You snooze you lose?
We all sleep. In fact, it is estimated that the average person spends 26 years sleeping. Now, have you ever thought about the position you sleep in, the impact it may have on your health, and how it corelates to your personality? Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, did exactly that. His study, published by the BBC, investigates the most common sleep positions and what they say about our personalities.
So, what kind of sleeper are you? Click through the gallery for some major insights.
This curled sleep position is similar to the one fetuses adopt in the mother's womb. Women are more likely to sleep in this position, when compared to men.
The study found that 41% of participants assume the fetal position when they hit the sack.
Those who sleep in the fetus position seem to share a personality trait: they may be somewhat difficult to relate to, but are in fact quite sensitive.
People who sleep in this position are often a bit timid and closed off at first, but then the conversation tends to flow naturally.
This sleep position resembles a log. Those who sleep in this position lie down in bed on their side, with their arms down.
A total of 15% of study participants said they assume the log position when they go to bed.
Log sleepers tend to be quite sociable. They have no problem trusting other people, regardless of how long they have known them for.
People who sleep in the log position tend to be very easy to get along with, yet they can be a bit naïve at times, too.
Do you lie on the side with both arms in front when you go to bed? You sleep in the yearner position.
The study found that 13% of participants sleep in the yearner position.
Those who sleep in the yearner position tend to be fairly open people, but they may also be seen as suspicious sometimes.
Yearner sleepers don't tend to rush when it comes to decision making. They take their time to carefully consider all aspects, and then stick to their decisions.
People who sleep in the soldier position lay down on their backs straight, with both arms on the sides.
Not many study participants reported sleeping in the soldier position. In fact, only 8% claimed to do so.
When it comes to personality traits, soldier sleepers tend to be more reserved and like to keep their personal lives private.
People who sleep in the soldier position tend to set high standards for both themselves and others.
Do you lay down flat on your stomach with your head turned to one side and hug your pillow when you sleep? This prone sleep position is called the freefall.
This sleep position is not very popular among study participants, with only 7% claiming to adopt it when it's time to hit the hay.
According to the study, people who adopt this sleep position tend to be impulsive and somewhat nervous individuals.
Freefall sleepers do not take criticism well and find it particularly difficult to deal with stressful situations.
Those who assume the starfish position lay on their backs with both arms up, often around the pillow.
Only 5% of study participants claimed to sleep in the starfish position.
Starfish sleepers tend to be good listeners and are available to help others. Those who sleep in this position tend to make friends easily.
Those who sleep in this position are often there for others, but they don't like to be the center of attention.
Many study participants were unable to describe the position they slept in, so the study result data doesn't add up to 100%.
According to Chris Idzikowski, the research was based on the study of body language. "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," he explained.
Professor Idzikowski also examined the best sleeping positions, based on quality of sleep and general well-being.
The study found that the freefall position was the best for digestion, while the soldier and starfish positions may lead to snoring, compromising a good night's sleep.
What about you? What position do you adopt when you go to bed?
Sources: (BBC)
The connection between sleep positions and personality traits
What kind of sleeper are you?
HEALTH Sleep
We all sleep. In fact, it is estimated that the average person spends 26 years sleeping. Now, have you ever thought about the position you sleep in, the impact it may have on your health, and how it corelates to your personality? Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, did exactly that. His study, published by the BBC, investigates the most common sleep positions and what they say about our personalities.
So, what kind of sleeper are you? Click through the gallery for some major insights.