Fetal position

Most people assume a fetal or semi-fetal position when sleeping. It is a type of lateral lying position. Curling up maintains contact with oneself and covers vulnerable parts of the body which can be interpreted as self-soothing. It also conserves heat during sleep.

Sometimes when a person has suffered extreme physical or psychological trauma (including massive stress), they will assume a similar compact position to prevent further trauma. In post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), curling into a fetal position can occur as a somatic symptom of a flashback. This type of position has been observed in drug addicts, who enter the position when experiencing withdrawal. Sufferers of anxiety are also known to assume the same type of position during panic attacks. Stomach pain may be relieved by taking up a fetal position to relax stomach muscles and provide relief from bloating.

Assuming this type of position and playing dead is often recommended as a strategy to end a bear attack. In extreme cold, body heat can be preserved by curling together.

In some cultures, bodies have been buried in fetal position.