You may not achieve the comfort levels and sleep position you are used to in your bed at home, but look around the cabin next time you fly to see the many different positions we adopt whilst asleep.
A study by sleep expert Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, suggested a correlation between six common sleeping positions and the personality traits of the sleepers themselves. Preferred sleeping positions are seen as a sort of subconscious body language that reflects our inner traits. The study was commissioned by a large hotel group.
The most common sleeping positions and corresponding personality- identified were:
- The Foetus: Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but
sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.
- Log (15%): Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.
- The yearner (13%): People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.
- Soldier (8%): Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don’t like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.
- Freefall (7%): Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don’t like criticism, or extreme situations.
- Starfish (5%): Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don’t like to be the centre of attention.
The remainder of those in the poll said the position they fell asleep varied or did not know.
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/
Interesting list- I wonder how valid this is for most people? One thing this post does not mention is which positions are recommended for better sleeping:
“Sleeping on your stomach or with your head elevated can give you aches and pains. Medical experts recommend only two sleeping positions: Sleep on your side, with the spine straight; or on your back, maintaining the primary curvature of the cervical spine.” -Power Sleep
Cool article, my clients always complain about injuries, supposedly from sleeping. I wonder which position would be most common to cause injuries?
I sleep in the soldier position but my hands are not by my side, they are crossed on my chest like a body in a coffin…what about that position?