It's bad news for anyone who sleeps on their front
A sleep specialist has cautioned that the sleeping position one adopts could potentially have adverse effects on their health, which is particularly concerning for individuals who sleep on their stomach.
Sammy Margo, a renowned sleep specialist and physiotherapist, has unveiled that the way you position yourself during sleep can have a profound impact on more than just your quality of sleep.
Margo, speaking to the Sun, warned against the ‘freefaller knee up' sleep position, where you lie on your front with hands near your head and one leg cocked to the side. This posture can strain the hips and exert pressure on the back.
Margo believes that the ‘freefaller' position, which is similar to the previous one but without the bent leg, is the most uncomfortable.
She said: Sleeping in this position could potentially result in a lifetime of back and neck problems, making it one of the worst positions to sleep in, as she mentioned.
Your lower back curves inwards towards the mattress, leading to hyper-extension, compression of structures, and decreased space in the lower back region. This can result in discomforts like sciatica, knee pain, and cramps.
Ouch.
Margo suggests that if you find it difficult to fall asleep in any other position, you can try placing a pillow under your stomach and another under your shins to alleviate some of the pressure on your body.
In the meantime, assuming the ‘fetal' posture – curled up on your side – may result in a slightly uncomfortable neck if you fail to adequately support your head with pillows. Additionally, it is believed that pressing your face against a pillow for extended periods of time could potentially lead to the formation of wrinkles.
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Margo suggested, “Although this Sleep Position is an improvement from lying on your stomach, try placing a pillow between your knees to maintain neutral hips.”
The next Sleep Position to consider is the ‘soldier' Sleep Position, where the sleeper lies on their back with their arms resting by their sides.
Margo claims that this sleep position is not ideal for snorers or individuals with sleep apnoea, and it can worsen acid reflux, heartburn, and lower back pain.
She recommends placing a pillow under your knees while sleeping to help alleviate strain.
Margo suggests that sleeping in the ‘starfish' Sleep Position, with your arms and legs spread while lying on your back, could potentially increase your vulnerability to nightmares.
People who sleep in the ‘log' Sleep Position, lying on their side with arms and legs straight down, could potentially experience shoulder discomfort.
Margo informed the Sun that the shoulder experiences increased pressure when sleeping on it for six to eight hours a night due to the decrease in fleshiness as one ages.
Wokandapix from Pixabay
To alleviate discomfort, consider placing a mattress topper between your shoulder and the mattress for added cushioning.
Additionally, she holds the belief that assuming that posture could exacerbate stomach ailments, as it may hinder the digestion process.
Finally, Margo warns that individuals who sleep in the ‘yearner' position, lying on their side with both arms extended in front, may potentially end up with saggy breasts.
She suggests that individuals with larger busts should consider purchasing a quality sleep bra to provide additional support while sleeping.
