Whether
it's curled up in the fetal position, flat on the stomach or stretched
out across the bed, the way people sleep reveals their personality,
a British sleep expert said.
Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment
and Advisory Service and a visiting professor at the University
of Surrey in southern England, has identified six common sleep
positions and what they mean.
"We are all aware of our body language when we are awake
but this is the first time we have been able to see what our subconscious
says about us," he said.
Crouched in the fetal position is the most popular sleep pattern
and favored by 51 percent of women, according to the results of
the study he conducted for a large hotel group.
Fetal sleepers tend to be shy and sensitive while people who
assume the soldier position, flat on their back with arms at their
sides, are quiet and reserved.
Sleeping on one's side with legs outstretched and arms down in
what Idzikowski refers to as the log, indicates a social, easy-going
personality. But if the arms are outstretched in the yearner position,
the person tends to be more suspicious.
The freefall, flat on the tummy with the hands at the sides of
the head, is the most unusual position. Only 6.5 percent of people
prefer it and they are usually brash and gregarious.
Unassuming, good listeners usually adopt the starfish position
-- on the back with outstretched arms and legs.
Idzikowski, who identified the positions by comparing personality
traits of people, their preferred way of sleeping and the most
common positions, said once a sleeping style is adopted it is
rarely changed.
(Agencies)
Updated: 2003-09-22 01:00