Most people have a go-to sleeping position they slip into every night, and researchers are trying to work out if that says something about who we are.
They admit there’s a lot more work to do to “convincingly explain the logic behind the connection”, but there are whispers of patterns in the data they’ve got so far.
The Sleep Foundation suggests: “Despite the lack of rigorous research on sleep position and personality, contemplating your preferred positions could still be interesting and useful.
“Research about sleep position can provide helpful insights into your health and sleep, as people often consciously or unconsciously adopt certain sleeping positions to help relieve uncomfortable symptoms.”
Back in the 1970s, sleep expert Samuel Dunkell reckoned those who curl up like they’re back in the womb – what’s known as the foetal position, with the body on one side and limbs tucked up – are likely to be “more anxious and emotional”. He describes those in a semi-foetal position to be “well adjusted”.
For those who sleep in a log-style, laid on their side with their arms and legs relatively straight, sleep scientist Chris Idzikowski claims you’re a “sociable” person who enjoys interacting with others.
The Sleep Foundation adds: “While these are attractive traits, he warns that this openness and willingness to trust could make them gullible.”
Those who seem to stretch out for something, arms or legs aloft as they slumber, may fall into the “cynical and suspicious” category. Idzikowski characterises back-sleepers with arms pinned by their side as “quiet and reserved”, but with “high standards”.
Starfish-style sleepers, sprawling on their backs with widespread limbs, are pegged as “good listeners” always ready to lend a hand. The freefall positioning – front-down sleep with limbs splayed out – points to outgoing personalities, which Idzikowski says might turn “sensitive” when faced with “criticism” or intense scenarios.
Commenting on their sleeping positions, one Reddit user said: “Side sleep always gives me shoulder joint pain. But still, I like to sleep in that position.”
Another user added: “I haven’t seen anyone else say this yet, but I sleep on my stomach, arms on the pillow near or underneath my head, but it’s so much more comfortable to face to my left.” A third user said: “As I got older and heavier I now prefer to sleep on my back. Before it was always on my side (either left or right works).”