“Starfishing” in bed is a term used to describe the act of spreading oneself out and taking up a lot of space while sleeping. It’s a common habit among people who tend to move around a lot in their sleep or those who simply prefer to sleep in a more open and relaxed position.
Some people consider starfishing to be a sign of selfishness or lack of consideration for their sleeping partner. However, there are also those who argue that it’s a natural and harmless way to sleep, and that everyone should have the right to sleep in the way that feels most comfortable for them.
Whether you view starfishing as a good or bad habit likely depends on a number of factors, including your personal sleeping preferences, the size of your bed, and your relationship with your sleeping partner.
On the one hand, starfishing can be seen as a way to enjoy a more comfortable and restful night’s sleep. When you’re able to stretch out fully and move around as needed, you’re less likely to wake up feeling cramped, sore, or restless. Additionally, starfishing can help improve your circulation and reduce the risk of developing bed sores or pressure points.
However, there are also some downsides to starfishing, particularly if you share a bed with a partner or if you have limited space to sleep in. When you spread out too much, you can easily encroach on your partner’s side of the bed, leaving them with less room to sleep comfortably. This can lead to feelings of resentment, frustration, or even anger, especially if it happens on a regular basis.
In some cases, starfishing can also be a sign of underlying sleep problems, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or insomnia. If you find that you’re frequently waking up feeling tired, irritable, or unrested, it may be worth talking to your doctor or a sleep specialist to rule out any underlying health conditions that may be affecting your sleep quality.
If you’re someone who tends to starfish in bed and you share your sleeping space with a partner, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the impact of your sleeping habits on your partner’s comfort:
- Consider getting a larger bed. If you’re constantly encroaching on your partner’s side of the bed, it may be worth upgrading to a larger size so that you both have more space to sleep comfortably. A king-size bed can provide ample space for two people to sleep without feeling cramped or crowded.
- Use separate blankets. Sharing a blanket can often lead to tug-of-war battles in the middle of the night. If you and your partner each have your own blankets, you’ll be able to adjust them as needed without disturbing each other’s sleep.
- Try sleeping in separate beds. While it may seem counterintuitive, sleeping in separate beds can actually be a good solution for couples who have vastly different sleeping preferences. If one person is a chronic starfisher and the other person needs a more confined space to sleep, separate beds can help ensure that both people are able to get the restful sleep they need.
In conclusion, starfishing in bed is a common sleeping habit that can have both positive and negative effects on your sleep quality and your relationship with your sleeping partner. If you’re someone who tends to spread out while you sleep, it’s important to be mindful of your partner’s needs and to take steps to ensure that they’re able to sleep comfortably as well. With a little effort and communication, you can find a sleeping arrangement that works for both of you.