2 sleeping positions destroying your health: Check yourself
Which positions are bad for you while sleeping? (photo: freepik)
Sleep quality has a huge impact on our physical and mental health. Although most people choose a sleeping position unconsciously, some of them may eventually lead to unpleasant health problems. Read which two sleeping positions are highly undesirable.
Sleeping on your stomach
Sleeping on the stomach is one of the least recommended positions according to many specialists. The main issue lies in the significant strain on the spine, especially in the cervical and lumbar regions. To breathe, the head must be turned to the side, which causes prolonged neck twisting. This can lead to:
Chronic neck and back pain
An unnatural position of the spine for a long time causes muscle tension and nerve compression.
Impaired blood circulation
Constant pressure on one side of the neck can reduce blood flow to the brain.
Morning swelling and wrinkles
Sleeping face-down on the pillow interferes with normal lymphatic drainage, contributing to puffiness, and the friction against fabric may accelerate the appearance of sleep lines and wrinkles.
Breathing problems
Pressure on the diaphragm can make deep breathing during sleep more difficult.
Although some sources mention that sleeping on the stomach may reduce snoring for some people, the potential harm to the spine and other body systems makes this position undesirable for regular use.
Fetal position (excessively curled on the side)
Sleeping on the side is quite common and generally considered better than sleeping on the stomach. However, the curled-up fetal position, where the legs are tightly pulled toward the chest and the spine is hunched, can have its drawbacks, especially if one stays in this position all night or sleeps only on one side.
Joint and spine strain
Prolonged time in a twisted position puts pressure on the joints (knees, hips) and restricts the natural alignment of the spine, potentially causing pain and stiffness.
Restricted breathing
Severe body bending can limit diaphragm movement, making deep breathing more difficult.
Asymmetry
Constant sleeping on one side may contribute to muscle imbalance and even visual asymmetry over time (for example, wrinkles on one side of the face, pressure on one shoulder).
Pressure on internal organs
Although research on this is mixed, some specialists believe that sleeping in a tightly curled position on the right side may place extra pressure on certain internal organs. (Sleeping on the left side is often recommended to improve digestion and circulation, but excessive bending can still be problematic.)
Which positions are best for sleeping?
The most often recommended sleeping position is on the back, as it allows the spine to remain in the most natural alignment, provided a proper pillow supports the neck. Sleeping on the side with a relatively straight spine and a pillow between the knees to align the hips and pelvis is also beneficial.
Earlier, we wrote about 7 mistakes you make with your pillow that may lead to health problems
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
