Sleep Patterns & Positions Tell You Everything You Need to Know

Ah, the essential, yet elusive sleep. It’s an activity I both excel and fail at on a regular basis! Once I fall asleep, there’s almost nothing that can wake me (including my alarm on some occasions); but the optimal phrase is “once I fall asleep.”

I always start on my side or stomach, one arm stretched out, the other under my chin. BUT, I’m a toss-and-turner. I’ll often wake up with the covers somewhere else entirely, and I’m no where near the position I was in when I fell asleep. And, I never dream (or at least I never remember them).

On top of that, I’m a night owl. Mornings are my nemesis. I’m convinced that my brain turns on when the lights go out.

Have you ever wondered what all this - your sleeping positions, patterns and habits - has to say about you? I certainly have, so I decided to look a little deeper.

Rise and Shine

If you’re an “early bird gets the bird” type (something I can’t even imagine), then you’re likely someone who is achievement-oriented, and commanding. You probably crave structure, making to do lists, and having your own space. You’re what would be described as a “go-getter!” Sleep expert Michael Breus, Ph.D. says in his book, The Power of When, this personality type shines best in the morning, so they should conduct any important business before noon, when their mental clarity will begin to dwindle.

Late Night Gold

If you’re like me, and your brain turns on just about the time you should be going to sleep, you just might be the artistic or creative type. I tend to get a burst of energy late night, just as I’ve settled into bed. Not ideal… sometimes I get my best work done from my phone in the wee hours of the night! You’re probably the friend in your group who comes up with the fun ideas, who people look to for where to go or what to do. You’re curious about everything and love adventure - and you probably hit that snooze button a few (5) times. In his book, Dr. Breus recommends that these types actually set an alarm for 20 minutes after their first one, as they’re likely coming out of deep REM sleep right when the first alarm goes off - making for a perfect creative state to come up with that next brilliant idea. Mornings should be reserved for busy work, and around 4pm is when they’ll really hit their stride.

Sleep No More

Did you know dolphins sleep half awake to keep on the lookout for predators? If you’re like a dolphin, and have trouble sleeping or suffer from an insomnia - good chance you’re a type A personality. These types might also be more prone to tossing and turning (whether that’s just due to being uncomfortable, or due to anxiety). Dr. Breus recommends that this personality type avoid the coffee first thing in the morning, and instead do some exercise to get the heart rate up and combat the low levels of cortisol. Morning brainstorms are best, whereas the more detailed tasks should be saved for the afternoon.

Take Eight

For about half of all humans, they need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep, and can wake up easily if they get them. (How nice that must be)! They’re typically open, stable and optimistic. They work well in teams. This type’s best hours are between ten and noon according to Dr. Breus - and then after three pm their focus ebbs.

Fetal Position

Not surprisingly, this is the most common of all sleeping positions. If you are one of the many who find this position most comfortable, you likely have a hard shell - tough on the outside, but super soft and squishy on the inside. YOu might be shy initially, but then open up quickly.

Free Falling

From side to stomach, and back… this is the the toss & turners favorite position (hello). It’s really all about finding the perfect position, no matter what it might be. If this is your preferred sleeping style, you’re likely outgoing, quick-witted, and can make decisions on the spot; however, you might not handle criticism the best and could have a bit of a nervous energy.

The Soldier

One of the rarest of all sleeping forms, this position is where you’re on your back with your arms at your sides. People who sleep like this are typically said to be reserved, no-fuss types, and hold both themselves and other people to high standards.

There are so many more positions and patterns - those who talk in their sleep, light sleepers, stomach sleepers- I could go on for days! But I don’t want to bore you… although, maybe I should so you could get some sleep!