It turns out that your persona can still gleam through even in your sleep. Adding more intimacy to the bedroom, couple sleep positions may reveal where you are in your relationship.
And in some cases, it may even point to some issues you share as a couple.
A 2014 survey revealed that whether or not you face your partner during sleep or how far apart you rest could hint at some underlying issues between partners.
A study by psychologist Corrine Sweet for Travelodge clues us in on what various positions mean.
Let’s go over some common couple sleep positions and talk about where your relationship lies.
What Your Couple Sleep Position Says About Your Relationship
Common Couple Sleep Positions
1. Spooning
There are two roles in this position. The big spoon is the one outside the spoon, holding the little spoon.
According to the study, the big spoon assumes the role of the protector in the relationship.
Another variation of this couple sleep position is called the loose spoon. It follows the same position but with a bit of distance between the couples.
In addition to signifying a healthy relationship, sleeping on your side may be the healthiest sleep position.
Choose a bed that has enough give. Your shoulders and hips are high-pressure points and if your bed cannot cradle these areas, it may result in muscle pain the next morning.
The Ambassador is a mid-plush mattress enriched with a KoolComfort™ and a latex layer, which absorb and cradle your pressure points. It’s the ideal mattress for side sleepers, big spoons, and little spoons.
2. Head on Shoulder
Like the spooning position, the partner holding the other may be a source of safety. It may signify confidence and understanding in the relationship.
Other experts cite that the position is more common among new couples, and may be symbolic of a new, budding relationship.
It’s also a popular sleeping position for couples after an intimate moment.
However, as secure or loving as it may seem, it may be a cause of pain in the morning.
With a combination of a back sleeper and a side sleeper, it could be hard for some couples to agree on a mattress. Some couples opt to purchase two single mattresses on one foundation. However, the easier way would be to find a mattress that supports whichever sleeping position you lean towards.
The Athena mattress is a mid-plush mattress that comes with a pillow top surface and multiple body-contouring and pressure-relieving layers. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or on your partner, you’ll find that this mattress moves with you.
And for your intimate moments, this mattress features an anti-skid surface.
3. Face to face
Sleeping face to face with your partner may signify a good, healthy relationship.
But whether or not there’s physical contact between you and your partner may also hint at whether there’s something you need to work on.
Sleeping face to face with your partner and with physical contact means that you are connected both physically and literally. This suggests a close, open relationship. This is a popular position among romantic and affectionate couples that literally cannot keep their hands off each other.
If you sleep face to face with your sleeping partner but do not touch, it may mean that there are unresolved issues you need to talk about with your other half. This couple sleeping position is more popularly known as pillow talk.
However, facing each other may mean that you want to reach out to your partner but are unable to.
One 2004 UK survey found that only 4% of 1,000 couples sleep facing each other.
It may be understandable since sleeping on your side for an entire night could lead to stiff shoulders—and wrinkles.
If both you and your partner are dedicated to each other and side sleeping, consider a bed that effectively and efficiently adjusts to all the natural curves of your body.
Side sleepers may feel some pain on their shoulders and hips—known pressure points among side sleepers.
The World Edition Serta mattress has a medium plush level and comes with a 7-zone pocket spring and latex layer.
The 7-zone pocket springs will adjust naturally to the contours of your body, relieving pressure off your pressure points and providing optimal spinal alignment.
The latex layer will envelop your body in a durable material that adjusts to the shape of your body, promoting correct posture and absorbing tension from your muscles.
It’s the best mattress for side sleepers that crave a cradling mattress without the sinking feeling of a memory foam mattress.
4. Back to Back
Surprisingly, sleeping back to back is not the opposite of sleeping face to face.
Resting back to back without physical contact may indicate a secure relationship. The partners have grown accustomed to each others’ sleeping habits, and may not feel the need to be physically connected to nurture an actual love connection.
Touching, similarly, could mean that the sleeping partners are comfortable and intimate.
It might also be popular among new couples.
Sweet adds that partners who sleep in a curled or fetal position have a desire to feel safe and the ability to trust.
While sleeping on your side is generally known to be a healthy sleeping position, it could take a toll on your shoulders.
The Eleos Serta mattress features multiple pressure-relieving and muscle-cradling layers.
With a 7-zone honeycomb pocket on pocket coils, the mattress will adjust to your curves and your movements. The Serta Euro Top layer is an additional pillow-top layer that will make your nighttime cuddle extra snuggly.
5. Cliffhanger
The cliffhanger position reveals the power dynamic between couples.
The partner assuming the starfish position (stretched outward) may assume the dominant role in the relationship, taking up most of the bedspace. The other partner would consume a smaller area with one leg hanging over the edge, obliging to the other.
However, this may not necessarily mean a bad thing unless the dominant partner forces this upon the other.
There are two important factors to keep an eye out for when analyzing a couple’s sleeping positions.
First, do you and your partner touch each other when you sleep? Do you maintain physical contact?
Second, how far apart do you sleep from each other? According to research, couples that sleep far away from each other during bedtime might be in trouble.
On a good note, sleep experts believe that it’s normal for couples to hold each other at sleep onset then separate in the middle of the night. It doesn’t mean that there’s trouble brewing.
The science is very exciting, but these are not cold hard facts. There may be other factors that affect your sleep position.
Not cuddling with your partner as you fall asleep does not necessarily indicate an underlying issue in your relationship. You may prefer more space because your body tends to overheat during bedtime.
Here are some other factors that might affect your sleep position.
Other Factors That May Affect Your Sleep Position
1. Age
As you age, your body becomes less flexible, leaving you more susceptible to muscle pain.
The sleeping positions you adopted in your younger years may no longer be comfortable for you.
You may also find that you move around less when you sleep.
2. Pregnancy
The American Pregnancy Association (APA) recommends the sleep-on-side (SOS) for pregnant women.
Sleeping on your side may promote healthy circulation for both mother and child. Use pillows to support your belly and your body to keep your muscles for tensing.
3. Sleep Disorders
Sleeping disorders like sleep apnea may make getting a full night’s rest challenging.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, try sleeping on your side or on your stomach. These couple sleep positions are great at opening up your airways, allowing enough oxygen into your lungs, and getting you uninterrupted sleep.
At the end of the day, sleep is about getting enough rest and allowing your body to recover. Whichever way you get your best sleep—cuddled or otherwise—depends on your preference.
In addition to issues between sleeping partners, the wrong choice of mattress could also lead to sleepless nights and muscle pains.
But the best way to get guaranteed best sleep is to invest in a bed both you and your partner can enjoy.
With all the information you may have learned today, we hope you no longer wake up on the wrong side of the bed.
Which couple sleep positions give you the best rest? Do you sleep with a partner or do you prefer to lie solo? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
0 Comments