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What your sleep position is telling you – and the pyjamas you should be wearing

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Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, analysed the six most common sleep positions in a survey conducted with 1 000 participants and found that not only do these positions affect our health – but they’re also linked to specific personality types.

Are you sending the right message when you’re out like a light?

And what is the right choice of sleep attire for you?

(No, it’s not an old T-shirt you got for free at a race you did two years ago.)

Find out now...

The Freefall

Position: Lying on your stomach with hands up around the pillow and head turned to one side.

Personality: Freefallers are often extroverted and brash people. They appear nervy, but are truly thin-skinned people who take criticism personally.

Health benefit: Freefall – or any position in which you’re lying face down – is good for digestion.

Best sleepwear: The smoking jacket oozes sophistication and class as it's structured for the perfect gentleman – at least until he gets between the sheets. 

Draped in this, the freefaller looks like he should be hosting a party at the Playboy Mansion and honestly, why shouldn't he? These pajamas are the perfect match for an extrovert who is brave enough to try out this dapper style and crack open a bottle of champagne while he's at it.

Read more: Hack your bedtime: your phone can help you sleep better


The Foetus

Position: Curled up on your side. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1 000 people who took part in Professor Idzikowski’s survey.

Personality: Those who sleep in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside, but shy and sensitive at heart. They may take time to warm up to people, but soon relax.

Health benefit: Sleeping on your left side can cause stress on your vital organs (liver, stomach, lungs), so if the foetus is your position of choice, curl up on the right side of your body.

Best sleepwear: Flannel pajamas are perfect because they look badass but they're made with soft, fluffy material to match the soft and sensitive guy within. The foetus position is great for cuddling and so are these pjs. If the lady in your life still likes to cuddle a teddy, said bear will have serious contender to deal should you opt for a pair of these.

Read more: How to feel great after a bad night of sleep

The Log

Position: Lying on your side with both arms down by your side.

Personality: Log sleepers are social, easygoing people. The downside: their tendency to trust anyone – including complete strangers – makes them easy to fool.

Health benefit: This position keeps the spine straight, which should be beneficial for those who suffer from back pain.

Best sleepwear: Lounge pants are great for lounging around on the couch and they're super chilled and easy going, just like the guy who sleeps like a log. They're pajamas that can be worn when your mates are around (and the log is bound to have his mates around often) because they don't scream "I'm ready for bed".

Read more: Sex and sleep will make you happier than money ever could

The Yearner

Position: On your side with both arms out in front.

Personality: Yearners are open to new things, but also suspicious and cynical. They take a long time to make decisions – weighing pros and cons repeatedly – but once they make a choice, they almost never change their mind or have regrets.

Health benefit: Resting on your side can help alleviate some problems associated with acid reflux disease and sleep apnoea. But if such symptoms are a common occurrence, you may need to see a specialist.

Best sleepwear: Woven pajamas  are classic and timeless but in a modern pattern they are fresh and fashionable; these opposite qualities of this sleep set mirror this guy's personality. The yearner should toss up the pros and cons between a set of long woven pajamas and short woven pajamas, whatever the choice these pajamas won't leave him with any regret.

Read more: Can't sleep? Your insomnia may be more serious than you think

The Soldier

Position: Lying on your back with both arms at your sides.

Personality: Soldier sleepers are generally quiet and reserved. They don’t like to make a big deal out of things, and they set very high standards for themselves and others.

Health benefit: Research shows that sleeping on your back may lead to snoring, difficulty breathing and an overall bad night’s sleep. Is your snoring keeping someone awake at night? Try flipping over – you’ll both wake up more refreshed.

Best sleepwear: The soldier doesn't like to make a big deal out of things in his life, including his choice of sleepwear. An understated pair of sleep shorts with an interesting pattern will complement his personality and pairing them with a percale gown will provide the comfort of coverage that a quiet and reserved soldier needs, while still being stylish.

Read more: How you’re sleeping might be giving you Alzheimer's

The Starfish

Position: Lying on your back with both arms up.

Personality: Starfish sleepers are described as great listeners and thus good friends. They’re always willing to offer help and generally don’t like being in the limelight.

Health benefit: Like the soldier, starfish sleepers are more likely to snore and have breathing problems while they sleep, resulting in a less refreshing night’s rest.

Best sleepwear: The starfish likes to spread out across the sheets and the traditional sleep shirt allows maximum movement with no restriction. He might not like to be in the limelight but behind the bedroom doors, this get up will make the starfish the star of the show, or rather the starfish of the show.

Read more The 7 worst things you do when you just can’t sleep


This article was originally published www.mh.co.za

Image credits: Supplied and iStock


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