After a long day of work, 16% of the population prefer to come home and fall asleep on their stomach. That number might not seem very high by with 7 billion on the planet, stomach sleepers make up a lot of people!
If you are a stomach sleeper, or know someone who is, it’s important to note that you or they are at risk for both back and shoulder pain, as this forward-facing position pushes the spine out of its natural, neutral curve. Those who sleep on their stomach also add unnecessary pressure to their hips, abdomen, and neck in turning their head to one side.
Tips for Front Sleepers
Stomach sleeping, although comfortable for a lot of people, may actually do more harm than good. 80% of front sleepers report back pain in their lives. Stomach sleepers will also build up pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Shift Your Position
The simple answer to this is to try to change positions whenever you can. Changing your sleeping style will help your body and potentially provide you with a more comfortable and deep sleep. If you notice yourself waking up back on your stomach, simply correct it until it becomes second nature.
- Keep Both Legs Equal and Flat
If you can only sleep on your stomach, make sure that both your legs are equal and flat. If they’re not, and you’re lifting one leg or putting it on a pillow, for example, it will twist your spine.
- Utilize a Stretching Program
Stretching is a great way to alleviate the pain you might have incurred in sleeping. It’s also a great way to rejuvenate your body and increase flexibility once you wake up. For stomach sleepers, some of the best exercises will be ones that push your pelvis back.
- Become Aligned Before Bed
Before you fall asleep, focus on your body position. If you have to sleep on your stomach, then make sure your hips are straight, back is not curved, spine is not twisted, and hands are by your sides. Although this position is not perfect, it’s more ideal than being twisted or off-center.
- Put a Pillow under your Pelvis & Forehead
Those who sleep on their stomach actually push their pelvis down into the mattress and damage their necks by turning them to the side. This uneven weight distribution can cause pressure to multiple areas. If possible, put a flat pillow under your pelvis to lift your spine and keep the curve. Also, by adding a pillow on your forehead when you’re lying face down you can open the breathing passage and elevate your head enough so that you aren’t forced to turn your neck one way or another.
For more information, reach out to us at aidanm@restwell.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Founded in 1990, Restwell sells its product line through National Retail & Independent Dealers in North America. Restwell also has a Hospitality Sales Division which services corporate accounts across Canada.
Restwell manufactures all bedding, at its state-of-the-art facility in Surrey B.C., to order through “just in time” production techniques which serves its dealers and customers more efficiently. Most bedding orders are scheduled, produced and shipped within 3 days of receipt with fast, friendly and reliable service on our dedicated trucking fleet.
