Sleep

Relationship between Sleep Habits and Personality Types

Researchers have studied the relationship between sleep habits and stress, personality and stress coping, and personality and sleep habits. One factor that has been widely overlooked is the relationship between sleep habits and personality types. The purpose of this study is to examine a relationship between personality types and sleep habits.

Evidence also shows that there is a relationship between personality and sleep. A study conducted by the director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service at the University of Surrey in England, Chris Idzikowski, proclaimed that one's sleep position is related to personality. Individuals of different personality types were observed and catorgized as having one of six common sleep positions. The results showed that individuals who slept in the fetal position were shy and sensitive; flat on the back with arms down were quiet and reserved; on the side with arms and legs outstretched were suspicious; on the side with legs outstretched and arms down were social and easy going; flat on the stomach with hands at the side of the head were brash and gregarious; and on the back with arms and legs outstretched were unassuming and good listeners. (Idzikowski, 2003)

Evidence shows that there is a relationship between the way individuals cope with stress and their sleep habits. Dr. Avi Sadeh conducted a study on students between the ages of 22 and 32 years, where the sleep patterns of the individuals were monitored by actigraphs and daily logs during low-stress and high-stress periods. The low-stress periods were those of regular academic schedules, while the high-stress periods were when the students were applying to graduate schools. Finding those "who tended to focus on their emotions and anxiety during the high-stress period were more likely to shorten their sleep, while those who tended to ignore emotions and focus on tasks extended their sleep and shut themselves off from stress." (Sadeh, 2004) .

Another study examined the effects of personality on sleep patterns under stressors. Subjects between