What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You?

In starfish, on the belly, hands under the pillow or in fetal position, a body language expert explains what our sleep positions reveal about us.

If body language allows us to understand gestures or to banish postures that serve us at the workplace, then sleeping positions are also rich in information.

"They do not reveal personality traits, however, they can say a lot about the emotional state in which a person is during bedtime," says Olga Ciesco, a body language expert. It is clear that the body and mind are still functional and influence each other during sleep. So why do we fall asleep with our hands under the pillow, in a starfish position or on our back? We asked the expert to interpret our sleeping habit.

The fetal position

Just like what the name says; Curled up on the side, arms folded in front of or under the pillow, knees bent, it seems to be the most adopted position by sleepers. According to Chris Idzikowski, a British sleep researcher, author of Learn to Sleep, more than 50% of his colleagues’ sleep in this position. By turning in on yourself, you might think that the body needs protection.

Olga Ciesco interpretation: we tend to think that this position reflects our need to go back to childhood. No wonder that it is a comfortable position because we felt like that when we were in the womb. However, the real interpretation of it is: when the joints are bent, the body needs to soothe. Thus, fetal position aspires to find tranquility.

The Log position

The position is not common among sleepers and we understand why; the arms lie along the body, straight head and stiff body, as if you were sleeping trapped between two people. One might think that the mind is not calm, as a result of insecurity.

Olga Ciesco's interpretation: this position is actually not comfortable for the body. This does not necessarily reflect a concern experienced during the day, for example, but a non-relaxing state of mind. When a person falls asleep in this way, he remains alert and awake. As if he couldn't fall asleep because he had to watch someone.

The Starfish position

The British researcher says that 5 % of British people would adopt the so-called starfish position; on the back, arms raised slightly and folded on each side of the face, legs a little apart one another. One can think that the mind is completely relaxed, when opting for this sleeping position.

Olga Ciesco's interpretation: this position explains a main rule in body language: we tend to spread out when we feel comfortable and safe. Babies, for example, who are not afraid of anything, sleep on their backs, arms and legs spread apart. Also, when person spread himself more while sleeping, it translates as a feeling of domination.

Sleeping on the back

It is known as the ideal position and the healthiest one. Also, the face won’t feel crumpled all night on the pillow, which has anti-wrinkle properties. Lying on your back, the body looks relaxed and confident.

Olga Ciesco's interpretation: the face is turned towards the ceiling and the body facing “outside”. This means that there is no aggression, no fear, or anything hidden. The body doesn’t feel the need to create a protective bubble facing the outside.

The Freefaller position

Hollowed back, head facing the pillow, hampered breathing, stretched shoulders, sleeping on your stomach each night is bad for your health. However, it is a comfortable position for many, to relax or when exhausted.

Olga Ciesco's interpretation: in this position you are turning your back to the outside, focusing on you bed and sleep. There are several reasons behind this position. Basically, we can simply protect ourselves from light or noise. However, we can also face the bed mattress to fall asleep faster, in case we are not sleeping at home and we are not comfortable with it.

Hands on the pillow or the belly

Regardless of your body’s position, your hands are placed on or under the pillow in this position. When your hand is placed on the belly, one can think that the you feel agitated thus the belly strained. When placed on or under the pillow, the body may express a need for contact.

Olga Ciesco's interpretation: We often touch something with our hands to feel relaxed, as a de-stressing effect. At work, for example, you get up to talk to someone with a pen in your hand, or you play your keys when feeling stressed. The concept is the same when you fall asleep with your hands on your skin, whether on your stomach or on your chest; the body is looking for something to calm down. The hands on or under the pillow can also symbolize a physical person, where the touching reassures him.

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