How to Stop Sleeping On Your Stomach... Because It's Terrible For You
Sleeping on your stomach is tough on your body.
In our last article, we touched on the fact that sleeping on your stomach isn’t exactly ideal. In this article we are digging deeper, sharing how to stop sleeping on your stomach and start getting a better night’s sleep.
If you’re a stomach sleeper, we bet you experience some kind of neck, back, or joint pain. Yikes! When you sleep on your stomach, most of your weight is in the middle of your body, making it a challenge to keep a neutral spine position. This can lead to pain, tingling, and numbness all over your body. Plus you’re forced to turn your head to the side, which also causes your neck and spine to fall out of alignment, AGAIN leading to neck and back pain.
Sleeping on your stomach is basically the worst! You’re more likely to experience pain that wakes you up in the middle of the night and leaves you tired (and pretty cranky) in the morning.
So what you can do to stop?
Use an orthopedic pillow.
Start by investing in an orthopedic pillow. These type of pillows are specifically designed for back or side sleepers. The ergonomic shape of this pillow makes it uncomfortable to sleep on your stomach, which will essentially ‘train’ you to sleep on your side or back. The upside is when you do start sleeping on your side or back, this pillow will offer extra neck support to help decrease neck pain and promote proper spine alignment.
Consider a full body pillow.
Speaking of pillows, a full body pillow is another great way to transition away from sleeping on your stomach. Full body pillows help you become a side sleeper. Body pillows are especially great during pregnancy, as they provide extra abdomen support for you and your little one. Let’s be real: during the final trimester, sleeping on your stomach—sleeping in general—feels impossible. Get yourself something, anything, that helps.
Bonus sleep tip for mamas-to-be:
One study suggests that when pregnant women sleep on their left side, it can increase healthy blood flow and provide optimal levels of oxygen for mom and baby.
Ask your partner for help.
If you have a spouse or significant other that you sleep with, enlist them help you on your journey to stop sleeping on your stomach. If they happen to notice you’re snoozing on your stomach, they can tap or nudge you to roll onto your side or back.
Get the right mattress for side and back sleeping.
As you start sleeping less on your stomach and find your new preferred sleep position, reward yourself with a new medium-firm. If you’ve converted into a side-sleeper, then a medium-soft mattress is the way to go.
Speak to a Sit ‘n Sleep Consultant.
Our Sleep Consultants can help you find the perfect mattress for your sleep position, body type, and budget. Visit us in-store or give us a call. We’d love to help you start getting a great night’s sleep.