What is assumed and what can be proven are often two very different things. The research does seem to show that some personality traits may be somehow linked to sleeping position. Here we’ll take a look at the six most common sleeping positions and what they may say about personality.
So, what does your sleep position mean? Let’s take a look at data from a couple different surveys that try to shed some light on this topic.
The first is from the British hotel chain, Premier Inn. In this survey, the hotel chain asked over one thousand Britons a number of questions relating to their sleep positions and personality traits. The data was analyzed by Robert Phipps, a body language expert, in order to see if sleep style may reflect a person’s personality and outlook on life. Only four sleep positions were looked at in the study done by Phipps
Another study was conducted by Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service. He analyzed six different sleep styles by surveying 1,000 people. What the professor found is very interesting. Believe it or not, Professor Idzikowski found each sleep position is linked to a type of personality.
“We are all aware of our body language when we are awake but this is the first time we have been able to see what our subconscious posture says about us,” Idzikowski said. He was a bit shocked by the data, too.
“What’s interesting is that the profile behind the posture is often very different from what we would expect,” said Idzikowski.
Are you curious about the meaning of sleeping positions? Here are the six common sleep styles and the personality traits the two studies found tend to along with them. Information is from the Idzikowski study and the percentages are of the total survey sample in Idzikowski’s study.
Your Sleep Position Personality Analysis
Here are some quick descriptions followed by a more detailed version below. Find your sleeping position and see if you match up with the findings.
- Fetal – tough on the outside, but softies on the inside.
- Log – easygoing and extroverted.
- Yearner – slow to make decisions, but sure-headed.
- Soldier – reserved and quiet.
- Freefall – gregarious and bold.
- Starfish – introverted good listeners.
Posture by the Number
Percentages are from Chris Idzikowski’s sleep survey.
The Fetal Position (41%)
People who prefer the fetal position sleep in a curled posture that is similar to that of a developing human embryo, thus the name, “fetal.” Those who prefer this style tend to be described as tough on the outside, but sensitive at heart. They may start off shy when they first meet someone, but soon soften up.
The fetal sleep position is the most common of them all and oddly, twice as many women prefer it than men.
The Log Position (15%)
The aptly named log sleeping position is for those more tree-like slumberers. This is not a reference to the level of sleep one attains or the log sawing of snorers, but rather the way log sleepers look with both arms down by their sides. People who snooze this way are easy going and social people who love to be part of the “in” crowd. They also tend to trust strangers and may be prone to gullibility.
The Yearner (13%)
In this posture, the sleeper is on their side with both arms out in front of their bodies, as if yearning for someone or something. Yearner sleepers have an open nature, but can by cynical and suspicious. Often slow to make up their minds, yearners stick with a decision once they make it.
The Soldier (8%)
This position resembles a toy soldier on its back with arms pinned at the sides. People who sleep in the soldier posture are prone to being reserved and quiet. Soldier sleepers are also known for setting high standards for themselves and others. They won’t throw a fit, but expect more from everyone and everything.
The Freefaller (7%)
The freefall sleeping position is lying on your front with your hands up around the pillow. Freefallers are often sociable and brazen, while also fairly nervous and thin-skinned. The study did not mention a strong preference of Tom Petty songs, though one could assume…
The Starfish (5%)
People in the starfish sleeping posture are on their backs with their arms up around the pillow. Starfish sleepers tend to be good listeners and offer help when it’s needed, so they are good people to have around. Those who prefer this sleeping style do not like being in the center of attention.
What is the Best Sleep Position?
There is no “best sleeping position,” though there are certain sleeping positions that may be better for certain conditions. Whether you sleep on your back, side or stomach, keeping your back supported and body aligned is key for avoiding aches and pains.
If you have back problems, sleep apnea or any other medical condition, you should ask your doctor for advice. For everyone else, the best sleep position is the one you rest easiest in.
If you have a few seconds take our poll and let us know which position you sleep in and what personality type you most identify with.
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