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Sleeping Styles

Your sleeping style can tell a lot about your personality type, says sleep specialist Chris Idzikowski, Ph.D., and director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service in London. In a study of 1,000 people, Idzikowski found that each of the six most popular sleeping positions was linked to a particular personality type. Some positions are also better suited to people with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.

  1. Fetal Position

    • Fetal position, in which sleepers are curled up into a ball on their sides holding the pillow, is the most popular sleep style. According to Idzikowski's study, 41 percent of participants sleep in fetal position, and more than twice as many women as men preferred this sleep style. In terms of personality, the study showed that fetal position sleepers tend to be tough on the outside, but very sensitive inside, and often come across as shy when meeting people for the first time. Fetal position is a popular choice for sufferers of restless leg syndrome because it enables them to hold their legs still.

    Log Position

    • Log sleepers lie on their sides with both arms down at their sides and legs outstretched. This position was the second most popular, with 15 percent of participants saying they sleep in log style. Log sleepers were found to be easy going, social and trusting of strangers, though some might be gullible.

    Yearner Position

    • Thirteen percent of study participants said they sleep in the yearner position. This style is similar to the log, with the sleeper lying on their side, except arms are outstrecthed in front of the sleeper instead of at their sides. Yearner sleepers may be cynical and suspicious although they appear to have an open nature. They also can take a long time to make decisions, but once they do, they stick to them.

    Soldier Position

    • The sodier position, lying on your back with both arms at your sides, was preferred by 8 percent of study participants. In terms of personality, soldier sleepers tend to be reserved and quiet. They expect high standards from themselves and others, and don't like to complain. This position is the worst choice for those who snore or suffer from sleep apnea because it can make these conditions worse and lead to a poor night's sleep.

    Freefall Position

    • Freefallers lie on their stomachs with their hands around their pillow and heads turned to the side. This position was favored by 7 percent of participants. Freefall sleepers tend to be brash and outgoing, and can have difficulty dealing with criticism and stressful situations. This sleep position is the best for digestion.

    Starfish Position

    • Starfish position, lying on your back with both arms around your pillow, was the least popular sleep position, with only 5 percent of participants favoring it. Starfish sleepers prefer not being the center of attention, are good listeners and like to help others. Because starfish sleepers lie on their backs, it is a poor choice for sleepers who struggle with snoring or sleep apnea.

    Varied Positions

    • Eleven percent of survey participants do not sleep in any of the six most common positions, or sleep in a variety of positions each night.

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