Why You Should Never Sleep On Your Stomach

The way we sleep is such a personal thing. Some of us prefer to sprawl out like a starfish, while others curl up into tiny balls. Some people find they can’t fall asleep unless they’re on their backs (there’s a naughty joke in there somewhere), while others insist on sleeping on their stomachs.

We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep, and our positions during slumber can play a crucial role in how rested and rejuvenated we feel the next day. That’s why we owe it to ourselves to pay attention to the way we sleep, and identify any habits that could prevent us from getting the best sleep possible.

Now, while most people will tell you that there’s no right or wrong way to sleep, that isn’t necessarily true. In fact, sleeping on your stomach is widely regarded as one of the worst positions you can adopt. Let’s take a look at why that is.

7 reasons why you shouldn’t sleep on your stomach

1. It puts strain on your neck and spine

When you sleep on your stomach, you have to eventually turn your neck to one side or the other in order to breathe. This can create a lot of tension and strain in the muscles and joints of your neck, which can lead to stiffness and pain over time.

What’s more, sleeping on your stomach flattens out the natural curve of your spine, which can put pressure on spinal nerves.

2. It makes it harder to breathe

I liken sleeping on my stomach to having my lungs crushed by a sumo wrestler! Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but the fact remains that when you sleep on your stomach, it can make it harder to breathe. The reason being: your chest is compressed and your diaphragm can’t expand fully.

This is especially problematic for those who are overweight/obese and already have breathing difficulties, as it can exacerbate these issues.

And even if you do manage to fall asleep, should you sleep face down with your head buried in the pillow, that’s a recipe for disaster. You risk hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), not to mention the buildup of carbon dioxide that comes from breathing in and out into a pillow.

3. It can cause facial wrinkles

Sleeping on your stomach with your face pressed into a pillow can contribute to the formation of wrinkles over time. This is because the pressure and friction against your skin can damage collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep your skin smooth and supple.

Bet you didn’t see that one coming, did ya?

4. It may worsen digestive issues

If you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, sleeping on your stomach can worsen these conditions. This position can cause stomach acid to flow back into your esophagus, leading to irritation and discomfort.

Even if you don’t have pre-existing digestive issues, sleeping on your stomach puts pressure on your organs in that area, which can interfere with their natural processes.

5. It’s not good for pregnant women

Once you reach a certain stage in your pregnancy, sleeping on your stomach can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous for both you and your baby. You’re essentially putting pressure on your uterus and restricting blood flow to the placenta.

6. It may cause numbness and tingling

When you sleep on your stomach, there’s a good chance that the nerves in your arms will become compressed, thereby causing numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers. This can be especially troublesome if you’re prone to carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve-related issues.

7. It may contribute to snoring and sleep apnea

Snoring occurs when the airway is partially blocked, which causes vibrations in the throat. Similarly, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing is repeatedly interrupted throughout the night due to a partial or complete blockage of the airway.

Sleeping on your stomach may contribute to both of these issues because it relaxes the tissues in your throat. This relaxation can partially block your airway, causing you to struggle for breath during the night.

Bottom line

While everyone has their own preferences when it comes to sleeping positions, there’s a reason why sleeping on your stomach is widely regarded as one of the worst ways to sleep. From neck and spine strain, to difficulty breathing, you’re better off avoiding this particular position if you can.

Of course, breaking old habits is easier said than done, so try gradually shifting to other positions and see what works best for you. Whether it’s on your side or your back, finding an optimal sleeping position can go a long way in improving the quality of your sleep.