Your sleep is the center of your health, but did it ever cross your mind that the way you sleep could be affecting how good you feel? Experts say that a particular sleep position might be the culprit for causing back pain, poor circulation, and accelerated aging that you might not be aware of.
The Issue with Sleeping on the Tummy
While it may seem that lying on your stomach is the only way for you to sleep, however, it is also the least healthy. Below are some reasons why:
1. Misaligned Spine
Sleeping on your stomach makes you put your neck and the whole spinal area in a very unusual and uncomfortable posture, thus, the pain felt is long-lasting. Dr. Michael Breus, clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, says, “This position not only puts a lot of strain on the neck but also the lower back, and thus it can cause your discomfort for a very long time.”
2. Problematic Breathing
Being torn between the decision to turn your head and breathe or not to breathe at all can lead to not getting enough air and a higher possibility of snoring or sleep apnea. The latter might end up causing insufficient sleep time and excessive daytime sleepiness.
3. Earlier Onset of Wrinkles
If you press the side or back of your face on the pillow every night, you are likely to get skin allergies and a couple of frown or smile lines that will further turn into wrinkles shortly. Skin doctors always stay on the side of side and back sleeping so as not to sweat there on the pillow and not to irritate their faces.
4. Compressed Nerves
Reclining on your stomach can, in a similar vein, not only cause the compression of some nerve points in the legs or arms but also cut off the natural blood flow throughout the body, causing numbness as well as a tingling sensation. This position serves as yet another reason for discomfort upon waking up, whereby waking up with stiff or sore muscles is the highest probability.
Sleep Positions for Best Health and Comfort
For those who may have problems regarding stomach sleeping, what are the options recommended by professionals?
1. Back Sleeping (Supine Position)
- Benefits: Straightens the spine, eliminates acid reflux, and decreases wrinkles.
- Tip: Utilize a flat pillow in order not to have a neck strain.
2. Side Sleeping (Fetal Position)
- Benefits: Allows for better blood circulation, lessens snoring, and is the most comfortable for pregnant women.
- Tip: Put a pillow between your knees to keep your hips in the right place.
How to Avoid Stomach Sleeping?
It is not an easy task to break the habit, although some of these useful tips could help you:
- Body Pillow Use: Holding a pillow can discourage rolling to the stomach.
- Pillow Adjustments: Test to see if cushioning a pillow under the side can prevent it from becoming upside down.
- Mindfulness Practice: Before bedtime, remind yourself not to switch to your back or side.
Final Thoughts
Although it is comfort is more valuable for a perfect night’s sleep, choosing a spine-friendly position is quite important as it will be greatly beneficial to your long-term health as well. If you are a stomach sleeper, you can go for changing your position little by little from the stomach to the back or the side, if the idea is not to give your body the strain.
