What Your Sleeping Habits Might Say About Your Productivity

What Your Sleeping Position Says About Your Work Ethic

Once more, it’s that time of day or night. You finish your nightly ritual, pull back your covers, turn off the lights, and tuck yourself into bed. In what way do you get comfortable under the covers?

Your sleeping position may have become completely habitual by now. You might not give it much thought every night if you’ve been sleeping in the same position since you were a little child.

However, your preferred sleeping position can provide some crucial information about your health, regardless of whether you flip over to one side right once after falling back onto your pillows or take some time to alternate between positions to feel a bit more at ease.

We’ll look at some of the sleep positions that have been connected to health issues or improved wellness outcomes below. As some experts have argued, however, does your usual sleeping position actually have anything to do with your personality? Continue reading to gain further understanding.

The relationship between personality and sleeping position

Other than wanting to be as comfortable as possible while you sleep, you probably don’t give much thought to what your usual sleeping position signifies.

However, some specialists and sleep psychologists have proposed that personality might influence sleep position and provide some information about your characteristics and actions.

Just over 1,000 British individuals were polled by professor and sleep specialist Chris Idzikowski to see if there were any connections between personality and sleep posture. Using these findings, he made inferences about personality traits and typical sleeping positions. Among his conclusions were:

Most people are in the fetal position, especially women. Sensitivity and timidity are associated with this position.

Those who sleep with their arms extended on one side may be gregarious but also a little suspicious. They also have a propensity to follow through on their choices.

A gregarious disposition and a dislike of criticism are associated with stomach sleeping with hands up or under the pillow.

The survey has a number of significant restrictions, therefore it is probably best to interpret these results with a grain of salt Only roughly 1,000 people’s results were examined, which is a relatively small sample size in relation to the overall population.

When the second group of participants finished the identical survey, these results did not remain true, indicating that these findings might not be universally applicable.

Individuals self-reported their personality traits and sleep position, which increased the possibility of bias.

Some further findings came from a Better Sleep Council (BSC) poll on Americans’ sleep positions. Here’s a brief overview:

Compared to those who favor other postures, those who sleep in the log position—on one side with both arms down—think they get enough sleep and are “healthier.”

The fetal position is more likely to be preferred by individuals with doctorate degrees or more than by those with less education.

Millennials and members of Generation X are more likely than baby boomers to choose stomach sleeping. Contrarily, baby boomers are more likely to sleep with their arms extended and on one side.

People who are introverted are more prone to avoid sleeping with their arms up and on their stomachs.
Other sleep specialists are less clear about the relationship between sleep and personality, and polls are not the same as controlled trials and other scientific studies.

When we contacted Jade Wu, a sleep psychologist and researcher, she stated that she was unaware of any connection between personality and sleep posture.

Furthermore, according to some internet sites, Idzikowski himself did not want his findings to be definitive proof.

The connection between your health and how you sleep

Sleep posture is far more strongly associated with both positive and negative elements of health and wellness. Here are some facts regarding each sleeping posture.

Sleeping on one’s side

Side sleeping is frequently advised by experts since it can reduce snoring and enhance digestion.

However, you may experience increasing symptoms of acid reflux or other digestive problems if you sleep on your right side. Stomach acid finds it more difficult to ascend when you sleep on your left side, which keeps your stomach below your esophagus.

Although the left side is preferred here as well, side sleeping during pregnancy is linked to better mother and fetal healthTrusted Source. Sleeping on the left side decreases strain on the uterus, increases blood flow, and lessens heartburn.

Although side sleeping may also help with spinal alignment and lower back discomfort, it may be difficult for you to sleep on your side if you have shoulder or neck pain.

Sleeping stomach

Although there may be certain advantages to stomach sleeping In addition to causing stress on your neck and lower back, especially if you sleep on a softer bed, this reliable source also addresses obstructive sleep apnea and persistent snoring. Your spine may become misaligned as a result of this tension, leading to persistent pain during the day.

Sleeping on the back

Increased intraocular pressure, a risk factor for glaucoma, can result from sleeping on your stomach or side. Pressing your face into the pillow may also cause additional breakouts, discomfort, or even wrinkles on your face when you wake up if you have sensitive skin. Enter: sleeping on one’s back.

Back sleeping has advantages for people of all ages, but it’s not always the greatest option for adults. Pediatricians advise newborns to sleep on their backs to lower their risk of SIDS.

“Back sleeping tends to cause more breathing issues for people with obstructive sleep apnea, a serious medical condition where the airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep,” Wu says. “This is probably because lying on one’s back makes it easier for the airway to become blocked.”

What about soreness in the back? Sleeping on their backs might exacerbate neck or lower back pain for some people. Others find that the only posture that provides any relief is sleeping on their back.

Advice for the best possible sleeping posture

In summary, because so many variables are involved, there is no one ideal position for getting a good night’s sleep. It’s definitely worth taking into account the possible effects of your current sleeping posture if you frequently have problems falling asleep or wake up in pain and discomfort.

However, you definitely don’t need to worry about turning over and switching things up if you have no trouble getting the recommended amount of sleep and wake up pain-free.

Are you curious in the various sleeping positions and how to optimize their advantages? The six most popular sleep positions are listed below, while there are many more ways to sleep.

Sleepers in the back

In addition to relieving pressure on your spine and encouraging proper spinal alignment, sleeping on your back can help reduce a variety of pains.

Your body weight is distributed evenly when you sleep on your back, preventing pressure from building up in any one area. This can result in more restful sleep for a lot of folks.

Additionally, resting on your back may help you prevent wrinkles on your face since it prevents your face from being pressed into your pillow every night.

For better back sleep, place a small pillow beneath your knees, or even a rolled towel. This preserves the small curvature of your spine.

For neck pain relief, try a cervical pillow or a tiny, rounded pillow at the bend of your neck. Try using a wedge pillow to raise your head if you have heartburn, allergies, or snore.

Soldier

With your arms at your sides, do you sleep on your back? That is the role of a soldier. The BSC study indicates that approximately 11% of participants favor this role. Because of the health benefits, soldiers who sleep in this posture report preferring it and frequently don’t switch positions during the night.

The starfish

You are a starfish sleeper if you sleep on your back with your arms raised and your legs slightly apart. Approximately 7% of survey participants claim to sleep like starfish.

This position may be associated with an increased risk of sleepwalking, according to the BSC survey. Numbness or tingling may also be exacerbated by sleeping with your arms above your head, especially if your wrists are bent or flexed. reliable source.

Sleepers on the side

Sleeping on your side can help prevent heartburn, improve digestion, lessen snoring, and potentially even improve brain function. Your brain must regularly eliminate trash for optimal cognitive performance. Typically, it removes the trash while you’re asleep. According to an animal study, this technique worked best when the animal slept sideways, or laterally.

Although side sleeping can put strain on your shoulder and cause tightness, stress, or pain in your head and face, it may also assist ease back pain. For optimal benefits, think about selecting a firmer pillow with sufficient loft to support the natural curve of your spine and a mattress that offers appropriate pressure relief.

Try sleeping with a cushion between your lower thighs or knees for improved hip and low back support. Some folks feel that clutching a large cushion or body pillow provides better arm support.

Additionally, the side you sleep on also have an impact. Sleeping on one’s right side helps reduce internal organ strain, but it also exacerbate acid reflux.

According to experts, those with stomach issues and pregnant women sleep better on their left side. However, bear in mind that resting on your hands or with your wrists flexed might exacerbate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by causing tingling or numbness. reliable source.

Log

Because the log position requires you to sleep with your arms down at your sides, you are less likely to feel numb. This is not a particularly popular stance.

Only roughly 6% of respondents to the BSC study said they preferred the log position. According to the BSC, sleepwalking is likewise linked to this position, just like the starfish position.

There might be some merit to “sleeping like a log,” though, as log sleepers tended to report feeling healthier and getting the recommended amount of sleep compared to those who preferred alternative postures.

It seems that the preferred sleeping posture for fetuses is side sleeping. reliable source. The BSC poll indicates that this is because 47% of respondents said they preferred the fetal position. This type of side sleeping appears to be more popular among women.

Try to maintain a relaxed posture and loose limbs and chin if you want to sleep like a baby. Avoid sleeping with one hand beneath the pillow or bending or curling your wrists tightly to avoid numbness.

Yearner

The yearner posture, or sleeping on one side with arms extended, was chosen by almost 13% of respondents to the BSC poll.

If you frequently wake up with numb or tingling hands, this position may help you adjust your arms since it can avoid putting undue strain on your wrists and hands.

If you usually prefer the fetal position yet “yearn” to wake up pain-free and relaxed, trying this position might also help. Sometimes, sleeping too tightly curled up might cause stiffness and discomfort the following day.

Sleepers in the stomach

It is generally not advised to sleep prone, or on your stomach, as this might aggravate neck and back problems. You’ll most likely start to notice some stiffness over the day if your head is always facing the same direction.

However, stomach sleeping can be the ideal position for you if you’ve tried every other position and haven’t been able to feel comfortable. Rather than always facing left or right, try turning your head frequently.

Neck pain can be avoided by selecting a thin, flat cushion or by not using one at all. Back pain and stiffness can also be significantly reduced by placing a pillow beneath your pelvis.

Think about your mattress as well. Maintaining the proper alignment of your spine with a firmer mattress will help you avoid pain and sleep better.

Falling Free

This is seen as the worst sleeping position by slightly more than a quarter (26 percent) of respondents to the BSC poll. Nevertheless, 17% of people prefer to sleep on their stomach with their head to one side and their arms wrapped over or beneath the pillow.

You could feel more at ease in the freefall position. Reliable Source for People Seeking to Reduce Hip and Shoulder Pressure.

Try stretching your arms out to each side to prevent tingling, stiff hands. Keep both legs straight and slightly apart rather than bending one.

The bottom line

Your favored sleeping position most likely has little to do with your personality, even though there may be some connections between it and health.

Trying a different sleeping position might help you get better sleep if the quality of your sleep is lacking. Depending on your sleep requirements, a sleep specialist can provide additional advice and suggestions.

Are you sleeping well? How you fall asleep is probably not a concern for you. After all, the ideal sleeping position is one that allows you to remain comfortable while still getting the rest you require.