Experts say that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they sleep. It is body language that speaks volumes about any relationship, more emphasized when your partner lays down next to you.
While sleeping next to your partner might seem habitual, it can represent so much about your relationship with each other. It’s an intimate act that can emulate the subconscious interaction between the two of you.
What Factors Influence Sleeping Styles?
Individual personalities and habits will influence sleeping styles. Some people might feel more comfortable sleeping a particular way. Factors such as physical ailments or insomnia may also come into play. Many people toss and turn in their sleep, often fueled by dreams, stress, or something in between.
Regardless, paying attention to the way you and your partner sleep is a fun way to learn about how you interact. And while this won’t predict the future of your relationship, it can certainly provide insight on the current dynamics of your bond. To top it off, you will learn just how expressive body language can truly be.
Common Sleeping Positions Of Couples
1. The Spoon
Pegged as one of the most popular positions, spooning is especially endearing. It is frequently seen in the beginning years of a relationship. Typically, this protective sleeping position is facilitated by the “big spoon,” who yearns to create a safe environment for the duo. The “small spoon” is the one who craves security from the other person. Unsurprisingly, the physical size of each person highly influences their connection with security, and therefore, their spooning position.
2. Head On Shoulder
Like spooning, this position creates a protective environment. One person sleeps on their back while the other lays on their collarbone. Those who sleep on their back are known for having a strong and earthy confidence. So when someone sleeps on their collarbone, they are practicing a protective (but not overbearing) type of affection.
As for the person sleeping on their collarbone, laying sideways? This is typically the person that is independent yet appreciates their partner’s protection. It is a sleeping position that displays strong commitment and a sense of trust.
3.
Other Side Lover
A study at the University of Hertfordshire found that the farther couples sleep apart, the less content they are in the relationship. Sleeping far away from each other can also represent underlying issues that are yet to be confronted and discussed.
Alternatively, happily established couples have been known to sleep independently on each side. This is especially common in relationships that have lasted for years upon years. It’s also the perfect example of how a position can have opposite meanings; it’s always crucial to take the relationship’s current status and recent events into consideration.
4. Back Kissers
In a similar sense, independence can be seen in partners that partly touch while sleeping on opposite sides. For example, one person’s arm may be lightly draped over the other. This partial contact shows that each person respects and values the others space.
It’s important to note that the touch that does happen is the farthest thing from smothering; instead, it is comforting and lightweight. The most popular position among couples is sleeping back to back with little to no space.
5. Tangled Hug
During the honeymoon stage, it’s not uncommon for people to absorb themselves with the other person. This is reflected through sleeping positions such as the unraveling hug. Characterized by tangled arms and legs, this setup can be quite uncomfortable and doesn’t usually last throughout the night. Yet, couples intertwine their bodies when they crave a complete and full connection. It is also seen after extremely intimate moments and conversations.
6. Snoozing On Stomach
A person sleeping on the stomach displays a sign of openness to themselves and other people. If both individuals in a relationship are facing downward, this may be a sign that something is off. In other words, both individuals are displaying a need to be open and possibly discuss an issue. This is especially true if movements are stiff and the atmosphere is tense.
Sleeping is an intimate act that is typically only shared with your significant other. With that in mind, try to use this time as a meaningful learning moment. Make an effort with the way you fall asleep and wake up. You never know what you will learn.
