Sleep Health
Published July 29, 2022
9 minStomach Sleeper: Good or Bad?
Are you a stomach sleeper? If yes, you are among that 7% of people who sleep on their stomachs. Stomach sleeping, also known as prone position, can be described as when a person sleeps flat on their c
Table of contents
3 Stomach Sleeping PositionsWhat Happens When You Sleep on Your Stomach? Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Bad?: Pros and Cons How to Properly Sleep on Your Stomach Can You Sleep on Your Stomach While Pregnant? How to Stop Sleeping on Your Stomach Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a stomach sleeper? If yes, you are among that 7% of people who sleep on their stomachs. Stomach sleeping, also known as prone position, can be described as when a person sleeps flat on their chest. The limited advantages experienced by a stomach sleeper are reduced snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Stomach sleeping is one of the most unhealthy sleeping positions. But a few ways will throw light on how to sleep on your stomach correctly.
Unfortunately, the cons outweigh the pros, and therefore, it can be stated that sleeping on the stomach is bad for health. From the list of cons, it can be understood that a stomach sleeper might be a victim of back, neck, or shoulder pain. Therefore, learning how to not sleep on your stomach needs to be quick.
3 Stomach Sleeping Positions
It may sound interesting that there are quite some variations of stomach sleeping positions. Tummy sleepers like switching their sleeping positions from freefall to a running man, then waking up in a skydiver position.The Freefall Position
If you notice someone sleeping with their heads placed to their sides and hands wrapped in the pillow, understand that it is a freefall position. Though this position is not completely bad, it can be excelled. Simply place a very thin pillow or completely omit the pillow. This will prevent your neck from getting too curved up, thus alleviating your spine and neck.The Running Man Position
When you notice a stomach sleeper sleeping with one arm to their side and the other arm and leg up in a running position, that is what is a running man position. To elevate this stomach sleeping position to relieve your back and neck, ensure that your hips and legs are straightened all the time. Follow it up by placing a pillow under your forehead and placing your head face-down. No matter how uneasy this belly sleeping position sounds, it might be better for a stomach sleeper.The Skydiver Position
If you are a stomach sleeper and notice yourself sleeping with one leg up and both arms up by your head, it is a skydiver position. You can upgrade this position by keeping your leg down all the time and placing a thin pillow under the pelvis. These modifications will help level your spine in a neutral position and avert it from getting twisted.What Happens When You Sleep on Your Stomach?
It might happen that you often wake up with a sore body. The reason might be chronic pain or a similar health issue, or it can result from belly sleeping. The question follows this, is sleeping on your stomach bad? Let us find that out in the following section.- You Might Misalign Your Spine
- You Might Experience Back, Neck, or Shoulder Pain
- You Might Notice More Facial Wrinkles
Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Bad?: Pros and Cons
Is sleeping on your stomach bad? Let us find that out by studying the pros and cons.| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It helps alleviate sleep apnea symptoms | Might cause neck pain |
| It might reduce snoring | It might cause back strain |
| Might help control acid reflux | Might cause stiffness |
| --- | Might cause wrinkles |
How to Properly Sleep on Your Stomach
It might not be possible for a stomach sleeper to give up their sleeping position completely. The following alterations might help those people sleep better on their stomachs.- Use a Thin Pillow
- Stretch Daily
- Place a Pillow Under your Pelvis
- Keep your Legs Flat
- Keep your Body as Aligned as Possible
Can You Sleep on Your Stomach While Pregnant?
Doctors recommend not sleeping on the stomach while pregnant even during the first trimester. They advise not to put more pressure on the tummy than what is necessary. Your baby needs to move around freely, and your back also needs proper rest throughout the period. Side sleeping is the best position for pregnant women.How to Stop Sleeping on Your Stomach
Are there any ways to stop being a stomach sleeper? Yes, there are. The following are the ways listed:- Shift your Position When Possible
- Use a Body Pillow
- Sleep On a Memory Foam Pillow
