Do you know that the average human spends about one-third of their lifetime sleeping? Good day to all my sleepy heads. Let me throw another fact at you. Did you know that humans can survive for approximately 3 to 4 weeks without food, but only around 11 days without sleep?
Since the time I conceived, I have always felt that my sleep schedule and even my sleeping position drastically changed. I used to be a stomach sleeper, and from the time I revealed my pregnancy, I was advised not to sleep on my stomach by my family members. And once I reached the third trimester, I was allowed to sleep only on my side. I missed my old sleeping positions, which were pure comfort for me, and was looking for some safe sleep positions for pregnant women.
While sleep positions and benefits during pregnancy are a whole lot of topics, another interesting fact about sleep position is its connection with some personality traits. In this article, I have listed out 7 different sleep positions and the characteristics of each position's sleepers. I hope you find this interesting, just like I did.
Knowing Your Sleep Position
To find out what your sleep position is, first of all, observe which position you find comfortable to settle in once you hit the bed. Also, don’t forget to notice which position you are in when you wake up in the morning. You may toss and turn and change positions all through the night, but mostly you are likely to spend most of the night in your favourite position.
Sleep Position and Personality Traits
Chris Idzikowski, a sleep expert, conducted studies on the connection between different sleep positions and personality traits. Based on his research, he termed some common sleep positions and some characteristics associated with each of them, providing an in-depth knowledge of how one's sleep position is connected with their personality.
Samuel Dunkel is another prominent sleep researcher who worked on this aspect. His works reveal that the way we sleep can give insights into our emotional and psychological states.
This article is based on the works of these two prominent sleep researchers.
Sleep Positions
Sleep positions can be categorized into three general types: side sleeping, sleeping on your stomach, and sleeping on your back.
But there are 7 specific sleeping positions, such as fetal, semi-fetal, log, yearner, soldier, royal, and freefall.
Characteristics of Each Sleep Position
Fetal
As the name suggests, this position resembles a fetus (the baby in the womb is called a fetus). If you sleep on your side with your legs curled up towards your chest, then your sleep position is Fetal.
Fetal sleepers crave comfort and security, and are very anxious and sensitive individuals. They overthink a lot and are very worry-prone. Though you stay away from being social, you are a very caring and compassionate personality.
Semi-Fetal
This also resembles the fetal position except for the fact that the legs are gently bent inwards and not fully towards the chest.
Unlike fetal sleepers, you do not crave intense comfort and security but seek them to some extent. You can be sensitive but not very anxious and have a balanced emotional state. You have a peaceful social presence and are open to relationships.
Log
This is also a side sleeping position. If you sleep on your side with your hands and legs straight over your body, then your sleep position is log.
You are a social butterfly if you sleep in this position. You are very easy-going and tend to be less complicated and go with the flow. You are also a very stable and reliable person, and you trust others too easily.
Yearner
This position is similar to the log, except the arms and legs are outstretched toward the side like you are reaching out for something.
Unlike log sleepers, you do not trust people that easily. Yet you are very open-minded and strong-willed. With both curiosity and skepticism, you struggle to make decisions and are often perceived as indecisive.
Soldier
This is a back sleeping position where your arms and legs are straight with your arms at the sides of your body.
Just like a Soldier, you are a highly disciplined person and seek order and structure in everything. You can often be quiet and reserved, yet you are a very thoughtful personality. You are very goal-oriented, passion-driven, and can be quite critical at times.
Royal
Also known as the starfish position, sleeping on your back with your arms and legs stretched and your arms over your head, resembling a starfish, makes you fall under this category.
As a royal position sleeper, you enjoy being the centre of attention. You always value a good friendship and are good listeners. These people are very helpful, supportive, and caring towards friends and family.
You have an easy-going attitude, and people often enjoy your company.
Freefall
If you sleep on your stomach with your arms around the pillow or above, and your head towards the side, then this is your sleep position.
Loves to take risks, bold and adventurous. You people are also social butterflies and very lively and entertaining companions. You also have a sensitive side and may struggle with taking criticism and negative comments. Though you are a very supportive friend, sometimes you can be perceived as a people pleaser.
Your honest nature and carefree attitude make people seek your company.
Sleep Positions and Health
Back Sleeping
Royal and soldier are back sleeping positions. These positions are good for your spinal health as they maintain the natural alignment of your body.
You can place a pillow under your knees to relieve the stress on your lower back.
Side Sleeping
Fetal, semi-fetal, log, and yearner are side sleeping positions. Side sleeping, especially on the left side, can be beneficial for individuals with digestive issues, acid reflux etc.,. It can also be beneficial for those who have trouble breathing while in bed.
Usually, pregnant women are advised to sleep on their sides as it can be beneficial for the baby.
Stomach Sleeping
Free-fall position is the stomach sleeping position. This position may help reduce snoring. Some individuals find this position more comfortable than others.
Tips for a Good Night's Sleep
In this Digital era, the screens and blue lights can interfere with the quality of our sleep. So it is important that we create a night routine to prepare our mind and body for a good night's sleep.
Make your bed every day, change the sheets every week, and maintain a clean bedroom. This creates a good, pleasing sleep environment. Maintain an optimal room temperature, as a too-cool or too-hot place can disturb your sleep.
Avoid scrolling gadgets before and after getting into your bed. I keep all of my gadgets outside the bedroom, and I love to use my traditional alarm clock instead of my mobile phone.
Have a light dinner and say a big no to caffeine before bed. Many of our moms would have given us a warm cup of milk before bed, and I don't know how many of us are still following that habit. But it helps.
Some of us till now may not have even noticed that they have a favourite position to sleep or their sleep position. But I am sure after reading this article, you will start noticing not only your sleep position but also that of your loved ones. You can also check if the above-mentioned personality traits match with their sleep positions.
Do write in the comments about your sleep position and if this helped in knowing the personality of your loved ones. Sleep right, sleep tight.
Until next time. Toodles.....
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