The most common sleeping positions

Learn about the most common sleeping positions, the effects they may have on your body and what they say about your personality.

We all know of the health benefits of getting a good night’s sleep. Even so, our recent survey revealed that around 23% of people would describe their sleep as ‘not very good’ and just over 4% were unlucky enough to describe their sleep as ‘terrible’.

The way we sleep has the power to affect our bodies for the better, or worse. Knowing there are better sleeping positions out there could help us to change our lives for the better.

And according to sleep experts, the way we sleep can tell us a bit about our personality traits too. Will your traits match up with your favourite sleeping position?

It’s important to know whether you are a side sleeper or prefer to lay flat on your back, whether you favour a foetal position or if you’re a stomach snoozer.

The kind of mattress you need for the best possible quality sleep really depends on the position you sleep in. If you are looking to purchase a new mattress anytime soon check out our online guide to help you choose the best mattress for you.

In the meantime, take a look at the most common sleeping positions, as researched by The Better Sleep Council, with fun insights into what they could say about you:

According to The Sleep Council, the foetal position is one of the most popular sleeping positions. In fact, 41% of the UK population adopt this pose to snooze each night. When in the foetal position, the sleeper rests on their side with their legs bent and curled up towards their body and their hands tucked up close towards their face.

The position gets its name from the word ‘foetus’ and is seen as an adult representation of the position that a baby adopts when inside its mother’s womb. Poetically, the foetal position is recommended for pregnant women, but it’s also considered helpful to those suffering from back or hip pains, as it relieves pressure on the joints.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FOETAL SLEEPER
Perhaps due to the associations with babies, these sleepers are said to have a shy and sensitive exterior, but possess a warmth, which comes out quickly once you get to know them.

To those looking to get the most comfortable night’s sleep with minimal likelihood of interruption, experts recommend sleeping on your side.

Ever heard of the saying ‘sleeping like a log’? Well, if you sleep with your hands down by your sides and your legs straight out instead of bent, then you are said to be adopting a ‘log’ style sleeping position.

THE QUALITIES OF THE LOG SLEEPER
Experts say that ‘log’ sleepers are sociable and easy-going people, who are also very trusting, sometimes to the point of being gullible.

According to The Sleep Council’s research, only 8% of people prefer to sleep on their backs. If you are one of these people, then be aware that it could actually cause lower back pain and affect the quality of the sleep that you are getting each night. It can also make you more likely to snore during your sleep.

Most people who sleep on their back tend to keep their arms straight by their sides and their legs straight down towards the bottom of the bed, often referred to as a ‘soldier’ sleeping position. However, if you like to have your hands above your head or close to your pillow, then you are known as a ‘starfish’ sleeper.

DO YOU HAVE THE ‘STARFISH’ PERSONALITY?
Starfish sleepers are supposedly good listeners and extremely helpful, and don’t like being the centre of attention.

To those looking to get the most comfortable night’s sleep with minimal likelihood of interruption, experts recommend sleeping on your side.

Ever heard of the saying ‘sleeping like a log’? Well, if you sleep with your hands down by your sides and your legs straight out instead of bent, then you are said to be adopting a ‘log’ style sleeping position.

THE QUALITIES OF THE LOG SLEEPER
Experts say that ‘log’ sleepers are sociable and easy-going people, who are also very trusting, sometimes to the point of being gullible.

Want to find the perfect mattress to accompany your sleeping style? Use our store locator to find your nearest store and check out a wonderful range of beds to ensure that good night’s sleep.