Sleeping on your stomach is worse for your back than sleeping on your back because of the extra pressure put on muscles and joints. In general, sleeping on the stomach is a bad posture, mainly because there is continuous tension on the spine (backbone). We are referring here to the posture you adopt to fall asleep. Because the postures you adopt during the night usually arise unconsciously.
Why sleeping on your stomach is worse than sleeping on your back:
- Neck & back pain from turning the head to the side. This strains the spine and leaves a hollow space between the vertebrae open during sleep.
- Continuous pressure on the spine; in the abdominal position, back & cervical vertebrae do not align properly.
- Possible blood flow problems for pregnant women.
- The most weight (in the middle of the body) creates an unnatural position for the spinal cord.
Can sleeping on your stomach also be good?
There are few advantages of sleeping on your stomach over other sleeping positions. Sleeping on your stomach can help against snoring and feels comfortable for some. However, the physical disadvantages such as the extra strain on the spine & pressure on muscles and joints outweigh these minor advantages of sleeping on your stomach.
In certain medical cases, there may be insufficient oxygen uptake in the body. This is one of the few cases where sleeping on the stomach is a better option than sleeping on the back.
Is sleeping on your stomach unhealthy?
The combined factors of pressure exerted on cervical vertebrae, vertebrae and ultimately the entire spine mean that sleeping on your stomach is unhealthy relative to sleeping on your left side or preferably: sleeping on your back.
Please note: sleeping on your stomach isn’t strictly unhealthy. Your body will actually intervene if the pressure becomes too high, which often results in you ending up in a half-side position with one leg pulled up. You adopt many different sleeping positions during the night, often unconsciously.
The 3 biggest disadvantages of falling asleep on your stomach:
Why belly sleeping is dangerous for small children
We have become wiser regarding the correct way for babies and small children to sleep. For me, it is still important to highlight the importance of a baby sleeping on their back.
Sleeping on the stomach is the least safe position for a baby in the first few months. Let a baby sleep on their back. This increases airflow and prevents the baby from burying their head in the mattress and experiencing oxygen deprivation. Additionally, it is a good start to teach your child to sleep on their back, which is by far the best sleeping position.
What happens in your head when you sleep on your stomach?
Sleep is important for, among other things: processing the day’s events, repairing muscles, and producing new antibodies. You can imagine that this recovery process is less effective when the sleeping position is not optimal. Sleep will therefore be less effective than in a better sleeping position (such as on your back) and with properly positioned sleep hygiene. A room that radiates tranquility already ensures a better night’s sleep.
Just as eating before bed often has a negative effect on sleep quality, so does sleeping on your stomach.
Especially when you lead a stressful life, it is wise to optimize nutrition and sleeping position before you go to sleep. In this way, you improve your sleep during the moments you are still awake.
Conclusion: Is sleeping on your stomach bad for your back?
According to ergonomists, sleeping on your stomach is the worst sleeping position you can adopt. The extra pressure and tension on your spine (mainly neck & cervical vertebrae) make for a less effective night’s sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is sleeping on your stomach bad for your breasts?
Sleeping on your stomach is bad for your breasts due to the continuous extra pressure exerted on them. The body weight presses the breasts into the mattress, causing them to be compressed and strained.
Why shouldn’t you sleep on your stomach?
Most of the body’s weight is in the middle, which creates a less natural position for the spine and cervical vertebrae. A prone position causes extra tension on joints, muscles, and bones, which can cause pain. This results in a less effective sleep cycle.
Good to know: this article provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Do you have pain that isn’t improving or is getting worse? Have yourself examined by your GP or physiotherapist. Read our disclaimer
