If you sleep with one arm under your pillow, psychologists say you probably have these two common traits

Placing your arm under the pillow is a very common gesture. It’s part of the so-called “fetal position,” named because it mimics the way a fetus curls inside the womb. People who choose to sleep this way usually slide an arm under the pillow for comfort – but it can also reflect certain psychological factors.

Is it good to sleep with arm under pillow?

The fetal position involves lying on your side so that part of your face – left or right profile – rests against the pillow. The legs are pulled up, bending the knees toward the chest and curving the back, as if trying to form a ball. Finally, the arm is tucked beneath the pillow, lying parallel to the rest of the body.

Experts caution against relying on this position at bedtime. Sleeping this way places significant pressure on the muscles, which over time can lead to numbness and neck pain. While the fetal pose gives a false sense of protection, curling the body so tightly can also trigger back or cervical discomfort.

Three key personality traits

Shyness and trust

Sleeping in this pose is not accidental. According to research cited by El Tiempo, the fetal position is a sign of “emotional rest.” People who sleep this way often appear shy or reserved at first with strangers, but once trust is established, they can open up easily. They tend to hold back socially in the beginning, finding it difficult to interact with others.

Charisma and nervous energy

Those who favor this posture often project a charismatic and dominant personality. At the same time, they carry a nervous energy that defines their behavior.

Comfort and protection

This position is not just about physical ease – it also signals a need for protection. Sleeping curled up provides a false feeling of safety and offers emotional reassurance during rest.

Security and inner sensitivity

The magazine Psicología y Mente has reported that people who sleep this way often project an image of strength and security. Outwardly they may seem tough, but underneath lies a deep emotional sensitivity.

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