A person’s sleep position is a consistent habit that can offer clues about their general health and even certain personality tendencies. Among the various postures people adopt in bed, the “starfish position” is a recognizable, specific style of sleeping. This orientation is one of the distinct variations of back sleeping, which is the second most common category after side sleeping. Understanding this particular posture can highlight both physical advantages and potential drawbacks for a sleeper’s well-being.
Defining the Starfish Sleep Position
The starfish position is characterized by lying flat on the back with the arms spread out, often resting near or above the pillow. The legs are also spread apart, resembling the splayed limbs of a starfish, which gives the position its name. This posture is a clear variation of supine sleeping, differing from the “soldier position,” where the arms rest straight down by the sides.
Despite its distinctive shape, the starfish position is one of the less common sleep styles among adults. Studies estimate that only about 5% to 7% of the population consistently adopts this posture throughout the night. Because the limbs are spread, starfish sleepers require significantly more space in the bed than those who curl into the fetal position.
The Psychological Profile of Starfish Sleepers
Research connecting sleep positions to personality traits suggests that starfish sleepers possess a distinct psychological profile. These individuals are often described as prioritizing friendship and being highly loyal to their close circle. They are good listeners who are always willing to lend a hand or offer support to others.
Starfish sleepers are not comfortable being the primary focus of attention and prefer to remain in the background. They are characterized as easygoing and modest, valuing their independence and feeling content in their own comfort zone. Though these associations are not definitive scientific diagnoses, they offer a generalized framework for the type of person who finds this open, yet non-confrontational, position most comfortable.
Physical Health Implications
Adopting the starfish position offers several physical health benefits, primarily related to spinal alignment. Lying flat on the back with the limbs symmetrically positioned helps maintain the natural curvature of the spine from the head to the hips, which reduces pressure and stiffness. For this reason, this posture is linked to a lower incidence of shoulder and neck pain compared to other sleep styles.
This back-lying posture also provides a cosmetic benefit by preventing the face from being pressed into a pillow, which helps reduce the formation of facial wrinkles over time. Furthermore, back sleeping can be beneficial for individuals dealing with acid reflux, provided the upper body is slightly elevated with a proper pillow setup.
The main drawback of the starfish position is its impact on breathing during sleep. Like all back-sleeping postures, gravity can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the mouth to collapse backward, narrowing the airway. This effect significantly increases the likelihood of snoring and can exacerbate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. For individuals with existing breathing issues, this position is generally not recommended, as it can double the severity of sleep apnea episodes. The arms-up posture can also cause temporary numbness or discomfort by putting pressure on the shoulder nerves.