During the day you speak volumes with your body language, do you do the same at night? Sleep expert Chris Idzikowski has investigated this and has come to the conclusion that the position in which you fall asleep indeed says something about your character. He examined six popular sleeping positions and discovered that each of these positions has some distinct character traits, which are quite different from each other. The six sleeping positions examined by Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, are:
Fetal position
This is the most common position. As many as 41% of people sleep on their side with their legs raised. Idzikowski characterizes these people (including twice as many women as men) as ‘rough guys with a white spirit’. They seem strong and tough but are actually very sensitive, you need some time to get to know them because when you first meet them they are often a bit shy.
Wood block
Logs lie on their sides, arms and legs extended. About 15% of people prefer this sleeping position. Woodblocks are social, easy-going and want to be liked. They are trusting and therefore sometimes a bit naive.
The yearner
Cravers (about 13% of people in this context) also lie on their sides but with their arms extended forward, as if they want to grab something or someone. They are open but can also be suspicious and cynical. Cravers have difficulty making decisions, but once they make a decision they stick to it.
The soldier
The soldier lies at attention: on his back, with his arms close to his body. Soldiers are calm, quiet and reserved. The soldier is a real perfectionist, he sets the bar very high for himself and others and certainly does not want to fail. We can count about 8% of the population as soldiers.
Free fall
People in ‘free fall’ lie on their stomachs with their arms next to their heads on the pillow. About 7 percent of respondents prefer this attitude. They are people who cannot handle criticism well and hate extreme situations. They can be nervous but are usually sociable people.
Starfish
About 5% of the population prefers to sleep on their back with their arms next to their head on the pillow (reverse free fall). Starfish are social creatures, they are good listeners and are there for you in moments of need. They are good friends but do not like to be the center of attention.
People appear to be very loyal to their sleeping positions, only 5% of those surveyed fall asleep in a different position every night .
Health
It also appears that your sleeping position affects your health. On your back or on your side is best in that regard. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended because the neck will then be in a strong twist and you will have a hollow back. Sooner or later this will cause back and/or neck problems. The free fall, on the other hand, is good for digestion, while the starfish and the soldier are more likely to lead to snoring and a poor night’s sleep.