If you want to know how healthy your relationship is – take a look at how you and your partner are sleeping.
During the day people are more aware of their actions and behavior, but at night your subconscious takes over and provides not only the perfect snapshot into your state of mind but how you feel about your other half.
According to body language expert Patti Wood, people end up saying things through their sleep that they’re unable to articulate to their partner.
It’s not always in the way you think either, certain positions that might look intimate could actually be a sign of trouble ahead.
The Spoon
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Facing the same way with one person cradling the other in their arms and usually with legs entangled, “the spoon” is a favorite among new couples.
An overtly sexual position, where the sexual organs are pressed together, it’s a sign that one person is protective over the other and views their partner as vulnerable.
There’s also a sense of ownership over the “little spoon”, who is being dominated by their partner.
While it’s a sleeping position used on TV and movies to show intimacy, it’s not actually that popular.
According to body language expert Patti Wood only 18% of couples surveyed actually sleep on the bed like this.
The Loose Spoon
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Couples who started out spooning usually move towards the “loose spoon” as their relationship becomes more stable.
Lying in the same spooning position, there’s usually a little more space between the pair who feel secure enough to sleep apart.
This means that while they still crave intimacy, they value finding a comfortable sleeping position for the night and is a sign of independence within the relationship.
Woods’ claimed the position is like saying: “‘I’ve got your back, you can count on me,’ but it’s not as sexual as spooning closer.”
The Chase
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Sometimes called “illegal spooning”, this position sees the big spoon giving all the attention while the other has retreated away to their side of the bed.
This could be a sign that one person wants space from their partner, while the other feels neglected and is in need of reassurance.
However, it’s not always a case.
This position, especially at the start of the relationship, could be a way to play hard to get staying closed off from a new partner literally getting them to chase them, even in their sleep.
The Tangle
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This intimate and intense position sees couples sleeping facing one another with their arms and legs entwined.
Literally sleeping facing one another, this position is a sign of a deep and intense emotional connection and is usually adopted by those in the first instance of a new romance.
While it might be a sign of intimacy in a relationship, if a couple maintains the position long term it could be mean they are too dependent on one another.
Or if one-half of the couple suddenly reverts to this position it could be an indication they are feeling neglected and want attention from their partner.
Unraveling Knot
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Starting the night in a tangle, but end up unraveling to find a more comfortable position, the unraveling knot is a best-of-both-worlds scenario.
It shows the couple still crave intimacy but are happy to have space from one another to get a good night sleep.
The Liberty Lovers
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Sleeping apart with backs towards each other, this isn’t necessarily a sign there’s trouble ahead.
In fact, it is usually the opposite as the couple are secure enough in their relationship not to crave reassurance or intimacy while they sleep.
This is a position usually adopted by those in a long-term stable romance or marriage.
The Back Kissers
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The same back-to-back position, this time with backs touching means a couple gets space while also maintaining an intimate connection.
While they might need space, it isn’t necessarily from one another and exhibits a deep trust in the
This isn’t a position for new couples and usually only comes when a couple is truly able to be comfortable around each other.
The Nuzzle
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This intimate act, where one sleeps on the other’s chest, is usually adopted by new couples or those rekindling a romance.
There’s a high level of trust required for this position and is a sign they’re working together as a team as they adopt different positions to compliment one another.
It also gives a good indication of the roles taken on in the relationship with the person facing up demonstrating confidence and a protective attitude towards their more vulnerable partner.
The Leg Hug
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Sleeping with only your legs intertwined or feet touching is a sign a couple is craving a sexual or emotional connection.
According to experts, it’s the sleeping position of a couple who can’t get enough of each other as even when asleep they need a physical link to their partner and just like the legs.
Like the legs, the couple’s life is usually completely intertwined, viewing themselves as a single unit.
The Star Fish
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This is an incredibly selfish sleeping position and not a good sign for the one pushed to the side.
If a partner seems oblivious you’re even in the bed and shows no consideration for your night’s sleep, then there could be some real issues with the romance.
Where’s your head at?
The height of heads during sleep can also be an indication of how healthy the relationship is.
Those who sleep with their heads at the same level see themselves as equals and part of a team, while heads actually touching is a sign of closeness.
An uneven sleeping position though could mean one partner is dominate.
Those who sleep above their partner, are usually the more confident one while the other may have lower self-esteem and feel more vulnerable.
