. Gruener is referring not only to your personality but your health. Michelle Robin, DC adds that your sleeping position can also affect your health. “If you remain in a position for hours at a time that puts a kink in your neck, numbs your arm, or hurts your hip, it takes a toll,” she explains. “One that is not merely physical, but also mental and energetic.”

 

What then, does the way you snuggle up and catch some Zs, reveal about your personality? To figure that out, we decoded the most common sleeping position for you, so read on and prepare to be enlightened.

 

1. The Foetal Position:

The most common of them all, 41% of all sleepers adopt this position. Those who find comfort in this style of shut eye can be described as having a hard shell: tough on the outside, soft on the inside. They typically are shy when you first meet them, then tend to open up and relax quickly. An interesting fact to add to this is that double the amounts of women adopt this position compared to men. We wonder what that says about us as society, don’t you?

 

2. The Log:

These are those amongst us who literally ‘sleep like a log’.  Now, you might think that this suggests that they are boring and super rigid, but the exact opposite is actually true. People who sleep like a log are usually social butterflies, friendly, carefree and extremely trusting. The downside? People can take them for a ride due to their gullible nature.

 

3. The Yearner:

 Almost as if you are reaching out for something, the ‘yearner’ sleeps on their side with their arms stretched out in front of them. These folks tend to be a wee bit complicated; they are open-minded, yet cynical; slow and suspicious when making a decision, but stick to it once they make up their minds.

 

4. The Soldier: 

This position is pretty much what it sounds like. Sleeping on their backs back with their arms straight by their side, soldiers are typically quiet, reserved and hold both themselves and others to a strict moral code. Studies say that only eight percent of people sleep this way. Are you one of them?

 

5. The Free Faller:

Lying on their stomach with their arms wrapped around their pillow, free fallers are bold and sociable on the outside, but lack the tenacity to deal with criticism or any absurd situations. It’s also interesting to know that most people find it super uncomfy to sleep on their stomach, but those who do won’t have it any other way.

 

6. The Starfish: 

 

 

As cute as their underwater namesake, starfish sleepers are comfortable, carefree and friendly kind of peeps. They are also always are eager to lend an ear or give a helping hand to their friends in need. They don’t necessarily like being the centre of attention, but don’t mind if they are, occasionally. Sleeping sprawled over their beds, starfish sleepers make the most loyal friends; so if your BFF sleeps like that, consider it a great sign.

 

7. The Stargazer:

Lying on their backs with their arms wrapped around their heads, those who sleep in this dreamy position have a positive, happy-go-lucky outlook in life. They are also loyal people who prioritize their friends and do what they can to help them.

 

8. The Pillow Hugger:

As cuddly in real life as they love to get in bed, pillow huggers cherish their close relationships over and above anything else. They hold their friends; family and SO in high regard and prioritise them in life.

 

9. The Thinker:

Last but not least, this position is similar to the foetal position, except that they rest their hand gently on their chin. Emotions run high and tend to vary between two extremes for those who find themselves in a thinker-like sleeping pose.

 

So, what did you learn about your personality? Let us know in the comments.