Forget falling asleep in each others' arms and spooning under the duvet. Half of British couples, according to a new sleep survey, choose to turn their backs on their lovers when the lights go out.
A national hotel chain asked customers what helps them get a good night's sleep and 46% of respondents admitted they turned away, while one quarter said they can't bear for their partner to touch them.
According to relationship psychologist Corrine Sweet, sleeping habits can reveal stresses and strains in a relationship.
"During sleep, you cannot fake your body language. This is the time when you are honest, vulnerable and your sleeping position can reveal a lot about your relationship."
The survey revealed that more than half of people questioned felt their sex life improved if they 'cuddled-up' more, while over half of adults believe they could tell if their partner was cheating on them.
Relationship psychologist Corrine Sweet was able to shed light on what the nation's sleeping habits reveal about British relationships.
Meaning Of Sleeping Positions
Corinne added: "Couples fall into habitual ways of sleeping together that suits their personalities and personal preferences. These are negotiated at the outset, so if something changes in how they sleep together, this can reflect a change in their relationship and cause concern for the other partner.
"Individual psychological states also affect how we sleep and the positions we sleep in, so if we are stressed we may be irritable, and not want to snuggle up with our partner. Arguments often lead to sleeping wide apart, as people feel loathe to touch. Women's temperatures rise with menstruation, so they may want to sleep less entwined during their 'time of the month’.”
Individual sleeping positions explained:
- Symbolically curled positions in sleep mean “I want to trust others and feel safe”
- Bodies stretched out in sleep mean “I want to take charge and experience adventure”
- Hands curled inwards mean “I want to cuddle and connect”
- Hands wrapped around a pillow can indicate a cuddly nature. If hands and/or arms are held, or pressed tightly, or straight down at the sides it means “I want to be alone”
- Sleeping on your stomach temporarily typically shows you are anxious or feel things are out of control and need to protect the vulnerable front of your body
- An individual who always sleeps on his/her stomach but with arms bent and hands up around the head in a crown position is showing s/he is persistent, goal oriented, compulsive and stubborn
Sleeping habits can reveal stresses and strains on a relationship, with people claiming their sex life improved if they 'cuddled-up' more while over half of adults believe they could tell if their partner was cheating on them.
The study of 2,000 couples was conducted by hotel chain Travelodge.