Goodnight kiss is a 'thing of the past'

What is the world coming to ?

Who carries outr these surveys and why ?

The goodnight kiss is a thing of the past and most of us sleep with our backs turned to our partner, according to a new study.

Indeed, a quarter of lovers say they cannot bear their partner touching them while they are sleeping.

The sleep behaviour study found that 54 per cent of Brits choose to turn away and sleep with their back to their lover in a bid to get a good night's sleep.

And it isn't just cuddling that's off the agenda as 90 per cent of couples don't utter the three important words 'I love you' before turning out the lights.

And eight in ten couples no longer kiss before nodding off.

List of the most popular sleeping positions adopted by Brits and Corinne Sweet's explanation of what each positions means:

Liberty: Back to back but not touching (33 per cent) This couple feels connected whilst independent enough to sleep separately. They are used to each other and accept each other's sleeping habits.

Cherish: Back to back but touching (21 per cent) This couple are comfortable, intimate and relaxed with each other. A popular position in a new relationship.

Spoons: Male spoons with the female on the inside (15 per cent) This is a traditional position, in which the male takes the lead and protects his lover. Couples sleep side-by-side each curled up with each other in the fetal position. Traditional spooning is the most common position adopted by couples during the first few years of their relationship or marriage. It shows both a strong sexuality and feeling of security in the relationship.

Pillow talk: Face to face (8 per cent) This position represents an intimate need for one-to-one contact and conversation in bed.

Lovers Knot: Face to face, legs intertwined for 10 minutes then couples separate to sleep (9 per cent) This position demonstrates a loving independence, it's a sign of intimacy, love and sexual activity – even though the couple separate and sleep apart.

Spoons – Female: Spoons with the female on the outside (6 per cent) In this position the female takes the lead and protects her man while he is sleeping.

The Lovers: Face to face with legs intertwined all night (5 per cent) This is love's young dream position where you cannot bear to be separated as each moment together counts. A position for the born romantics.

The Romantic: Woman lying with head and arm on man's chest (1 per cent) This is the popular Hollywood movie bed scene position. An intimate pose much favoured in a new relationship or after love making. It represents new / rekindled love.

Superwoman: Woman lying in star fish position with man hanging off the bed (1 per cent) The woman rules the bed in this position, she likes her space and the man takes a secondary role and lets her take it.

Superman: Man lying in star fish position with woman hanging off the bed (1 per cent) In this position the male is king of the bed, he likes to have his way and the female is happy to oblige.