Baby, yearner, starfish: Chances are, you have a favorite sleep position, and it turns out how you choose to snooze can say a whole lot about your personality. In fact, your preferred sleep position can reveal everything from the way you perceive problems to how you communicate with others, says U.K.-based body language and relationship expert Annabelle Knight.
Sleep positions and personality
Curious? Below, check out the most common sleep positions and what they say about your personality.
Baby
If you sleep like a baby in the fetal position (curled up in a little ball), you’re looking to be comforted and may be dealing with insecurities. “It’s actually one of the most common sleeping positions, which makes sense, as this is the way you slept while you were in the womb,” says Knight. “Because of this, it provides a level of comfort and brings you back to your childhood—which suggests that even though you may have a tough exterior, you hide a sensitive soul beneath.” (See how a weighted blanket calms and comforts for better sleep.)
Free faller
This sleep position consists of sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side and your arms either wrapped around your pillow or stretched out to either side. “As a general rule, this position symbolizes open, fun personalities, but they harbor anxious thoughts fairly often,” says Knight, noting that free fallers may not be as free-spirited as they seem. Knight adds that free fallers don’t like criticism and crave control.
Soldier
Back sleepers who snooze with their arms down toward their sides are also known as soldiers, as this position looks like you’re standing at attention. “These types of sleepers are known to take themselves very seriously and often have high expectations of both themselves and others,” says Knight. “They’re huge fans of structure and routine and tend to be on the more serious side.”
Related: How to find the perfect sleep routine, based on your Enneagram type
Log
The log position is a side-sleeping position—but unlike the fetal position (where the person is curled up like a ball), in this position, you sleep with your legs extended straight with arms in place. “People who sleep like this are typically social and easygoing but could be overly trusting or gullible,” says Knight. “They get along well with everyone, even strangers, which can lead to them having a wide variety of social circles.”
Yearner
This position is similar to the log, but instead of having one’s arms extended, your arms are stretched out in front, as if you’re reaching for something. “These people tend to be very complex individuals and take a very long time making decisions because they don’t actually trust themselves,” says Knight. Yearners have a rational approach to life but tend to be suspicious of people, which could be due to past failed relationships. Basically, these people are always yearning for close relationships but are worried they’re not going to get them.
Starfish
People who sleep in the starfish position sleep on their backs with their arms stretched above their heads and legs spread apart. “This is actually the least popular sleeping position, but even though these types of people may be unconventional, they make lovely and loyal friends,” stresses Knight. Starfish sleepers are supportive, empathetic, and great listeners—which can make them feel like everyone’s “agony aunt” (a British slang term for advice columnist), Knight says.
Is your sleep style written in the stars? Here, learn what your astrological sign says about the way you sleep.
