Updated on February 11, 2023
A person’s sleep position is known as the body or limb positioning during or prior to sleep. It determines the health conditions, relationship status, and even one’s personality. As a result, choosing an appropriate way to sleep is very important for every human being. We typically may not always be in control of the position in which we adopt throughout the night, but, wouldn’t it be interesting to learn more about what this says about your personality?
There are mainly three broad types of sleeping positions which are side, back, and stomach, however, each of these has several variations which we break down and discuss further below. Here are what sleep positions mean and say about the personality of an individual:
Fetus / Fetal Position
This is typically the way a baby forms in its mother’s womb. Here, the back is curved, the head is bowed, and the limbs are bent drawn up to the torso. This type of sleeping position is suggested by medical professionals to minimize acid reflux and is generally a good way of slumber due to increased airflow. In terms of psychology, when a person has suffered extreme physical or psychological trauma or stress, they tend to prefer the fetal position or something similar. When many of us face difficulties in life, the body often automatically chooses this defensive manner during slumber too. Researchers found that the fetal position is commonly adopted by highly emotional, shy, and sensitive characters. According to sleep specialist Chris Idzikowski PhD and author of the book Sound Asleep: Expert Guide To Sleeping Well, its told that women are twice as more likely to adopt this way compared to men, and that overall 41% of people prefer to sleep like this.
Log Position
The log position is when you sleep on your side with both arms straight down by your side. It is said that the people who are log sleepers are very social, easy-going, and also very trusting of those close to them and even strangers. These sleepers like being part of the in-crowd and are generally the more open-minded liberal characters in society. However, these sleepers may be gullible compared to others. Although laying on your side is medically proven to be the best sleeping position (only if you have a good mattress and decent pillows), a survey of 1000 participants found that only 15% slept like a log.
Yearner Position
In the yearner sleeping position, individuals sleep with both arms out in front of the body, with his or her head slightly off the center of the pillow, arms outstretched along the base of the pillow, back quite straight, and legs very slightly bent. In Dr. Idzikowski’s study of a 1000 pool of participants, it was found that 13% of people slept like this. The personality traits of these sleepers is open-minded yet potentially suspicious, and also rather stubborn about sticking to decisions once they are made.
Soldier Position
These types of sleepers lay flat on their back, face to the ceiling with both arms usually pinned down at the side or slightly outwards, and legs in a straight fashion. In the study mentioned above, it was found that 8% of people sleep in this way. In terms of personality traits, those who encounter the soldier sleep position are usually reserved and relatively quiet, living life without a fuss, and like to hold themselves as well as others to a high standard. These sleepers have a higher rate for snoring due to the flat back or perhaps the inability to obtain the best sleeping position due to lack of comfort provided by mattress or pillow, which may not necessarily cause them to wake up often, but may result in an overall less restful nights sleep.
Freefall Position
Those who lie on their stomach with arms under, on top of, or wrapped around holding a pillow with head turned to the side are called freefall sleepers. Researchers found a total amount of 7% of people tends to fall asleep in or encounter this manner of sleep throughout the night. Freefallers are brash, outgoing. They are most likely not favorable towards any criticism, confrontation, or extreme situations.
Starfish Position
Anyone who sleeps on their back with arms up near the head or pillow is called a starfish position sleeper. The common positioning characteristic is sleeping on your back with both arms and legs out in a five-pointed pattern, kind of like a starfish, from which the name derives. The estimated amount of these types of sleepers is 5%. Although these people are generally good listeners and very helpful overall, they do not like to be the center of attention. Also, they tend to make good friends due to the fact they always ready to listen to others, and offer kind ears when needed. Individuals choosing a starfish sleeping position are more likely to snore and to suffer from a poor night’s sleep more often than others.