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What Your Sleep Position Says About Your Personality (According to Science… Sort Of)

26 novembre, 2025

We all have a favourite sleep position, the one we happily settle into at the end of a long day without even thinking about it. What’s yours? Mine is on my stomach (I know, it’s terrible), but I usually end up on my right side because Thor, my French Bulldog, is snoring there.

Our choice of sleep position is highly personal, but it's also much more than just a preference. We spend roughly one-third of our lives asleep, which means a huge portion of our time is spent in just a handful of postures. These positions can affect how well we sleep and have a real impact on our physical health. There's even research suggesting that our sleep position can influence our dreams and offer a glimpse into our personality.

Let's explore what your chosen sleep position might be helping (or hurting) and what it could reveal about who you are.

Why We Sleep the Way We Do

Comfort is the first thing that comes to mind when we think about sleep positions, but it’s not the only factor.

Several other, often less obvious, elements influence how we choose to rest.

Age and Gender

As we get older, many of us gravitate towards sleeping on our side. Research indicates this preference starts in early adulthood and becomes more common with age. Specifically, a preference for right-side sleeping often emerges in older adults, possibly as an instinctive way to protect heart function during sleep, though scientists are still exploring this.

Gender also plays a role.

Studies suggest women are twice as likely as men to sleep in the foetal position. During pregnancy, sleep position becomes even more critical. The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women sleep on their left side to increase the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta.

What Sleep Psychology Suggests About Personality

While the science is still developing, some sleep psychologists and body language experts believe our subconscious posture at night can reveal aspects of our personality.

Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, analysed six common sleep positions and found that each is linked to a particular personality type. Let's see what your sleep position says about you.

Common Sleep Positions & Personality Traits

Foetal Position: The Sensitive Soul

The most common sleep position, especially among women, is the foetal position, curled up on your side with your knees bent. According to Professor Idzikowski's research, people who sleep this way are often described as having a tough exterior but a sensitive heart. They might be shy when they first meet someone, but tend to relax and open up quickly. Other research links the foetal position to sensitivity, anxiety, and a desire for comfort. These sleepers may be conscientious and organised, but also prone to overthinking.

The Log & The Yearner: The Social and The Sceptical

Log sleepers lie on their side with both arms down by their sides. About 15% of people prefer this position. These sleepers are typically easy-going, social, and enjoy being part of a crowd.

They are trusting, which can sometimes make them a bit gullible.

Yearners also sleep on their side but with both arms outstretched in front of them, as if reaching for something. These individuals are said to have an open nature but can also be suspicious and cynical. They tend to be slow to make decisions, but once their mind is made up, they stick to it.

Soldier & Starfish: The Reserved and The Reliable

Soldier sleepers lie on their back with their arms pinned to their sides.

These sleepers are often quiet, reserved, and don't like a lot of fuss. They tend to set high standards for themselves and others. Research also associates back sleeping in general with self-confidence and stubbornness.

Starfish sleepers lie on their back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers are known for being excellent friends. They are always ready to listen and offer help when needed, but generally don't like being the centre of attention.

Freefall: The Bold and Brash

Sleeping on your stomach with your hands around the pillow and your head turned to one side is known as the freefall position. People who adopt this posture are often seen as gregarious and brash. Underneath, however, they can be nervy, thin-skinned, and don't respond well to criticism or extreme situations. This is the least popular position, with only about 7% of people choosing it.

What Your Sleep Position Means for Your Body

While the personality links are fun to consider, your sleep position has a much more direct impact on your physical health. Spinal alignment, breathing, and circulation are all affected by how you lie down at night.

Back Sleepers (Soldier & Starfish)

Sleeping on your back is often considered the best position for spinal health. It allows your body to rest in a neutral alignment, distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure points.

This can be especially beneficial for people with arthritis.

However, back sleeping isn't for everyone.

It can worsen snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea by allowing the airway to collapse more easily. For those with acid reflux, sleeping on your back can help, but only if your head is elevated above your stomach.

Side Sleepers (Foetal, Log & Yearner)

Side sleeping is the most popular position and comes with several benefits.

It can reduce snoring and symptoms of sleep apnoea. It's also the recommended position during pregnancy (especially the left side) to improve circulation. Some research even suggests side sleeping helps the brain clear waste more effectively, potentially protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.

The main downsides?

Side sleeping can lead to shoulder pain and wrinkles from pressing your face into the pillow. You might also experience that "pins and needles" feeling if you disrupt circulation in your arm.

Stomach Sleepers (Freefall)

Most experts agree that stomach sleeping is the least healthy option.

While it can reduce snoring for some, it often leads to neck and back pain. This position flattens the natural curve of your spine and forces your neck to be twisted at a 90-degree angle, which is a recipe for strain.

Find the Right Support for Your Style

No single sleep position is perfect for everyone.

The best one for you is what feels most comfortable while supporting your health needs. If you’re waking up with aches and pains, it might be time to find products that better support your natural sleep style.

For side sleepers: Proper neck support is crucial. A pillow that fills the space between your ear and shoulder will keep your spine aligned. Placing a pillow between your knees (Butterfly pillow) can also prevent your upper leg from pulling your spine out of alignment. Our Putnams Buckwheat Pillows are ideal as the hulls mould to your shape, providing tailored support.
For back sleepers: A pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck is key. You don't want your head propped up too high. If you suffer from acid reflux or snoring, a wedge pillow can elevate your upper body and provide significant relief.
For stomach sleepers: If you can't break the habit, use a very thin pillow or no pillow at all to reduce strain on your neck. Placing a pillow under your pelvis can also help maintain a more neutral spinal position.
For those who overheat: Regardless of your position, being too hot can ruin a good night's sleep. A breathable British wool duvet is a fantastic solution. Wool naturally regulates temperature, wicking away moisture to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Organic Buckwheat Hull Pillow - Adjustable Natural Support with 100% Cotton Cover.

If you have not tried a Buckwheat Hull Pillow, get one. I have had the pillow for about two weeks now and am having some of the best sleep of my life. Being able to adjust the pillow to the correct height needed and having it stay there is amazing. The buckwheat hulls allow air to flow through so it stays cool the whole night. - James P

Discover Your Perfect Sleep Setup

Your sleep position is a fascinating blend of habit, comfort, and perhaps even a hint of your personality. But more importantly, understanding its impact on your physical well-being is the first step toward a more restful night. By making small adjustments and choosing the right supportive products, you can wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.

Ready to find the perfect support for your sleep style? Explore our range of ergonomic pillows and bedding designed to help you get the best sleep of your life.

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