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FULL OF KNOWLEDGE BLOG ONSEN® / Expert advices

Sleep position and personality – discover what your sleep reveals!

5 marca 2025
Contents
Fetal position – increased sensitivity
Sleeping on the side – stability and trust
Sleeping on the back – need for control
Sleeping on the stomach – tendency to take risks
Starfish position – openness and sociability
Psychology and sleep
It is said that sleeping position and personality are closely related. If this is true, the way you sleep might reveal more about you than you think. Although it may seem a bit strange at first glance, some scientific studies suggest that sleeping position can reflect certain personality traits. The way the body positions itself at night is often beyond conscious control, which is why it can sometimes reveal unconscious emotions, needs, and habits of a person.

Some people sleep curled up in a ball, while others stretch out freely across the bed. Each of these positions may be linked to self-confidence, openness to the world, or even attitudes toward relationships with others. It is important to remember that no sleeping position is better or worse, as each has its own significance and impact on health.

Fetal position – increased sensitivity

One of the most commonly chosen sleeping positions is the fetal position, which involves curling up on one’s side with the knees drawn toward the chest. According to the findings of Chris Idzikowski’s research, as many as 41% of people sleep in this position.

People who prefer this position are often perceived as sensitive and emotional, although at first glance, they may appear distant and reserved. They are frequently empathetic individuals who value a sense of security and peace. This position may also indicate a need for protection and a longing for closeness, which they might lack.

Due to the natural curvature of the spine in this position, it is essential that the mattress provides proper support. Osaka Air, with its dynamic high-resilience foam, adapts to the body’s shape, eliminating pressure points and ensuring comfortable sleep. Meanwhile, an ergonomic pillow perfectly supports the cervical spine, preventing morning neck pain and various other ailments.

Sleeping on the side – stability and trust

As is well known, side sleeping is one of the healthiest positions for the spine. But it also reflects certain personality traits typical of people who sleep this way. Side sleepers are often perceived as social, balanced, and trustworthy individuals, which is an important social aspect. They also tend to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives and are open to building relationships with others.

This position is especially popular among people who seek safety and comfort. Sleeping on the side is recommended for those suffering from acid reflux as well as for pregnant women. However, to fully benefit from this sleeping position, it is essential to maintain proper spinal alignment. Remember that while sleeping, your head and neck should remain in line with your spine.

It is worth mentioning that the Osaka Air mattress provides excellent support for side sleepers. Thanks to its open-cell structure, it ensures proper breathability and even pressure distribution, helping to maintain the spine and head in a natural position. Additionally, placing a pillow between the knees can help prevent tension in the hips and lower back.

Sleeping on the back – need for control

When it comes to sleeping on the back, it is often associated with individuals who are confident, ambitious, and inclined to take control. Such people are usually organized and strive for perfection, which is why they have high expectations. Interestingly, these expectations are not only high for themselves but also for others.

This position is considered one of the healthiest for the spine, as it allows for an even distribution of body weight. When maintaining proper sleep ergonomics, it helps preserve the natural curves of the spine. However, it is not a suitable position for everyone, which is something to keep in mind. People suffering from sleep apnea or those who snore should avoid sleeping on their backs.

For those who sleep on their backs, the height of the pillow is crucial. The head should be facing the ceiling rather than tilting toward the chest to prevent airway obstruction. The Osaka Air mattress is a perfect choice, as it supports the natural alignment of the spine, while a well-chosen orthopedic pillow ensures the correct positioning of the neck. This ultimately leads to healthy and restorative sleep every night.

Sleeping on the stomach – tendency to take risks

Sleeping on the stomach is one of the least popular sleeping positions, but surprisingly, it reveals a lot about a person's personality. Although it is the least healthy sleep position, studies have shown that people who choose this position are often confident and unafraid of taking risks, while also enjoying control over their lives. They may also be perceived as independent and courageous individuals who are not afraid to face challenges.

From a health perspective, sleeping on the stomach is not the best choice, as it can lead to excessive spinal and neck strain, which may cause orthopedic issues. In this position, the head is turned to the side, which can result in discomfort and neck pain.

If you find it difficult to give up this position, it is important to ensure proper support. The Osaka Air mattress provides the right firmness and elasticity, helping the spine maintain its natural alignment while minimizing pressure on the joints. It is also advisable to use a thin pillow or, ideally, sleep without a pillow to reduce neck strain.

Starfish position – openness and sociability

An interesting sleeping position is the starfish position, which involves sleeping on the back with arms and legs spread out. This position is often chosen by extroverted and sociable individuals who are open to new experiences. Such people enjoy being the center of attention and are always ready to help others. It is also observed that they tend to have a richer social life compared to others.

From the perspective of healthy sleep, sleeping in this position allows for an even distribution of body weight and relieves pressure on the spine. However, widely spread limbs may take up more space, which can be problematic when sharing a bed with another person.

In such a situation, a 180x200 mattress is the minimal solution that allows you to fully enjoy the benefits of this position, as it offers a relatively wide sleeping area. Ideally, a larger mattress would be the best choice, as it enhances both space and sleep comfort. Thanks to its advanced design, the Osaka Air mattress enables free body positioning without tension.

Psychology and sleep

Mateusz Nesterok, our collaborating health and rehabilitation psychologist, emphasizes that from a scientific perspective, sleeping position and personality are not directly linked. Sometimes observations can suggest such connections, which is why there may be a grain of truth in them. However, he does not consider them scientific knowledge, but merely hypotheses.

Nesterok remains skeptical about whether sleeping position is related to personality. While this idea originates from Chris Idzikowski’s research, who is the director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, there are also other studies that do not necessarily confirm this claim. Kamau, Luber, and Kumar conducted a scientific study on 332 students, measuring their preferred sleeping position and personality profile using the Zuckerman-Kuhlman questionnaire. The correlations between sleeping position and personality traits were minimal and practically insignificant from a theoretical perspective.

Meanwhile, in 2012, Yu studied 670 people to determine whether sleeping position influences the content of dreams while considering the Big Five personality traits, a well-established theory. The results of his scientific study showed that sleeping on the stomach was associated with more frequent dreams involving persecution or erotic themes compared to other participants. However, the link between sleeping position and personality traits was found to be very weak.

Regardless of which sleeping position you prefer, it is crucial to take care of your spine health and comfort. That’s why choosing the Osaka Air mattress is an ideal solution for all types of sleepers. Thanks to its advanced construction with high-resilience foams, it provides dynamic support, adapting to any position and ensuring a healthy and restorative sleep for years. Additionally, a properly selected orthopedic pillow further supports spinal alignment.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.

FAQ: Sleep position and personality

Can sleep position reveal personality traits?

Some studies suggest that sleeping position may reflect certain personality traits, but scientific research results are not entirely conclusive. However, this connection is not 100% confirmed.

What is the healthiest sleeping position?

The best position for spinal health is sleeping on your side, as it supports the body's natural alignment and reduces pressure on the back. Sleeping on the left side is particularly beneficial as it aids digestion and circulation. To ensure maximum comfort, it is worth choosing a suitable mattress, such as the Osaka Air mattress, along with an ergonomic orthopedic pillow.

Why is sleeping on the stomach not recommended?

Sleeping on the stomach can lead to back and neck pain, as it forces the spine into an unnatural position. Additionally, sleeping on the stomach puts strain on the lower back and makes breathing more difficult. If you sleep in this position, it is advisable to choose a mattress with the right firmness for support and avoid using a high pillow.

Does sleeping on the back help reduce back pain?

Yes, sleeping on the back is one of the healthiest sleep positions, alongside sleeping on the side, as it allows for even weight distribution and maintains the spine?s natural curves. It is particularly recommended for people suffering from back pain, but only if they use a well-chosen orthopedic pillow and a mattress designed to support spinal health.

Which mattress is best for different sleeping positions?

The best mattress is one that dynamically adapts to the shape of the body and sleeping position. The Osaka Air foam mattress, with its innovative and ergonomic design, provides optimal support for side, back, and stomach sleepers. It ensures even pressure distribution, improving sleep comfort and spinal health.

Contents
Fetal position – increased sensitivity
Sleeping on the side – stability and trust
Sleeping on the back – need for control
Sleeping on the stomach – tendency to take risks
Starfish position – openness and sociability
Psychology and sleep
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