Have you ever found yourself — or a loved one — in a funny sleeping position you were unable to explain?

Some sleeping positions look quite funny from the outside, but these positions say a lot about the person who adopts them. Let’s explore some examples of sleeping positions that many consider funny — and what it means if you’re one of these sleepers.

Diagonal Sleepers

If you share your bed with a partner, diagonal sleeping can be a way to stay close to your partner. Many people instinctively gravitate to their partner while they’re sleeping. Sleeping diagonally lets you both rest your legs on top of each other — or rest your head on their chest.

Otherwise, diagonal sleeping allows you to take up more space, which can be helpful if you move often while you rest.

Hugging Your Pillow While Sleeping

Do you tend to hug a pillow or your comforter while you sleep? Many of us had the same habit as children. This comforting habit is usually carried over into adulthood, especially if you crave the sensation of safety

Some people also use pillows during sleep to alleviate discomfort during pregnancy. Holding a pillow helps you stay on your side instead of automatically turning on your back.

Sleeping Curled Up

Sleeping curled in a ball — also called the fetal position — is reminiscent of childhood for many of us. Like cats, some people feel more secure sleeping in the fetal position. It also helps you stay warm.

However, the fetal position isn’t the best sleeping position for your health. Sleeping while curled up can put lots of pressure on your back and your joints. This position also restricts your breathing because it compresses your diaphragm.

Can’t imagine yourself not sleeping curled up? Try sleeping with your legs extended downwards to give your diaphragm more space to breathe. This will also keep your spine aligned.

Sleeping Upside Down (Or On the Wrong Side of the Bed)

It can be confusing to wake up with your head at the bottom of your bed. People who sleep upside down — or who gravitate to the opposite side of the bed — tend to move often throughout the night.

People who curl up while they sleep can also end up upside down! It happens most often to those who curl and uncurl throughout the night, with each cycle rotating their body downwards.

Whichever position you sleep in, implementing a relaxing bedtime routine can help you sleep better. Try the BetterSleep app to find calming meditations, a vast library of soothing sounds, and other helpful tools to fall asleep faster.