RELATED: Never Wear These 3 Kinds of Shoes If You Have Back Pain, Experts Warn. Sleeping on your stomach might seem comfy, but it can do serious damage. Resting on your stomach can cause your back to arch uncomfortably in your sleep, putting extra pressure on your spine. “This position puts the most pressure on your spine’s muscles and joints because it flattens the natural curve of your spine,” explain Raymond Jonathan Hah, MD, and Christopher Ornelas, MD, in a post for Spine Universe. “Sleeping on your stomach also forces you to turn your neck, which can cause neck and upper back pain.” RELATED: The One Thing Women With Back Pain Have in Common, New Study Says. Marleen Caldwell, PT, a physical therapist at the Cleveland Clinic, says that sleeping on your back allows your weight to be evenly distributed across your body, rather than falling upon one or two specific pressure points. Caldwell says it’s essential to keep your back in a neutral position if you want to mitigate pain. There are numerous additional benefits to sleeping on your back, according to Healthline. This position reduces tension headaches, and alleviates sinus pain and pressure. It also may keep you looking younger longer, because sleeping on your back means you won’t be smashing your face into a pillow, which over time can cause wrinkles. Side sleeping has its pros and cons. For one thing, sleeping on your side has been found to reduce joint and back pain, per Healthline. But depending on your body type, side sleeping can also put extra pressure on your hips and spine. If you happen to have especially wide hips, it helps to put a pillow between your knees when you sleep, the site notes. The goal, regardless of the position your sleep in, is to reduce pressure on your spine and hips by putting your body in the most neutral position possible. RELATED: For more health advice delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb If you’ve tried to sleep in other positions but can’t make the transition, experts at the Sleep Foundation suggest that you employ a thin pillow for your head if you’re sleeping on your back. You can also offset back strain by putting a pillow under your pelvis. The Sleep Foundation also recommends investing in a firmer mattress, so that you don’t sink into the mattress and inadvertently arch your back further. And no matter what you end up doing, it’s a good idea to incorporate some post-sleep stretches into your morning routine. RELATED: Your Stroke Risk Is 85 Percent Higher If You Sleep Like This, Study Says.
