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| - Last Updated on June 6, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
According to a social media post, sleeping on your stomach can restrict airflow. We did the fact check to conclude that it is false.
The Claim
An Instagram post claims that sleeping on your stomach can restrict airflow and is harmful for your health, especially for breathing.
Fact Check
Is sleeping on your stomach harmful?
Many people wonder if their preferred sleeping position is good or bad for their health. Sleeping on the stomach is also known as the prone position. It can be harmful to your health due to the possibility of neck and back pain from unnatural neck angles and poor spine alignment. It can also increase pressure on internal organs and lead to skin irritation and wrinkles from face-to-pillow contact. Nevertheless, it may reduce snoring and provide comfort for some. But still, the risks generally outweigh the benefits, making it a less advisable sleeping position for overall health.
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician from Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, says, “I want to address the concerns surrounding sleeping on your stomach. While there are risks associated with this position, such as neck and back pain, it’s important to debunk the myth that it restricts airflow or breathing. In fact, stomach sleeping can be beneficial for those with certain respiratory conditions like ARDS or mild COVID-19, as it can improve oxygenation and ventilation. However, it’s essential to practice good sleeping habits overall, including finding the best sleeping position for you, such as sleeping on your back or side, to maintain proper spinal alignment and overall health. Remember, the goal is not just how you sleep, but how well you sleep.”
What are the harms of sleeping on your stomach?
Sleeping on the stomach or the prone position is especially not recommended for pregnant females. Sleeping on your stomach can have several downsides:
- Neck and Back Pain: This position often forces your neck into an unnatural angle, straining muscles and joints. Over time, this can lead to chronic neck and lower back pain.
- Spine Alignment Issues: When you sleep on your stomach, it is hard to keep your spine in a neutral position. This can cause or worsen back pain.
- Increased Pressure on Organs: Lying on your stomach can put extra pressure on internal organs, including the digestive system, which may lead to discomfort or problems over time.
- Wrinkles and Skin Irritation: Pressing your face against the pillow can irritate your skin and increase the chances of developing wrinkles.
What are the benefits of sleeping on your stomach?
Despite the drawbacks, there are some benefits to sleeping on your stomach:
- Reduced Snoring: Sleeping on your stomach can help keep your airways open, reducing snoring. This can be beneficial for people with sleep apnea or other breathing-related sleep disorders.
- Comfort for Some: Comfort is subjective, and some people simply feel more comfortable sleeping on their stomach, which can help them sleep better overall.
Does sleeping on your stomach really restrict breathing?
No, sleeping on your stomach does not restrict airflow or breathing. In fact, it is actually beneficial for people with breathing issues like snoring or sleep apnea, or mild COVID. Our fact check findings suggest this position can actually help with breathing. It can offer:
- Improved Oxygenation (adding Oxygen to the bloodstream): When lying on your stomach, your lungs are less compressed by the heart and abdominal organs. This can improve lung function and gas exchange, leading to better oxygenation.
- Enhanced Ventilation: This position can improve ventilation by changing pleural pressure (Ppl; the pressure in the small gap between the layers covering the lungs) and reducing lung atelectasis (collapse of part or all of a lung). Ppl includes all forces compressing the alveolus (Tiny air sac inside lungs), such as tissue weight and abdominal pressure.
- Uniform Perfusion: Lying on your stomach can lead to more even alveolar structure and blood flow in the lungs, improving overall oxygenation. This position is often used for patients on ventilators and can also help people with mild COVID-19 symptoms who have trouble breathing.
What is the best sleeping position according to doctors?
Doctors and sleep experts recommend sleeping positions that support good spinal alignment and efficient breathing. Here are their top choices:
- Back Sleeping: Sleeping on your back is generally considered best for spine health. It allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position, reducing the risk of pain and discomfort. It also minimises pressure on internal organs and can help reduce acid reflux.
- Side Sleeping: Particularly the left side, is recommended for pregnant women and people with acid reflux or heartburn. This position promotes better digestion and reduces the likelihood of acid rising from the stomach. It also helps keep the airways open, which can reduce snoring and improve breathing.
- Pillow Support: No matter your sleeping position, using pillows to support your body can enhance comfort and alignment. For example, a pillow under your knees can relieve pressure on your lower back when sleeping on your back. And, a pillow between your knees can keep your spine aligned when sleeping on your side.
Conclusion
The claim that sleeping on your stomach restricts breathing is false. It instead facilitates improved airflow in people with breathing issues. This position might cause some discomfort for certain individuals, particularly regarding neck and back pain. But, it actually has benefits for breathing. The prone position can improve oxygenation, enhance ventilation, and lead to more even lung perfusion. This can be especially beneficial for people needing breathing assistance, those who snore, or individuals with sleep apnea. Therefore, sleeping on your stomach does not inherently restrict breathing and can be advantageous for respiratory function in specific situations.
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