Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the UK Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service analysed six common sleeping positions - and found that each is linked to a particular personality type.
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
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.
Yearner
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
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
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
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.
Professor Idzikowski also examined the effect of various sleeping positions on
health. He concluded that the freefall position was good for digestion, while
the starfish and soldier positions were more likely to lead to snoring and a bad
night's sleep.
Professor Idzikowski said "Lying down flat means that stomach contents can more
readily be worked back up into the mouth, while those who lie on their back may
end up snoring and breathing less well during the night. "Both these postures
may not necessarily awaken the sleeper but could cause a less refreshing night's
sleep."
The research also found that most people are unlikely to change their sleeping
position. Just 5% said they sleep in a different position every night.
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