Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining our health and well-being, but not all sleeping positions are created equal.
Sleeping on your stomach is considered one of the least preferred positions for a number of health reasons.
Why should some people avoid sleeping on their stomachs and how can it affect their health and well-being?
Pregnant women
Pregnant women should avoid sleeping on their stomachs.
During pregnancy, especially in the later stages, this position creates additional pressure on the abdomen and uterus, which can negatively affect the health of the mother and child.
In addition, sleeping on your stomach leads to discomfort and pain in the lower back and pelvis.
Doctors recommend that expectant mothers sleep on their sides to ensure optimal blood circulation and reduce the load on the spine.
People with spinal problems
People suffering from spinal diseases should avoid sleeping on their stomach.
In this pose, the spine is in an unnatural position, which leads to excessive stress on the lumbar and cervical vertebrae.
This can worsen the symptoms of diseases such as herniated discs and osteochondrosis.
The optimal sleeping position for spinal problems is considered to be sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your legs.
People with breathing problems
People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions should also avoid sleeping on their stomachs.
This position makes breathing difficult by compressing the chest and diaphragm. Sleeping on your stomach can aggravate symptoms and lead to worsening of the condition.
For such people, positions on the back or on the side are recommended, ensuring free breathing.
People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
People with GERD should avoid sleeping on their stomachs. This position encourages stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort.
To reduce GERD symptoms, doctors recommend sleeping on your left side, which helps reduce the risk of reflux and improve sleep quality.
Children and teenagers
Children and teenagers are also not recommended to sleep on their stomachs.
Their musculoskeletal system is developing, and sleeping in the wrong position can negatively affect the development of the spine.
Additionally, babies who sleep on their stomachs may experience difficulty breathing, which can disrupt their sleep and lead to waking up during the night.
Alternative Sleeping Positions
There are many alternative sleeping positions that provide comfort and health.
Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees helps maintain the natural curve of your spine and reduces pressure on your lower back.
Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs helps keep your spine in proper alignment and reduces tension in your lower back and hips.
Choosing the right sleeping position can help improve the quality of your sleep and your overall well-being.
Practical advice
For those who are used to sleeping on their stomach and want to change this habit, there are some practical tips.
Gradually getting used to a new sleeping position may take time, but it will help improve your health and sleep quality.
Using pillows to support different parts of your body helps you adapt to the new position and make your sleep more comfortable.
It is important to choose a mattress and pillow that provide proper spinal support and promote healthy sleep.
Choosing the right bedding plays an important role in maintaining back health and overall comfort while you sleep.
Earlier we talked about what types of insomnia there are.
