Sleeping Position for Spinal Health

Sleeping on your stomach, especially with one leg bent, forces your spine out of its natural alignment for hours at a time. This position flattens the lower back curve and increases pressure on the lumbar spine.

To breathe, your neck must stay rotated to one side throughout the night. Over time, this constant twist can strain cervical joints, muscles, and nerves, often leading to neck stiffness or headaches.

Stomach sleeping also compresses the chest and abdomen, limiting deep breathing. Reduced oxygen intake during sleep can affect sleep quality and leave you feeling less rested in the morning.

Research in spine biomechanics shows that poor sleep posture can worsen chronic back pain and increase nerve irritation, which may explain tingling or numbness in arms and legs after waking.

Side or back sleeping better supports the spine’s natural curves. Simple adjustments like placing a pillow between or under the knees can significantly reduce strain and improve long-term spinal health.

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