What Does Science Say About Sleeping Positions?
A study conducted in 2014 by the University of Hertfordshire with over a thousand participants showed that (1):
42% preferred sleeping back-to-back, 31% chose to sleep facing the same direction and 4% opted to sleep facing each other. This suggests that while most couples prefer having their own space, they also desire to be close to their partners. 12% of the couples slept an inch apart, while only 2% chose to sleep over 30 inches apart. 94% of the couples preferred falling asleep with some contact, indicating a happier relationship, while only 68% of couples preferred no contact. The study indicated that the further apart a couple spent in the night, the worse their relationship was. And 86% of the couples who slept less than an inch away from each other were in happy relationships. The study also found that most extroverts preferred sleeping close to their partners, while creative people slept on their left side.
Is It Important To Sleep Together?
In a relationship, sleeping together is important (2). It allows you to be vulnerable and open to your partner.
Oxytocin, also called the lover hormone or cuddle chemical, is released in the brain when you cuddle with your partner. The hormone makes you feel safe, relaxed, and empathetic. Some women and men feel more secure knowing that they have a partner sleeping with them. This could either be due to a sense of physical protection in case of a break in, or some other insecurities. Sleeping in pairs can improve emotional and physical security (2). Another study indicated that sleeping together can improve a marriage. Another study showed that divorced women tend to have more sleeping disturbances than married women (4). This suggests that having a bed partner may improve your sleep.
However, if both individuals in the relationship have different schedules or work timings, they may find it better to sleep separately. This does not mean that their relationship is in peril. In fact, it could indicate that the couple is emotionally strong together and can handle their issues better. We now look at the various positions couples sleep in and what they can mean about your relationship. Keep reading.
Types Of Couple’s Sleeping Positions And What They Mean
1. The Spoon
This is among the most common couple sleeping positions (5). Both partners sleep closely facing the same direction. The first person facing the direction is considered the little spoon, while the person on the outside is considered the bigger spoon. This is a very comfortable sleeping position for most couples as it provides a sense of protection and closeness. A study showed that as you grow older, most people prefer sleeping on the right side. This could be the reason for this position’s popularity (6). The main issue with this position is that one or both partners might hunch while sleeping. This may lead to back and shoulder issues over time. Try not to hunch or fold your knees too high when sleeping in this position.
2. The Loose Spoon
This is a freer version of the spoon. While both partners sleep facing the same direction, they may keep a small distance between them. This allows both people to move around as they sleep. This position signifies closeness and protection, while giving both partners some breathing space. The main issue here is hunching as you sleep. Avoid bending your back or raising your knees too much.
3. The Chasing Spoon
This sleeping position is very similar to the spoon, except that the couple sleeps in the center of the bed, and at an angle. This gives the appearance of one person chasing the other (the runner). A chasing spoon could mean that the partner that moves at the angle might want more space in the relationship, or desires to be chased after. However, the runner in this position could simply be used to sleeping at angles, or moving around as they sleep. Often, slipping an arm around the runner prevents them from moving too much. It also provides a sense of security.
4. The Mirror (Face To Face)
This is when couples sleep facing each other, with little to no distance between them. The couple usually has some contact with each other. The mirror sleeping position indicates a keen sense of trust, happiness, and dependence. It is normally noticed during the earlier stages of a relationship. As you get more comfortable with your partner, you might tend to sleep a few inches farther away from each other.
5. The Face To Face Without Touching
This is a position where couples face each other as they sleep. But there is some distance between them. While distance might signal space issues, here it indicates comfort level. It signifies security in a relationship. Partners give each other space to breathe and move freely. Also called the “pillow talk position,” this sleeping style means the couple are having a heart-to-heart discussion. They are more open to hearing each other.
6. The Butt-To-Butt
This back-to-back sleeping position is common among couples. Some part of the body, usually the lower back or butt, remains in contact with the partner. The position indicates that while the couple may be close, the relationship may be a few months to a year old. It hints at a sense of security and trust. Each partner is comfortable enough to sleep facing away from each other. This is a more comfortable way of sleeping as neither partner needs to hunch and sleep.
7. The Back-To-Back Without Touching
This is similar to the position above, except there is some space between the partners. It typically shows growth in a relationship. Both partners are secure and comfortable with each other. While this position might show comfort, it may also be the go-to position for a couple in a fight. This usually is indicated in the amount of space between the partners.
8. The Cradle
The cradle position is also commonly called the nuzzle. It is a go-to protective position. Here, one partner sleeps flat on their back, while the other rests their head against their partner’s chest. Normally, the person lying flat will have their arm around or over their partner. This position is a very protective stance. It gives off a secure vibe. Sometimes, it also suggests that the protective partner (laying on their back) is comforting their significant other. It is also commonly the position taken after a time of passion. Laying for too long in this position may leave the protective partner with stiff arms.
9. The Cliffhanger
In this position, both partners are on the opposite side of the bed with a lot of gap between them. This usually indicates a fight between the couple. It could also mean that the couple is drifting apart. This could mostly be the case if the stance of the partners is closed off. If they sleep with their arms crossed, in a way that indicates they are protecting themselves, it could mean they are distancing themselves from each other. If both partners like spreading the legs, this might be a comfortable position for them to sleep, irrespective of their relationship status.
10. Paper Dolls
Both partners lying on their backs just barely touching their fingers sort off resemble a row of paper dolls. It shows that the couple are happy, co-dependent, and secure. They just touch fingers or hands, letting the other know that they are there for them while still giving them their space. Laying on your back might relieve any back pain or shoulder aches. But make sure your pillow is in the right position to relieve any backaches.
11. Tetherball
This is the sleeping position of a very secure and mature couple. They give each other space to sleep in whatever position works for them individually. But there is so much physical contact between both. Either one stretches out their hand to their partner’s hip or back. Or sometimes one partner touches the other with their leg. It takes some time to find a position that works for both people. It could also indicate that the couple started sleeping in the spoon position then unraveled into the tetherball.
12. The Leg Hug
When sleeping in the leg hug position, both partners sleep in their individual comfortable positions. But the legs of each partner are entwined. The legs might not be touching constantly but a few times throughout the night. This indicates a comfortable and secure relationship. Both partners have spent enough time to be completely comfortable with each other. They touch without encroaching each other’s sleeping space.
13. Heart-On-The-Sleeve
The heart-on-the-sleeve position is also known as shingles, wherein one partner lays on their back, while the other rests their head on their shoulder. No couple can stay for too long in this position. It might leave the partner lying flat on their back with a stiff shoulder. This position indicates intimacy and happiness. It may be preluded by a time of intimacy.
14. The Tummy Nap
This is also known as the stomach snooze. In this position, both partners sleep on their stomachs. Sleeping on your tummy usually indicates being closed off. However, many people are used to sleeping on their tummies even though it is not healthy. It may pose a threat to your lumbar regions.
15. The Entwinement
As the name suggests, both partners sleep entwined together. This position is also called ”Tangled”. It does not leave both partners a lot of breathing room. This position indicates a desire for intimacy and growth in the relationship. It’s mostly seen in new couples. In more mature partnerships, the couple may start off in this sleeping position, though they may slowly move on to another position during the night.
16. The Unravel
The unravel or unraveling knot is a summon sleeping position in mature/growing relationships (typically relationships between the first year and above). In this sleeping position, the couple starts off entwined, but as the night progresses, moves apart into their own comfortable position. This is a sign of a secure and mature relationship. The couple understands the need for physical contact, but they also give each other their own space. While the couple may seem dependent on each other, they are quite secure individually and in their relationship.
17. The Starfish
Spread out like a starfish, this is commonly seen in one partner rather than both. The significant other generally sleeps on one side of the bed, leaving the remaining space for their starfish partner. While this indicates a level of comfort, it might sometimes be a problem for the other partner. They may feel restrained due to the movement of the starfish during sleep. It becomes worse if the starfish rotates or moves about as they sleep. It may hinder their partner’s peaceful rest.
18. The Stiff-Straight
Also called the soldier, both partners sleep straight keeping their arms firmly to the side (like soldiers). They may also fold their arms. This is seen in people who used to sleep as kids wrapped up in blankets to avoid falling over. As they grow up, they still sleep straight without the need for the blanket tuck. This position indicates independence. Both partners sleep the way they please irrespective of the relationship status. It may also be seen in very new couples who are unsure of what to do next after intimacy. In some cases, it may also indicate a bad coital experience.
19. The Fetus
In a fetus sleeping position, one or both partners sleep in the fetal position with their knees raised high and close to the body. Their back may be hunched over as well. Most people believe this is one of the best positions to achieve deep sleep. However, the fetal position may also be a sign of discomfort or insecurity. Posture-wise, this is not a good position to sleep in. It may cause back, neck, shoulder, and joint pains.
20. The Arm Around
In this position, one or both the partners wrap an arm around the others. This allows both the partners to have some contact while spreading out in bed. It indicates a secure and happy relationship, also depicting each other’s needs from one another.
21. The Together
The together sleeping style is about those partners who sleep very close together. There is constant contact between the partners. It signifies a happy and comfortable relationship. Both partners enjoy each other and wish to be close. However, it may also be a sign of too much dependence on each other.
22. The Overhead
In an overhead position, both partners sleep on their stomach, but one partner tends to place their head over the other’s. It might be a sign of protection and security in the relationship.
23. The Over-Body
In this position, one partner lays flat on their back, while the other rests most of their torso on them. The position tends to indicate that one partner needs the attention and protection from the other. It is also a great way to snuggle during the night.
24. The Underarm
An underarm position is when one partner sleeps a little above the other. One partner lies under the arm of another. Both partners give each other enough room to sleep in their preferred position while staying close to each other.
25. The Arm
In this position, both partners sleep close together on their backs but one of their arms is always around the other. It can either be on the other partner’s head, around their shoulders, waist, or arm. It shows that the couple is very comfortable with each other.
26. The Movers
There are some couples who don’t have a particular sleeping position. Then tend to move around a lot as they sleep, often changing positions through the night. There needs to be a significant comfort level for both partners to be able to move around so much as they sleep, without hindering each other’s nap time. Your sleeping positions influence your sleep patterns too. If you or your partner are not happy with your regular sleeping position, you may experience irregular sleep patterns. Here are a few things you can do to improve your sleep patterns.
Tips To Improve Your Sleep Patterns
Why does my boyfriend want to sleep on my thighs? If your partner sleeps on your thighs it may indicate that they feel comfortable around you and trust you. You make them feel safe or they are trying to express their attraction towards you. Do most couples cuddle at night? Individuals and time play a role. Cuddling may not be for everyone, as some couples need their own space as well and don’t like to cuddle all the time or every night.
