Sleep is a fascinating thing that has long intrigued medical professionals. Every day, we learn more and more about how sleep benefits our minds and bodies; however, we still don’t completely understand why we need it. On the other hand, researchers continue to uncover interesting facts surrounding the way many of us slumber.
Positions vs. Personalities
Most people believe they sleep in particular positions based on individual preferences related to comfort. While this may be true to some extent, new research suggests there could be more at play. Published in Men’s Health magazine, the study sought to find a correlation between sleeping positions and personality traits. Ultimately, researchers determined the following:
- People who sleep on their stomachs typically take criticism more personally; they also tend to be more extroverted.
- People who sleep in the fetal position usually present rough exteriors to the world, while keeping more sensitive traits hidden on the inside.
- When people sleep with their arms above their heads – a position referred to as “starfish” – they may be more prone to avoiding the spotlight; they are also more likely to be good listeners and friends.
- On the negative side, people who sleep with both arms pointing down to their sides may be too trusting and easy to fool.
Sleeping Patterns Can Have Serious Implications
While many people sleep in one position the whole night; others toss and turn, because they endure interrupted sleep owed to a sleeping disorder, such as sleep apnea. Because it causes intermittent breathing disruptions, sleep apnea can make sleeping difficult to impossible. It can also jeopardize a person’s health.
Studies have linked sleep apnea to a myriad of illnesses, from cardiovascular disease to dementia to cancer and more. If you or someone you love is suffering from this dangerous and frustrating disorder, please call (303) 691-0267 at the TMJ Therapy & Sleep Center of Colorado, to learn how a simple sleep apnea device can pave the way toward peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
