Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Bad? Pros, Cons & Best Tips

Sleeping on your stomach is undoubtedly a preference for many.

Everyone has their own preferred way of getting comfortable to sleep, and one of the most common yet controversial sleeping positions is stomach sleeping. Although it is not as common as side and back sleeping, many people find it comfortable. Stomach sleeping comes along with advantages despite presenting troubling issues for sleepers. 

Microbial conditions improve and apnea symptoms diminish when people sleep in the stomach position. People sometimes prefer sleeping on their stomach to mesh their body with the front-side mattress surface thus creating a feeling of protection and comfort which helps them fall asleep quickly.

That being said, the position comes with risks that can be detrimental to one’s health like spinal cord alignment issues. There are many other pros and cons of the position, such as the types of pillows for stomach sleepers, that can be rather intriguing. Continue reading to find out more!

Reason Why People Sleep on Their Stomach

Stomach sleeping is an uncommon choice but is popular with some people, and these are the reasons why. Let's dive deeper into these arguments.

1. Stomach Sleepers have their Own Reasons for their habits. 

   As is common with many stomach sleepers, this position is perhaps the most comfortable for them. Like many others, it is a habit that is often formed in youth and difficult to change. The ring of lying face down often provides a comforting pressure which can allow easier resting for some people.

   Reduction of Severe Snoring or Sleep Apnea 

   One of the notable reasons why this rest position is chosen is to mitigate snoring and one’s chances of suffering sleep apnea. If you are someone who loves to sleep on your back, the force of gravity compresses the tongue and soft tissues to the back of the throat and thereby causing blockage of the airway. Placing your body on the stomach keeps the airway open and results in easy breathing.

   Permanently Relieves Nagging Pains

   Participants of the study who hailed from the country of Egypt indicated that lying on one’s stomach eases older lower back muscle soreness. To some extent, the natural curve of the spine in doing so can alleviate pressure on the back muscles and discs.

   Psychological Comfort  

   As a result of psychological comfort, the pressure of the mattress against the entire body front may give the feeling of being grounded and psychologically safe, which can soothe one's mental state. People who have anxiety may greatly benefit from this type of grounding sensation making it much easier for them to relax and fall asleep.  

   The methods provide comfort but people should still be cautious about potential risks which might need adjustments for stomach sleepers to prevent chronic pain from worsening. 

   What Happens When You Sleep on Your Stomach?  

   The logic of some people may suggest that sleeping on the stomach is the most cozy position; indeed, it can be for many. However, this position can cause many other problems and reasons one needs to pay attention to in case they are a bound stomach sleeper.

   You Could Suffer Wrong Alignment Of Your Spine

   One of the issues of concern is sleeping on one’s stomach and its effect on the spine. It is difficult to keep a neutral spine when sleeping on the stomach. The back is arched and the neck is turned to one side which puts a strain on the body. 

   This misalignment puts extra strain on the body leading to chronic pain and discomfort which will affect your overall health. Disruption of sleep due the inability to maintain a proper sleep posture will lead to decreased productivity during the daytime. 

   You Could Suffer From Back, Neck Or Shoulder Pain

   From the perspective of supported posture, remaining in a prone position spine may lead to acute back, neck and shoulder pain. The pain in the neck is usually round with no movement in the area which causes tightness and pain in the neck due to one side dominance. The one way motion of the neck increases the risk of pain in the lower back region which eventually causes non healing pain in the lower back. 

   Paying attention to these issues can help alleviate the pain caused in a range of movements which increases overall health. Using stomach sleeper pillows could also help in reducing some of these concerns by improving their posture.

   You Could Develop More Facial Wrinkles

   Increased risk of developing wrinkles is yet another adverse effect of sleeping on your stomach. Friction from resting your face on the pillow together with skin compressions eventually leads to the formation of sleep lines. The application of pressure to the skin due to pillow placement reduces elasticity and increases vulnerability to wrinkles. Concerned skin care enthusiasts should view this aspect negatively.

   Although some people find stomach-sleeping comfortable it generates multiple adverse effects throughout the body.

   The human body faces three main issues due to improper spinal alignment and specific body pain and wrinkles becoming more pronounced. These issues can be alleviated by using specially crafted stomach sleeper pillows, however, they also pose the need to shift to more beneficial sleep positions for one’s overall health.

   Risks of Stomach Sleeping During Pregnancy 

   Stomach sleeping during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy creates special risks for expectant mothers. The larger size of the baby abdomen makes stomach sleep increasingly uncomfortable in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. During pregnancy these poses could apply excessive pressure to the stomach while decreasing critical blood supply as well as oxygen access to the developing fetus. 

   Lying face down during pregnancy elevates the amount of tension on your back and neck while also causing pregnancy-related pain. The medical community advises pregnant women to choose side sleeping positions with left-side preference because this alignment serves both the uterus blood flow requirements and provides better positioning. 

   The function of these side sleeping positions enables placenta function and conserves proper blood flow to the fetus which brings vital nutrients to the baby. For some people who face difficulty adapting, special pillows for stomach sleepers promote with encouragement to change to safer stomach poses.

   Recommended Sleep Positions During Pregnancy

   • Left Lateral: Provides the greatest improvement in blood circulation while relieving pressure from the liver.

   • Support Positional Pillows: Assists the user to achieve side sleeping in a more comfortable posture.

   Should You Alter Your Sleep Position?  

   Considering the probable disadvantages of sleeping on the stomach, does this mean you must try a different sleep position? Switching to back or side sleeping can significantly reduce most of the complications that come with stomach sleeping. Side sleeping is particularly noted as the best because it improves the alignment of the spine and minimizes the chances of wrinkle formation.  

   But altering your sleep position comes with challenges. Changing sleep positions takes time during which the body is used to ‘comfortably’ resting in a certain way. If you are committed towards making the change, try using props like pillows to hold you in a certain position or get a mattress that caters to different sleeping positions.  

   How to Make Stomach Sleeping Positions More Comfortable  

   If you are a die-hard stomach sleeper and absolutely cannot sleep another way, there are some changes you can make to mitigate possible harms.  

   Use No Pillow or Low Profile Pillows  

   Worry less about how to restrain your neck’s movement as using no or low-profile pillows helps do just that. Stomach sleeper pillows are specially designed to maintain spinal alignment by not placing too much elevation on the head.

   Purchase a Firmer Mattress  

   The use of firmer mattresses helps stop the body from sinking too deep because it maintains normal alignment of pelvis and spine. Better support from firm mattresses reduces the likelihood of torso bending that could result in pain because of poor posture.   

   Do Back and Neck Stretches  

   Chronic back or neck pain results from restrictive movements following periods of immobility, such as sleep. In this case, my tummy sleeps. Stomach sleeping contorts the back and head, so concentrates on the torso need to emphasize back, neck, and shoulder range of motion to reduce stiffness, improve flexibility, and relieve tension on tissues.  

   Why Are Specialized Pillows For Stomach Sleepers Useful?  

   Stomach sleepers need the right type of pillow to ensure comfort while sleeping. Different to other positions, stomach sleeping requires a specific kind of a prop to avoid undue stress on the head and spine. Specialized stomach sleeper pillows come with distinctive features that make them perfect for this sleeping style.

   Spinal Alignment Improvement

   Pillows designed specifically for stomach sleepers meet the specific preferences of this category of individuals. These pillows are more common to be thinner and firmer so that the head and neck can be supported adequately without undue strain. With respect to posture, a good pillow will help avoid arching of the back and bending of the neck which is common with stomach sleepers.  

   Reduction of Shoulder and Neck Pain

   Stomach sleeper pillows are specially designed to reduce pain and soreness around the neck and shoulders. Most pillows are too thick which results in excessive head elevation and sharp neck angles. Pillows for stomach sleepers are designed to avoid excessive head lifting to reduce the strain on the neck and shoulders.

   Enhances Sleep Quality

   A pillow provides stomach sleepers with a way to minimize several issues that occur when sleeping in that position. Different adult stomach sleeper pillows of varying shapes and materials exist to satisfy diverse user preferences. Your sleep quality together with your health status will benefit substantially from the correct pillow choice between memory foam latex or down.

   Getting an appropriate stomach sleeper pillow supports the body so that it maintains correct alignment which leads to both enhanced comfort and uninterrupted quality sleep. The purchase of excellent stomach sleeper pillows designed to match your body will enhance your sleep hygiene and promote general health improvements.

   Frequently Asked Questions

   Is it common to sleep on my stomach?

   Stomach sleeping is not common and studies show only 7% of people sleep this way. This position causes strain on the neck and back as it is difficult to properly align the spine. This is why many individuals opt for other positions to enhance sleep.

   What does posting up on the belly for sleeping suggest?

   According to Psychology Today, sleeping on one’s belly may indicate some level of defensiveness or fear. It goes on to theorize that stomach sleepers tend to lean towards being a perfectionist, fight with being critiqued, and feel not in charge of life. This is an example of a theory, and not necessarily a point proven to be true.

   How reliable is it to sleep on the stomach pose?

   Sleeping on stomach provides pillow supporters with neat alignment. With the support of an encouraging pillow, the pose helps the paddle huggers catch some zzz while leaving them aligning the mattress on their aligned dreams. It is advised to sleep on your back or side for optimal spinal health. For those who prefer facing sideways, get comfortable with hugging the pillow while sideways. 

   Stomach Sleep Pillow Cuddler Pant Set Give the Perfect Posture Picture.

   While it may not change the fact that stomach sleeping takes a toll to the spine, skin, and general health, these given strategies are aimed to solve or lessen potential risks for those in need of such support. If you cannot change your sleeping position, adopting the right posture for stomach sleepers can be used to fabricate these risks.

   Presenting the one and only companion for rest as dynamic as your sleep style! The Wife Pillow is designed for every single type of sleeper including stomach sleepers. Adjust the height and firmness to your preference with our wonderful pillow. Alter the amount of stuffing in the pillow so that it cradles your neck and spine into a perfect alignment throughout the night. This pillow provides unparalleled comfort while boasting the ideal balance for support and comfort for stomach sleepers.  

   Want to upgrade your sleep experience? Get your Wife Pillow now!