68% of Americans struggle to fall asleep at least one night of the week.
While it may be due to poor sleeping habits, it could also be due to the sleeping position they prefer.
With that being said, however, who gets to say which sleeping position is right and which is wrong?
Since everyone gets comfortable for bedtime in their preferred position (whether that is hugging the mattress on their stomach or cuddling themselves in the fetal position), you need to know how that affects your body and quality of sleep.
Stomach sleepers have more issues than those that sleep on their back or sides, but does it have to be that way?
If you're a stomach sleeper and want to find out more about getting the rest you need comfortably, keep reading to learn what you need to know.
If you're checking out our website, it probably means that you or someone you know is a stomach sleeper.
Everyone has their favorite position to sleep in, but there are also people that like to change it up occasionally. You may sleep on your stomach tonight and sleep on your side tomorrow!
In addition to that, if you are pregnant or have specific types of health problems, you may change the position that you choose to sleep in for health or safety reasons.
Regardless, the sleeping position you utilize can make a difference in how you feel the next day. Are you choosing the right position for you?
The three main sleeping positions are:
Back sleepers generally will spend the whole night asleep on their backs. Some people will turn their heads to one side or keep their heads straight while sleeping.
For the best results with this sleeping position, it is wise to try and align your neck with your back and hips to prevent unnecessary pressure.
Putting a small pillow under your knees will also help relieve pressure on your spine if you are sleeping in this position.
Back sleepers may experience discomfort, especially if they are not used to doing it, so disrupted sleep may be a problem.
If you are pregnant or have back pain or sleep apnea, you should try to avoid sleeping in this position.
Side sleepers are the most common and may switch from one side to the other throughout the night.
If you like to sleep on your side, there is a correct way to do it to make sure that you are not hurting your shoulders or neck.
Always ensure that your spine is as straight as possible when you're sleeping. This means that you shouldn't tuck your chin when you sleep or curl your body.
To relieve pressure on the back, you can put a firm pillow between your knees or raise your knees slightly upward.
If you're a side sleeper that has lower back pain, it may be worth it to try and sleep in the fetal position. This will relieve some of that undue pressure and can also help people suffering from a herniated disc.
Stomach sleepers have a bad reputation because it can easily place a lot of stress on your spine, back, and/or neck. If you're a stomach sleeper, there are some things that you can do to make it easier on your body.
16% of people sleep on their stomachs, so while it isn't the most common sleeping position, you're not alone.
One thing to try is putting a pillow underneath your stomach to raise your spine into its natural form.
You can also choose a pillow for your head that is very flat to protect your neck or go without a pillow at all.
Being a stomach sleeper isn't bad if you're doing what you need to do to protect your body. Flopping down on the bed and calling it a night is likely not the best way to ensure you don't wake up with pain.
The main pro that you will experience with stomach sleeping is that it's much less likely you will snore.
There are several cons to this sleeping position (most notably pain or nerve damage), but you can keep them at bay by using the right pillows and support.
In order to get the best rest, you need to consider the best mattress for your preferred sleeping style.
When mattress shopping as a stomach sleeper, always look for these three factors:
It is not bad to be a stomach sleeper, but if that's the only way you can get comfortable, it is wise to be sure you are doing it right. Otherwise, you may end up with chronic pain and aches that you can't seem to get rid of.
As a stomach sleeper, you may get "a bad rap" and while that is unfair, there are things you can do to show others that stomach sleeping is not a crime!
Always give your spine and neck the love and support they need for a comfortable night in bed.
Not only will you sleep better, but you'll wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to take on the day.
If you're looking for the perfect pillow for a side sleeper, check out our stomach sleeper pillow today.
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