Gina Johnson
Sleeping positions have long been thought to be linked to personality traits. While there is little rigorous research to support these claims, some people believe that sleeping on your stomach, for example, can indicate certain characteristics. This position is said to be the least common choice, and those who do sleep in this position are thought to be unique, social, and confident. However, it is also believed to be unhealthy, causing strain on the back, neck, and spine, which can lead to pain and poor sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Positives | Reduced snoring, diminished sleep apnea |
| Negatives | Increased likelihood of back, neck, and shoulder pain, risk of rotator cuff problems, increased risk of neck problems (e.g. herniated disk), increased risk of facial wrinkles, negative effect on spine, discomfort during the day, difficulty breathing, uncomfortable during pregnancy |
| Personality | Social, cool, confident, collected, risk-taker, affectionate, cuddly, carefree, thoughtful, helpful |
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What You'll Learn
It can cause back and neck pain
Sleeping on your stomach can cause back and neck pain. This is because the position places a strain on your spine and neck, which can lead to poor sleep and discomfort throughout the day. The Mayo Clinic notes that sleeping on your stomach makes it difficult to maintain a neutral spine position, as most of your weight is in the middle of your body. This increases stress on the spine, which in turn increases stress on other structures in your body.
Chiropractor Andrew Bang, DC, notes that sleeping on your stomach can put extra stress on your lower back, which is already taxed in our day-to-day activities. This added stress means that the muscles don't have a chance to rest and recover. Sleeping on your stomach also requires you to turn your head to the side, which twists your neck and pulls your body out of its natural alignment. This can lead to soreness and stiffness in the neck and even headaches.
Sleeping on your stomach can also increase your risk of back pain. As your torso naturally sinks deeper into the mattress, your back might arch, stretching your spine out of neutral alignment. This can lead to stress and strain, which may result in aches and pains. Additionally, stomach sleeping can flatten out the natural curve of your spine, increasing pressure on your lower back.
Overall, sleeping on your stomach is not recommended for people who suffer from neck or back pain. Side or back sleeping is considered the best for your back and neck, as it supports the natural curves of your spine. Pregnant people, in particular, should avoid sleeping on their stomachs, as it can put pressure on important blood vessels in the abdomen and lower blood pressure.
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It may lead to facial wrinkles
Sleeping on your stomach can have several negative consequences for your body, and it may also lead to facial wrinkles.
When you sleep on your stomach, your torso naturally sinks deeper into the mattress because of its weight. As a result, your back might arch, stretching your spine out of neutral alignment. When your spine is not aligned, you experience stress and strain, which may lead to aches and pains upon waking.
Stomach sleeping may also increase your risk of neck pain. When you sleep on your stomach, you must turn your head to the side to breathe. This action requires you to twist your neck, which moves it out of alignment with the rest of your spine. Beyond back and neck pain, poor sleep posture can lead to additional complications such as headaches and shoulder or arm pain.
When one side of your face is pressed into the pillow, it stretches, pulls, and compresses your skin. This compression and stress can contribute to wrinkle formation. Most sleep wrinkles can be seen on the forehead, lips, and cheeks. Unlike facial expression wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, these wrinkles are formed because of mechanical compression during sleep and can't be eliminated using botulinum toxin.
To minimize sleep wrinkles, you can try to limit facial distortion during sleep by sleeping on your back. There are several specialty pillows available to help achieve this position. Additionally, you can upgrade from a cotton pillowcase to silk or satin, as these materials create less traction, and your face won't "crunch" against them.
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It is associated with certain personality traits
Sleeping on your stomach is said to be the least common sleep position. Sleep researchers have found that stomach sleepers tend to exhibit certain personality traits. While there is a lack of rigorous research on the relationship between sleep and personality traits, some researchers have posited that different sleeping positions correspond to different personality characteristics.
Stomach sleepers are believed to be adventurous, impulsive, and risk-takers. They are described as strong-willed, highly optimistic, and fun-loving individuals who are open-minded and direct. They are also said to be sensitive, emotional, and playful. They are good at hiding their negative emotions and may come across as shy or withdrawn in social situations.
Stomach sleepers may also be thrill-seekers, always seeking new experiences without much forethought. They are confident and motivated, knowing what they want and going after it. However, they may feel anxious or vulnerable, especially in their relationships.
The specific position in which a person sleeps on their stomach may also provide additional insights. For example, the freefall position, where the sleeper keeps their head turned to the side while hugging a pillow, indicates a person who takes risks and embraces life's adventures. Pillow hugging, in particular, suggests a need for comfort and support.
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It is not recommended during pregnancy
Sleeping on your stomach can cause strain on your back and neck, which may lead to aches and pains. It can also cause neck and shoulder problems, such as pain, stiffness, and soreness. In addition, sleeping on your stomach can contribute to facial wrinkles.
While there is no evidence to suggest that sleeping on your stomach during the early weeks of pregnancy causes harm, it is not recommended during the latter stages of pregnancy. This is because, as your pregnancy progresses, your growing baby bump can make sleeping on your stomach extremely uncomfortable and impractical. The weight and size of your uterus can also put pressure on your baby and your own internal organs.
During the first trimester, you might sleep comfortably in your normal sleep position. However, as your stomach grows, sleeping on your stomach might become uncomfortable. This discomfort could interfere with sleep, leading to sleep deprivation, which can increase your risk of experiencing premature birth, longer and more painful labor, and postpartum depression.
To ensure a comfortable and safe night's sleep during pregnancy, it is recommended that you sleep on your side, particularly your left side, to improve blood flow to your heart and your baby, reduce pressure on your liver, and prevent swelling in your legs and feet.
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Modifications can help stomach sleepers
Sleeping on your stomach, also known as the prone position, is when a person lies flat on their chest with their whole body touching the mattress. While this position can reduce snoring and diminish sleep apnea, it can also cause several issues for your body.
Stomach sleeping places a strain on your back, spine, neck, and shoulders, which can lead to poor sleep and discomfort throughout the day. This is because most of your weight is in the middle of your body, making it difficult to maintain a neutral spine position. The spine is a pipeline for your nerves, so spinal stress can cause pain anywhere in your body, as well as tingling and numbness. To breathe while sleeping on your stomach, you need to turn your head to the side, which puts your head and spine out of alignment and can lead to neck problems over time.
However, some modifications can help stomach sleepers mitigate these issues:
- Use a thin pillow or no pillow at all: The flatter the pillow, the less angled your neck will be, reducing neck problems and pain. Sleeping with no pillow at all can also help, as it keeps your head closer to the mattress, reducing strain on the neck.
- Stretch daily: Add 10-20 minutes of stretching to your morning and nightly routine, focusing on exercises that push your pelvis back and stretch out your neck. Yoga poses such as Child's Pose can help with this.
- Place a pillow under your pelvis: This will help with spinal alignment.
- Keep your legs flat: Wrapping one leg around a pillow or lifting one leg above the other can twist your spine and increase strain on your back.
- Use pillows as bumpers: If you want to change your sleep position, place pillows around you to keep you from turning onto your stomach during the night. Over time, you can train your body to remain in a side or back position.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping on your stomach can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. It can also lead to poor sleep quality and discomfort throughout the day.
Sleeping on the stomach can become uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses, and may interfere with sleep. Healthcare providers recommend that pregnant people sleep on their left side.
Sleeping on your stomach can contribute to facial wrinkles.
Sleeping on your stomach in the freefall position (with your head to the side and hugging a pillow) may indicate that you approach life by taking risks. If you sleep in the starfish position (sprawling with your hands and legs spread out), you may be carefree and social.
To reduce aches and pains, you can try using a thinner pillow or no pillow at all to keep your neck aligned. You can also place a pillow under your hips to prevent your torso from sinking into the mattress.
