Many people don't even realize that their favorite sleeping position can be the cause of chronic fatigue and back or neck pain. According to sleep experts, the most harmful position is sleeping on your stomach - it puts a lot of strain on the cervical spine and disrupts the natural alignment of the spine.
Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo notes that sleeping with your face in the pillow actually “twists” your neck for several hours, which can lead to chronic pain over time. A similar opinion is shared by Wendy Toohey, a specialist at the Dr. Gil Center, who compares this position to turning your head to the side for many hours - the load on the spine from this increases dramatically.
Experts say sleeping on your back is the best position, as it naturally aligns your spine and relieves tension from your lower back and neck. For extra comfort, they recommend placing a pillow under your knees and choosing a thinner pillow under your head. However, sleeping on your back may not be a good choice for people with sleep apnea or a tendency to snore.
A good alternative is sleeping on your side. According to doctors, it is the second healthiest position, if your head is flat and there is a pillow between your knees. However, a hard mattress can put pressure on your shoulder, and sleeping on your left side sometimes increases the strain on your heart.
If you constantly wake up on your stomach, experts advise using simple self-correction methods - for example, sleeping in a T-shirt with a ball in your pocket, which will prevent you from turning over into an undesirable position.
Experts say that good sleep starts with good posture. Changing your habits can be the easiest way to get rid of morning pain and regain a sense of rest.
