It may not ring of romance but relationship psychologist Corrine Sweet, who carried out the study on behalf of bed specialist Dreams, believes there's hidden clues to a strong relationship in the non-tactile pose. 

 

'It shows the couple is connected and secure,' says Ms Sweet, who says sleep positions can speak volumes about the state of a relationship. 

 

So what does your sleep stance say about your relationship? 

 

 

Some 27 per cent sleep in this position with plenty of space keeping them apart. Ms Sweet said that couples who adopt the Liberty are: 'Connected and secure in themselves, this position shows both closeness and independence in the relationship.' 

 

 

'A quarter of pairs (23 per cent) like to sleep separately, facing different directions - and is often a sign of a new romance. 

 

Ms Sweet said that it means that, 'both partners are relaxed and comfortable with one another – this is often common in new relationships.' 

 

 

The classic loving sleep position although one of the most famous, is only adopted by a fifth (18 per cent) of couples. 

 

Ms Sweet said it's a 'traditional position' and demonstrates a dynamic, 'where one partner takes a protective stance over the other.' 

 

 

The most complex position in which a couple lies facing each other, with their legs and arms intertwined for ten minutes before they separate, is a sign of relationship strength. 

 

Yet only eight per cent adopt this complex position. Ms Sweet said it's, 'a compromise between intimacy³ and independence, allowing for the best of both worlds.' 

 

 

Women may hold out for a hero but when it comes to going to bed it's the last thing you need. 

 

Some three per cent of selfish sleepers⁴ adopt the starfish position, pushing the other partner so they're hanging off the bed. 

 

Ms Sweet's verdict is that: 'One partner dominates the space, while the other takes a secondary role.' 

 

 

This intimate posture⁵, in which one partner rests their head on their partner's chest, while their legs are intertwined is often seen in early relationships. 

 

Adopted by four per cent of couples Ms Sweet explained it 'represents vibrant⁶, passionate⁷ or rekindled⁸ love.' 

 

 

With space between them but their bodies mirroring each other, only three per cent of couples lie in the pillow talk position. 

 

But Ms Sweet noted⁹ that it could indicate an emotionally demanding union. 'This position shows a need for intimacy and close communication.' 

 

 

There's a reason only two per cent of pairs sleep lying so closely intertwined. Ms Sweet said that although it's 'romantic and very intimate, this position also shows a lack of independence from each other.' 

 

Despite sleep studies showing that 94 per cent of couples who spend the night in contact with each other are happy with their relationship, Ms Sweet believes autonomy in the bedroom is no bad thing.

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