Sticking your face in bed is the type of act you see in movies, and it might be something you want to do when you’re tired.
Statistics show that this is the least popular sleeping position, with only 10% adopting it. (opens in new tab) – Choose to sleep on your side or back instead.
But if that’s your sleep position of choice, have you ever wondered if sleeping on your back is good for your health? From back pain to snoring, how sleeping on your stomach can affect your sleep And if it’s good for you, talk to the experts.
Is stomach sleep okay?
Yes or no, depending on your flexibility and whether you are likely to sleep on your front all night. says it’s not good for your neck. (opens in new tab): “Since you sleep on your back, you’re going to keep your neck bent all night. In the long run, you’ll only increase your risk of experiencing discomfort at best and physical pain at worst.” .”
Also, I never woke up and my arm was dead and wondered why. So without a high level of flexibility it would be very uncomfortable. ”
If you are a snorer or suffer from reflux, this position may be an alternative to sleeping on your back, but you are more likely to have both. , your airways will open and you will be able to sleep better.
But if you suffer from bad skin or acne, it can get even worse – bacteria and oils can build up on your pillowcase overnight and cause breakouts. Find out why your pillow turns yellow and how to tell if sleeping on it is healthy.
Why should you not sleep on your stomach?
There’s a reason only 10% of us sleep on our stomachs. It mainly has to do with spinal alignment. If you have a bad back or don’t want to, Meadow warns, “It can affect your entire spine, putting too much pressure on certain areas.”
But why is it bad for spine health? Most of our weight is in our stomach. So unless you have the best mattress, one that is firm enough to keep you straight, you’ll probably have a curve in your back for 7-9 minutes. time.
Pregnant women should also be aware of this position. There is no evidence to suggest that it can harm the baby in the early stages of pregnancy. Sleeping on your side is best during pregnancy. Especially because it will be safer and more comfortable as your baby grows.
What is the best mattress for sleeping on your stomach?
With a firm mattress that does not sink in the center, you can sleep with your whole body, especially your spine, firmly supported. A soft mattress does not protect your spine and your body sinks into it. In other words, the spine shifts.
Mattress construction is also important. A pocket spring mattress or the best hybrid mattress should be sturdy enough to hold your weight well when you sleep on your front at night. That is, the spine does not curve inward.
Are there any benefits of sleeping in before bed?
One study found that 44% of men and 28% of women aged 30-60 snore. (opens in new tab)however, this is more likely to occur when sleeping on your back and is one of the few drawbacks of sleeping in this position.
Sleeping on your back relaxes your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe through your mouth and nose. It can also help with sleep apnea, or intermittent breathing during sleep. Like snoring, it is caused by the tongue relaxing in the back of the throat and blocking the airway. However, it is more dangerous and can be life-threatening if not treated properly.
Both symptoms can be relieved by sleeping on your stomach or on your side, although sleeping on your side is healthier.
How to change your sleeping position?
If sleeping on your stomach is uncomfortable or you’re worried about its health effects, it’s worth trying other sleeping positions.
“Start by experimenting with sleeping positions. increase.
“If you’re thinking of trying to sleep on your side for an hour one night this week, you really want to slow down. You might fall asleep, you might not – it’s about the experiment. .
If you have trouble, try placing a pillow next to your belly and another next to your back.
What is the healthiest sleeping position?
“Everyone is an expert in their own right,” says Meadows.
However, if you have snoring or reflux problems and don’t want to disturb yourself or your partner’s sleep, sleeping on your back is unhealthy and can lead to other, more serious problems.
Sleeping on your back is the healthiest position for your spine. As long as the loft of the pillow and the firmness of the mattress are adequate, the alignment of the spine will be maintained throughout the night.
