The effect of sleep position on dream experiences

Abstract

This study explored whether dream experiences are modulated by body posture during sleep with consideration of Big Five personality dimensions and repressive defensiveness. The Dream Intensity Scale, Dream Motif Scale, NEO Five-Factor Inventory, and Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale were administered to 670 participants. The results indicate that sleeping in the prone position may promote dreaming of sexual, erotomaniac, and persecutory material, such as themes involving “having a sexual relationship with a big wheel or celebrity,” “being smothered, unable to breathe,” “being locked up,” and “being tied, unable to move.” This effect cannot be fully explained by personality factors, which are merely weakly associated with sleep position. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)