Analysis of human body language when awake has been occurring for a very long time, and while it may give us many interesting insights into a persons subconscious, the subject can be aware of what a particular posture may say about them and therefore try to avoid displaying it. So surely there is no better time to observe body language to gain an insight into a person’s true personality, when they are not aware they are being observed: when they are asleep.
Professor Chris Idzikowski, has investigated the sleeping positions of over a 1000 subjects and classified the six most common, which he has then linked to a specific personality type. A very interesting point that the Professor observes is that the personality traits behind each posture are often at odds with what you would expect.
The six positions, are named as follows:
The Foetus:
This position was by far the most commonly adopted sleeping position, with 41% of all the subjects using it. Interestingly more than double the number of women than men favoured this position. Personality wise these people were generally thought to present a tough exterior but covering a more sensitive heart. They would usually be shy upon first meetings but would begin to relax and open up on subsequent encounters.
The Log:
15% of the group slept in this position, where both arms would by held by the sleepers side and the body also lay on its side. Personality wise these people were observed to be sociable and easy going and frequently liked to be part of the ‘In Crowd’. They were also more likely to be trusting with strangers but at the same time this could be interpreted as being more gullible.
The Yearner:
Again these sleepers slept on their side but with both their arms held out in front of them. This group made up 13% of the total. They take a long time to come to a decision but once they have decided it is extremely rare for them ever to waver from it. They generally have an open nature but can at times be suspicious.
The Soldier:
The sleeper lies on their back with both arms held rigidly by their side and only 8% of the 1000 study patients adopted this position. The personality traits of these sleepers commonly tended to be quiet and reserved who disliked any sort of fuss and consistently set themselves and those around them high standards.
The Freefaller:
7% of the subjects studied slept on their front with their hands clasped around their pillow with their head turned to one side. This group of people tended to be more extrovert and unreserved, perhaps even brash, but then underneath all that bravado they were nervous and unable to handle criticism or extreme situations.
The Starfish:
The remaining 5% of the study group lay on their backs with both their arms lifted up on the pillow. If you need a reliable friend then pick someone who sleeps like this as this group were found to be always ready to listen to others and knew when to offer help. But they disliked being the centre of attention.
The remaining 11% of sleepers said they did not commonly sleep in one position.