What Your Sleep Style Says About You

Have you noticed that you stick to the same sleep position when you crawl into bed at night? There’s usually one position that makes you feel most comfortable and rested, and you can probably think of it right now. It’s not random – according to research by Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and the Advisory Service in the UK, it actually hints at your dominant personality traits. Whether you like to curl up into a ball or annoy your partner by taking up a ton of space, here’s what your sleep style says about you.

Illustration of the fetal sleep position.

Amy Schupruk

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The fetal position

What the fetal position is:

When you sleep with your legs curled up to your chest like a baby in a mother’s womb.

What the fetal position means:

According to Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and the Advisory Service, people who curl up into a ball while asleep tend to have a hard shell — projecting a tough exterior to mask their true sensitive nature. When meeting people for the first time, you tend to start off shy before becoming more personable once you’re comfortable. Curling up in this position suggests that you’re trying to comfort yourself at the end of the day, and you have the natural habit of worrying excessively over minor details. Sleep may not be enough of a stress-reliever for you — think about taking up yoga or meditation to relieve any tension you may be holding.

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Illustration of the log position sleep style.

Amy Tschupruk

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The log position

What the log position is:

When you sleep on your side with a straight body, with your limbs by your side.

What the log position means:

Unlike fetal position sleepers, you’re much more laid-back and willing to go with the flow. You’re social and pretty trusting of strangers, making it easy to forge new friendships and gain popularity. The downside is that you can be gullible at times, so keep this in mind as you’re meeting new people or “going with the flow.” Even though this is the least popular sleep position, you’re more likely to consider yourself healthier than anyone who sleeps in other positions.

Illustration of the freefall position sleep style.

Amy Tschupruk

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The freefall position

What the freefall position is:

When you sleep on your tummy with your arms wrapped around your pillow and head turned to one side.

What the freefall position means:

If this is your sleep position, Idzikowski’s research would place you as a gregarious, energetic person who can be sensitive to negative feedback or criticism. It’s not uncommon for you to be on edge, especially if you’re in extreme situations that are outside of your norm. While you’re awake, you may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, leaving you feeling overwhelmed or like your world is spinning out of control. You may want to take some time before bed to unwind, lighting some scented candles, meditating or applying a relaxing eye mask.

Illustration of the soldier position sleep style.

Amy Tshupruk

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The soldier position

What the soldier position is:

When you sleep on your back with your arms straight down your sides.

What the soldier position means:

As a soldier sleeper, you’re usually quiet and reserved — the type of person to throw yourself into your work and hold yourself to a high standard. Described as the strong but silent type, you’re demanding of others as well. However, you may want to be careful not to rub people the wrong way as you enforce your exacting demands because you don’t enjoy confrontation or making waves. Soldier sleepers are also the most likely to snore throughout the night than people who sleep in other positions.

Illustration of the starfish sleep style.

Amy Tschupruk

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The starfish position

What the starfish position is:

When you sleep on your back with your arms around your pillow.

What the starfish position means:

If you’re a startfish sleeper, you have a big heart and would be described as a good friend. You enjoy listening and helping out if someone else is in need. You’re truly selfless — you don’t like attention, proving that your good acts are coming from genuine place. Because you’re so giving, sometimes you can get caught up being a people-pleaser which can become exhausting. Make sure you take time out for yourself as much as you take time out for others. Also, like soldier sleepers who lie on their back as well, you’re probably snoring at night even if you don’t know it.

Amy Tschupruk

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The yearner position

What the yearner position is:

When you sleep on your side with your arms outstretched as if you’re yearning or grasping for something.

What the yearner position means:

If you sleep in this position, you’re more thoughtful and pragmatic — the type of person to weigh the pros and cons of a situation, taking the time to think decisions through. You may be slower to act than others, but once you’ve made up your mind, you’re unlikely to change it. Even though you’re open in nature, you can be suspicious and cynical, which is probably why you like to consider all sides of a situation before committing.

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