Evolve > Sleep >Sleeping On Your Stomach? The Sleeping Positions – Ranked!
Everyone has their own way of sleeping. Sleeping on your stomach, back or side are the popular sleeping positions. All of these sleeping positions have their own pros and cons and can impact your health in a certain way! Let’s assess the 4 various sleeping positions and then you can decide if sleeping on your stomach or back is the way forward or not!
Table of Contents
The various sleeping positions
Sleeping on your back
By far the healthiest and most natural sleeping position. The pros include the fact that it’s the natural sleeping position and your skeletal muscles and bones are fully resting. Your body does not have to bear the weight of anything and your heart is under less pressure, unlike when you’re sleeping on your stomach. This makes for lower chances of heartburn or digestive problems as well. However, for those suffering from sleep apnea or having snoring difficulties, this can make it worse.
Our verdict – 9/10 – Go for it, this is the best sleeping position. Enjoy a good night’s sleep, your body and mind will thank you (but your snoring won’t)
Sleeping on your stomach
This is one of the most common and comfortable sleeping positions. However, it comes with its own share of drawbacks. Having your head jammed into your bed all night can lead to a sore neck and spine in the morning. It also adds a lot of pressure on your body and stiffness. There is also a chance you wake up more disoriented and discombobulated in the morning, leading to anxiety. The only positive of sleeping on your stomach? It’s very comfortable. However, the quality of sleep you will enjoy won’t be too high!
Our verdict – 5/10 – It’s best to try to choose another position, but if you must sleep on your stomach, don’t sleep with your head turned to one side, but rather facedown—with your forehead propped up on a pillow to allow room to breathe.
Sleeping on your side
Another popular sleeping position, this involves you sleeping with your shoulder pressed against the bed to one side. This position helps decrease acid reflux because it props up your digestive system, and since your spine is elongated, it wards off back and neck pain. Plus, you’re less likely to snore in this snooze posture, because it keeps airways open. The cons? A lot of shoulder pain, potential neck stiffness and dead arm and lack of blood circulation on that side. Plus, your face is more wrinkled due to the pressure.
Our verdict – 8/10 If you have to use this position, sleep on your left side. Thanks to the unique arrangement of your internal organs, left-side sleepers may see benefits in improved digestion and less heartburn.
Fetal sleeping position
By far the most popular sleeping position, this is the neutral one. Not as great as sleeping on your back, but not as bad as sleeping on your stomach. This is great for your internal system as your body is loose and relaxed. It improves circulation in your body and reduces tension. However, resting in a fetal position that’s curled up too much can cause breathing difficulties as it exerts pressure on the diaphragm. Plus the hunched position can leave you with a lot of stiffness in the morning.
Our verdict – 7/10 – Go for it, if you must. But ensure to wake up and practice some stretches and breathing exercises!
There you have it! The best sleeping position for your health is definitely sleeping on your back and the one you should avoid at all costs is sleeping on your stomach. However, sleeping positions is not the only thing that defines the quality of your sleep. Your lifestyle, bedtime routine and stress levels play a major role. Try meditation at night or sleep apps like Evolve to give yourself a joyful end to the day! And of course, start your morning right to ensure a bad sleeping position doesn’t impact your entire day!
Evolve helps you sleep faster and better with a variety of light and joyful guided audios designed to switch off your mind and body. Download the Evolve App here and try it yourself.