4 sleep positions for men and what they mean

They’re the eight (well, hopefully) most important hours of the day, but how you spend your sleeping time says a lot about you. For men, your sleep position can affect a lot — from heartburn to back pain to snoring. Plus, the way you hold your body between the sheets (no innuendo here) could be indicative of your personality.

Curled up in fetal position

It may sound childlike, but according to a study from Chris Idzikowski, a U.K. sleep specialist, 41 percent of participants snoozed like an unborn baby. Call it primal comfort or going back to your, well, earliest roots; there’s something inherently cozy about curling yourself into a little ball (or bundle of joy). The fetal position indicates an inner sensitivity, so if this is your go-to for a good night, you’ve likely got a sweet and sensitive side (or two).

Men who opt for the fetal position are doing their bodies a favor as well. According to HealthLine, those who suffer from lower back pain benefit from this sleep posture. Because the legs are tucked in and upward, it opens space between vertebrae, relieving pressure on discs.

Free falling (to your pillow)

If you tend to saw logs at night — and you’re not building a log cabin — you might naturally roll onto your stomach while you sleep (if you’re not pushed there by your partner). Men who sleep on their stomachs generally get a reduction in snoring and even sleep apnea. That might sound great, but (and here’s a big “but”) according to Men’s Health, sleeping in the prone position can overextend your spine, which can cause or exacerbate back pain. This position could also cause neck kinks, so men who tend to suffer from either should avoid it.

If you do tend to adopt the “free fall,” as the position is commonly called, it says something positive about you; you’re likely a bold man with a risk-taking personality (although, to be fair, you may just be risking back pain).

Doing the back float

It might seem standard, but if you sleep flat on your back, you’re in an elite group. Not only is this the best sleep position, according to the National Sleep Foundation, it’s one only 8 percent of people adopt. If you sleep like a toy soldier (straight body, arms at sides), you may have a serious disposition and high standards (and hopefully getting great sleep is one of those).

Back sleeping is great for your health because it brings your head, neck and spine into natural alignment, which alleviates unnecessary pressure. Additionally, if you’re a man who suffers from acid reflux, back sleeping can help reduce your symptoms. Of course, there’s a catch; back sleeping tends to increase snoring and sleep apnea, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your sleeping habits if this is an issue for you.

Playing all sides

Everyone’s a cynic now and then, but if you tend to sleep on your side with your legs straight (not tucked like the fetal position) and your arms out, you might be a suspicious man by nature. At least that’s what Sleep Advisor says about the “yearner position,” favored by 13 percent of people.

For your health, the side you sleep on may affect quite a lot. If you’re a man who experiences heartburn, sleeping on your right side can worsen it. Sleeping on your left side will give you relief from acid reflux but could put pressure on internal organs. And if you’re not into the crow’s feet or wrinkles that are so “distinguished” on men, you may want to avoid this position; pressing one side of your face onto the pillow can cause wrinkles (the horror!).

For a good night’s sleep (regardless of position), visit Brooklyn Bedding.