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Jan 11, 2024 · Sleep — that safe haven of rest and restoration becomes a completely different world when engaged in with another — I mean with your partner. it is beyond just the physical connection, there is...
Feb 20, 2024 · "Sleeping on your side in a normal position probably just indicates you're comfortable that way and not worried about coming into contact with the other person in...
- The Spoon. Spooning is the most well-known of couple sleeping positions, but according to a 2015 study conducted by relationship psychologist Corinne Sweet, only 18% of couples actually prefer it.
- The Loose Spoon. A variation on the traditional Spoon, the Loose Spoon just means there's a bit of space between the couple. Don't mistake those few inches for lack of intimacy, though.
- The Chasing Spoon. Though this one may look like a standard Spoon, the Chasing Spoon is usually a little lopsided: One person has moved away from the center of the bed, and the other "chases" to physically reconnect.
- The Unraveling Knot. Like the Loose Spoon, this position is typical of couples who've been together for some time. Though they start out touching (the Knot), they eventually "unravel" into independence.
- Overview
- Spoon
- Loose spoon
- Chasing spoon
- Face to face, touching
- Face to face, not touching
- Back to back, touching
- Back to back, not touching
- Cradle
- Cliffhanger
Have you ever woken up and wondered how and why your body contorted itself into such a position? Do you turn onto one side in bed without even thinking? Would you rather stay as far away from your partner as possible at night?
“Sleep is vital for your health and well-being, and the position you sleep in could be just as important for your quality of sleep, your health, and relationship if you share a bed with your partner,” explains Doctor-4-U‘s Dr. Diana Gall.
It can also mean something deep. Your bedtime posture might just indicate a blissfully happy relationship or it may signal an unspoken emotional issue.
From the famous spooning to the lesser known tetherball, here’s a rundown of whether your sleeping position really means anything — or whether it’s just your body’s way of getting comfortable.
One of the most widely known couples’ sleeping positions, spooning involves one person acting as the “big spoon,” cocooning the other in a sideways hug.
“It can be a comfort for many people being so close to their partner,” says Dr. Gall. The “big spoon” is likely to feel protective of their partner, using their body to create a safe environment.
Only a fifth of couples actually sleep in this position though, according to a survey carried out by hotel company Travelodge.
Sleeping on your side “is considered the most comfortable [position] and better for your health,” notes Dr. Gall.
It doesn’t obstruct the airways as much as other positions, so it’s better for your breathing — a godsend for any snorer. And it may also relieve morning aches and pains due to giving your back some pressure-free time.
But there are some downsides.
When people have been in a relationship for some time, they may graduate to the loose spoon. Essentially, it’s a less restricted version of the original spoon.
You may think this position signifies a relationship problem, but experts say otherwise.
Instead of situating the spoon in the center of the bed, the chasing spoon is a position where one person has moved to one side of the bed and the other appears to be “chasing” them.
This one is said to have a couple of meanings: that one person wants to be pursued by the other, or that the same person needs space from their partner.
A pretty self-explanatory sleeping position, this involves both people facing each other with their heads at the same level and their bodies intertwined.
Sleeping in this way suggests the two individuals are incredibly close and generally happy in their relationship.
But, in all honesty, this probably isn’t ideal for a good night’s sleep. After all, who wants someone breathing in their face for 8 hours?
So it makes sense that, in a 2014 survey carried out by the UK’s University of Hertfordshire, only 4 percent of couples reported spending the night facing each other.
If you sleep facing each other but don’t touch, some believe there could be an issue in the relationship. Both partners may desire attention from each other, but are failing to give it.
To combat this, experts recommend prioritizing listening to one another and being open and honest about your feelings.
Affectionately known as back kissing, sleeping back-to-back while remaining in contact with each other is seen as a super relaxed sleeping position.
Although it may be a sign of closeness, it’s more commonly seen in couples who have been together for less than a year.
This position also has a cute alternative name: liberty lovers.
Sleeping back-to-back with space in between could indicate connection and independence within the relationship. (Plus, you might get a better night’s sleep.)
But if you’ve suddenly switched from a more intimate position to this, you may need to chat to your partner about the newly developed space.
The liberty lovers posture can be good for the body as it relieves pressure on internal organs. However, it may also detrimentally impact the lower back and shoulders.
Also known as the nuzzle, this practically cherubic position sees one person sleeping flat on their back while the other rests their head on the first person’s chest. Legs and arms often “hug” each other too.
Just like spooning, this is deemed to be a protective posture with an added touch of passion.
But let’s be real: It’s not very comfortable. Someone is likely to end up with stiff or numb limbs.
That said, its heavy skin-to-skin reliance may release oxytocin, the love hormone.
When both people are lying on either side of the bed far away from each other, they’re doing the cliffhanger. Bonus points if a foot sticks out over the edge.
To most people, this would be a sign that there’s a real problem in the relationship.
But if not carried out aggressively, it can actually signify that both people are happy in themselves and with their partner.
However, a 2014 survey of over 1,000 people did find that the further apart couples slept, the worse their relationship.
- Spooning. Spooning, in which both partners sleep on their sides, with one facing the back of the other partner, is a classic sleeping position for romantic partners.
- Stomach Sleeping. This position refers to both partners sleeping on their stomachs, typically without embracing. This sleeping position may be indicative of anxiety or lack of intimacy within the relationship.
- Back-to-Back. When sleeping back-to-back, both members of a couple lie on their side, but facing opposite directions. The name of this sleeping position depends on if bodies are touching or not.
- Cliffhangers. When you and your partner are sleeping on the opposite side of the bed, as far apart as you can get from one another, this may indicate a rupture in the relationship.
May 3, 2024 · Sleep talking, also known as somniloquy, is the act of speaking out loud during sleep. While you’re sleeping, you can: Talk in whispers. Speak at regular volume. Shout whole words or responses. Say full, intelligible sentences and conduct entire conversations. Have garbled, nonsensical speech mixed with grunts and other noises.
People also ask
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Mar 30, 2019 · Read on to find out how your sleep position might be helping (or hurting) your health and sleep, and what your sleep posture might say about who you are and how you dream.
