But what does it mean if your partner is sleeping back to you? Maybe it’s a sign of distance?

Before jumping into conclusions, see what the experts have to say.

In many cases, sleeping back-to-back, or one of the partners turning their back while sleeping, is simply a matter of comfort. Some people need more space, cooler air, or a posture that helps them relax and sleep better.

As sleep specialist Dr. Rebecca Robbins explains, everyone has an ideal sleeping position, and turning away doesn’t always indicate emotional distance. However, if this change happens suddenly, it could be a sign of stress or a shift in emotional closeness.

This sleep position can reflect how pairs navigate everyday challenges, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the relationship is struggling. In fact, some couples who sleep back to back has had a long and fulfilling relationship.

Another expert, relationship psychologist Corinne Sweet, says that “this position suggests couples are connected and secure in themselves,” adding that “it shows closeness and independence in the relationship.”

Additionally, the back-to-back sleeping position, also called “Liberty,” is a position most common among couples, with 28% adopting the pose, according to Huffington Post.

The bottom line is that when your partner sleeps with their back to you, or you sleep back-to-back, it’s not always a wa:r:ning sign, but simply a way of finding the most comfortable way to rest.