Sleeping position can reveal much about who we are as individuals. Stomach sleepers, for instance, tend to be open-minded yet wary of strangers.
However, sleeping on your stomach isn’t advised for your spine and neck as this could cause discomfort as well as inhibiting quality sleep.
1. It’s a natural position
Many people believe that sleeping on the stomach is a natural position for men. While that might be true for some, stomach sleeping can actually cause significant pain in both your back and neck areas.
Sleeping on one’s stomach exerts immense strain on both the spine and neck, potentially leading to herniated discs or spinal misalignment, as well as straining both heart and lungs by forcing blood circulation in an abnormal fashion.
As it restricts nerves and limits blood flow, sleeping on one’s stomach may also result in a tingling sensation in the arms due to compressed nerves and reduced circulation. Furthermore, sleeping this way may increase risk for pregnant women as this could cause their spermatic cords to twist (testicular torsion).
Sleeping on your stomach might not be ideal if you suffer from snoring, sleep apnea, back or neck injuries or are pregnant. To mitigate potential health risks associated with stomach sleeping, try using a body pillow as support while sleeping – this may help make for more restful nights!
2. It’s more comfortable
Sleeping on your stomach, also known as the prone position, may provide temporary comfort; however, over time it can lead to back or neck pain and even cause your hips and spine to curve improperly. This position also puts unnecessary stress on your hips which puts undue strain on the rest of the body and puts increased strain on joints that support it.
If you prefer sleeping on your stomach, try placing a pillow between your knees to ease pressure on your hips and keep your spine properly aligned. Firm mattresses prevent sinkage beneath your abdomen while thin pillows that do not put strain on either neck or head should also help.
If you share a bed with someone, ask them to gently nudge you if they see you sleeping on your stomach. Over time, this may help train yourself to stay on either your back or side – which may reduce snoring risk or sleep apnea as well as acid reflux symptoms.
3. It’s less likely to snore
Are You Sleeping on Your Stomach? : If so, You May be Surprised to Learn It Has Health Benefits According to Men’s Health, stomach sleeping has various health advantages that might surprise you – like reduced heartburn and sleep apnea symptoms; however it can cause spine overextension, twisting and neck kinks/wrinkles which isn’t good.
This sleep position, often called the “running man” position, is popular with stomach sleepers. Sleepers in this position are thought to be suspicious by nature due to hugging their pillow while asleep – another characteristic associated with this sleeping position.
If you are used to sleeping on your stomach, try training yourself to switch over to sleeping on your back instead. Sleeping this position offers several health advantages such as reduced back pain and lessened snoring; although it may take some getting used to, your body will thank you with more restful nights’ rest! Ensure a firm mattress for maximum spinal alignment benefits.
4. It’s less likely to wake up in the middle of the night
Though everyone has their own sleeping style, it’s essential to understand how your position affects your body. Stomach sleeping or prone sleeping can place undue strain on one of the key pillars of your spine and lead to discomfort in your back, neck, skin and overall body health–and may even compromise its health during gestation if pregnant.
Sleeping on your stomach requires you to bend forward under gravity’s pull and sink your belly deeper into the mattress, placing extra strain on your spine as it sinks to its end-range position and placing strain on spinal discs – possibly leading to herniation and producing intense discomfort.
As well, stomach sleeping can exacerbate existing back and neck pain while increasing acid reflux symptoms and heartburn, both of which interfere with restful sleep and lead to reduced quality of life. So if you tend to favor stomach sleeping positions over side or back sleeping positions, try switching positions as often as possible – you might find that pain and aches begin easing after just a few nights if switching positions; remembering to stretch upon awakening will help soothe stiff muscles!
5. It’s less likely to cause back or neck pain
Sleeping on your stomach requires you to unintentionally twist your neck. Over time, this can cause tension in your neck’s muscles and bones, which in turn causes poor quality restful sleep and morning soreness. Furthermore, sleeping this way places added strain on your spine’s natural curve, potentially contributing to back problems like herniated discs.
Stomach sleeping can lead to hyperextension of the lumbar spine and tilt your pelvis anteriorly, compressing spinal facet joints together and leading to low back pain. Many stomach sleepers also extend their arms when sleeping on their stomach, damaging the labrum which connects your shoulder ball and socket ring of cartilage.
To help mitigate these problems, it may help to switch up your sleep position from stomach sleeping by sleeping on either your side or back instead. Tuck pillows, rolled up blankets or towels or body pillows between your knees as a support system for the lower spine if necessary. While it may take time to adapt, eventually you should find that the new sleep position produces less back or neck pain.
