We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, but have you ever considered what your favourite sleeping position might reveal about you?
Whether you’re a loyal side-sleeper, someone who loves time on your tummy, or someone who tosses, turns and changes positions through the night, the way we sleep can affect everything from our spinal health to our mood.
But how much could small shifts in posture lead to a better night’s rest?
When we’re young we spend most of the night flitting between nearly all sleeping positions, however, as we get older people tend to favour only one.
The four main positions are side, back, foetal and front. Each has certain pros, cons and could say something about your personality…
Side sleepers:
More than 60% of people sleep on their side. It promotes healthy spine alignment and is the position to most likely decrease back pain. The flexibility of our spine decreases as we age, which may make the side sleeping position more comfortable for older adults.
Side sleeping can also reduce heartburn and acid reflux.
Your sleeping personality reveals that you are an easy going and social individual. You can chat to anybody in a room and strike up a conversation with anyone you meet. However, you prefer to keep your inner circle small, and you are your true self around those closest to you. You wear your heart on your sleeve and are very trusting which means sometimes people think you are naive. You are thoughtful and conscious about every decision you make.
Sleeping on your back:
Lying on your back is the second most popular position. Like the side, it is great for spine alignment and allows your body to evenly distribute its weight meaning no stiff necks in the morning. Back sleeping is most useful when recovering from a cold or flu and even when suffering from allergies. Propping yourself up on your back keeps the airways open and prevents mucus build up in the nose.
Your sleeping personality reveals that you are a determined, strong and silent type. You keep your eye on the ball and always seek out the most efficient route. You’re able to cut through the clutter and steer clear of conflict. You are honest and love routine. You hold yourself and others to a high standard but keep your opinions to yourself. You want to live life to the fullest and lead with your strong personality.
Stomach sleepers:
The stomach is the least popular sleep position. Research suggests we spend less than 10% of our night sleeping in this position. Stomach sleeping does have some benefits, however. Stomach sleeping position can help relieve snoring, by opening up your airway. However, your ribs do have to work against gravity to breathe in this position, which may force you to use more energy and thereby make your sleep less restful.
Sleeping on your stomach puts the most pressure on your back and can lead to pain in the morning. Lying on your front also displaces your neck as you have to sleep with you head to the side. This is the most common cause for morning neck pain.
Your sleeping personality reveals that you are a fun, playful, open-minded individual. You usually are a ‘straight to the point’ kind of individual however sometimes you may come across as a bit harsh. You emit a free-spiritedness in the way you move through life. However, you like to have control over everything. You may also find it difficult to handle criticism constructively.
Foetal Position:
The foetal position gets its name from the shape of a baby in the womb. In the foetal position, your body is curled up into a ball while lying on one side with your knees tucked up and elbow tucked in. It is an extremely common sleeping position for children and adults. Foetal position not only reduces snoring but also heartburn meaning both you and your partner can have a restful night’s sleep.
Foetal position can also improve morning back pain as sleeping on your side reduces the pressure on your spine during the night. Try to ensure that your spine is aligned with the neck whilst in foetal position to guarantee less back and neck pain when you wake up.
You’re sleeping personality reveals that you are an introverted and timid type. Foetal position is associated with sensitivity and anxiety, as well as a desire for comfort. Foetal position sleepers may be conscientious and organized, with a tendency to overthink things and look inwards. You may be initially shy, but underneath you’re warm-hearted and kind.
However, what really matters is that you are sleeping the way you feel you get the most rest. Forget the aesthetics and whether there is a ‘trendy’ way to sleep, when your head meets the pillow the only thing that matters is a good deep rest.
Disclaimer: The position you sleep in doesn’t not truly determine what time of character you have, or person you are.
