EXPERTS have revealed what exactly your sunbathing position says about you.
Sleep expert Hannah Shore analyses six popular sunbed positions used by holidaymakers looking to relax and top up their tan.
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The most common way – used by 43 percent of travelers – is to lie flat on your back with your legs straight down and your arms at your sides.
According to Hannah, people who adopt this attitude are the ultimate sun seekers who embrace life to the fullest and are eager to let the world know that they are living their best lives.
People who prefer to sit half in the shade and half in the sun – and that’s 20 percent of all respondents – tend to live a more balanced lifestyle and often enjoy the best of both worlds.
The research was commissioned by On the Beach and Silentnight, who worked together to develop a sunbed mattress topper that brings back comfort during holidays. The data also revealed that 47 percent have difficulty relaxing on a sunbed because they find it uncomfortable.
Hannah Shore from Silentnight said: “The way you lie on a sunbed can reveal a lot about your personality and sleeping habits.
“As you soak up the sun by the pool this summer, take a moment to people watch and see how different people are laying on their loungers. It will tell you a lot about their comfort preferences.
“It’s important to find a position that’s comfortable for you, especially if you want to take some relaxing naps poolside.
“Comfort affects our total sleep experience and without comfort the quality of our sleep is compromised. Therefore, try different sleeping positions and find what works for you.”
The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults who had travelled abroad in the past five years, found that of those who sunbathe, the average person spends two and a half hours a day sunbathing.
Exactly two out of ten people set their alarm clocks earlier to avoid the crowds at the tanning salon. 41 percent find this experience stressful.
Once the bed is secured, 28 percent immerse themselves in a book, while 16 percent prefer to bring headphones and play a playlist on repeat.
Another 16 percent are more likely to sleep in and out throughout the day, while 31 percent admit to often taking a siesta on a sunbed.
Yet 17 percent always keep their eyes open so they can observe others from behind sunglasses.
Nearly three in ten (29 percent) move their lounger during the day, depending on where the sun is.
And according to data from OnePoll.com, a fifth will choose 50/50 – meaning half in the shade and half in the open air.
Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach, which is offering the limited edition toppers exclusively at the Lyttos Beach Hotel in Crete, said: “Some holidaymakers don’t even get a chance to sit on their sunbed because they can’t cope with the 6am rush, resulting in a sunbed war.
“Hopefully the summer tanning bed crisis has now been solved, so jetsetters can lounge comfortably in their favourite position.”
The 6 Most Popular Tanning Bed Positions and What They Say About You:
1. The sun goddess/god (43 percent)
You are the ultimate sun seeker. Lying flat on your back with your arms outstretched to catch as much sun as possible means you are confident and embrace life with enthusiasm. You are bold, unashamed and enjoy showing the world that you are living your best life.
2. Goldilocks (20 per cent)
Half shade, half sun… that’s just right. You value balance in all aspects of your life, and poolside siestas are no exception. You enjoy the best of both worlds and know where you feel most comfortable. You’re practical, adaptable, and have a knack for finding the perfect middle ground.
3. The Flip-Flopper (17 percent)
If you constantly move from your back to your stomach and back again, you are a classic Flip-Flopper. You are spontaneous, adventurous and always up for something new – even in your dreams. You keep everyone guessing and that is exactly how you like it.
4. The Curious Parker (17 percent)
There’s nothing you love more than people watching from the comfort of your bed, hiding behind a pair of oversized sunglasses to avoid being spotted. This means you’re a keen observer and a keen gossip. You know what everyone is doing – sometimes before they do. Your eye for detail is second to none and you love staying informed and connected.
5. The social butterfly (11 percent)
Sitting on your sunbed, connecting with everyone who passes by, you are the Social Butterfly. You are an extrovert who loves meeting new people, making memories, and being at the center of social interactions. For you, life is about connections and shared experiences, and you prioritize socializing over solitary relaxation.
6. The total starfish (two percent)
You are a free spirit and don’t worry about perfecting your tan or looking ridiculous. You are here to have a good time and nothing can ruin your party. You are carefree, confident and carefree – you always find joy in the little moments.
