Most people prefer sleeping on either their side or back, but it is trifling to ignore the minority who sleep on their stomach. Despite the impacts this position has on the welfare of the sleeper, it might be the only way for them to get to sleep. However, sleeping on your back can lead to several complications, and therefore we would recommend that you shun away from the position if possible.
If you indeed cannot find comfort sleeping on other positions rather than on your stomach, then you need to put some factors into consideration in a bid to curb the associated hitches. So, what are the impacts of sleeping on our stomach? Let’s look into some of the expectations of sleeping on your stomach.
Effects of Stomach-Sleeping
Mostly, the downsides of this sleeping position surpass its benefits more so if you neglect the recommended essential aspects. First of all, sleeping on your stomach affects the quality of sleep you will get. This is due to the obstruction it causes to the processes that should be taking place while sleeping like digestion. Well, not too much food digestion takes place during your sleep, but if the trivial rate is obstructed, then you might have difficulties having an enjoyable night.
On the other, most stomach sleepers usually experience pains in their back and neck. The basis of the pain is the strain instigated in your body, for instance, to breathe comfortably, as a stomach sleeper you must continuously turn your neck thereby causing strain. You must also adjust to awkward positions which strain your back causing pains.
Despite these inconveniences, stomach position has benefits as well. It helps prevent heartburn to people with indigestion issues. Well, contrary to what we have mentioned about obstructing digestion process, if one has problems with digestion, then the rate needs to be regulated, and they achieve that through sleeping on the stomach. This position is also suitable for people having sleep apnea as well as reducing snoring in your sleep.
Tips for Sleeping on Your Stomach
If conditions necessitate, you might have to maintain sleeping on your stomach. Here are tips we have provided for you, to illustrate how to sleep on your stomach with minimal intricacies.
- Choose an appropriate mattress
Sleeping on your stomach compels adequate support for your body including the neck, stomach, and other pressure points. A suitable mattress should accommodate these body parts while providing support to the neck.
Besides, stomach sleepers dispel too much heat during their sleep due to this position seeming like they are hugging the mattress. For that reason, the kind of mattress to obtain should accommodate the excess heat thence expelling it too.
A mattress with low Identification Load Deflection (ILD), which defines the extent of mattress’s firmness, is suitable for stomach sleepers. It will sufficiently accommodate the pressure points while it allows good airflow thereby proper heat dissipation.
- Use a pillow when necessary
Sometimes, all a pillow does to a stomach sleeper is increase discomfort leading to intense strain on the neck. Therefore, if indispensable, you might consider sleeping without a pillow under your head to enhance coziness. Otherwise, a slender pillow made of a material allowing proper air flow would also be appropriate for use.
The center of your body, which is the pelvic area, exerts moas of your body weight. For that reason, this area tends to sink into the mattress altering the body alignment. You can then place a pillow under your pelvic area to provide the necessary support.
You might consider checking some of the recommended pillows for stomach sleepers to guide you through obtaining a suitable one for you.
- Consider apt sleeping angles
At times, you might try to adjust your legs, hands and the entire body into certain angles trying to increase comfort. For instance, you may tend to place your hands under your head to compensate for the absence of a pillow. Sometimes you may fold your leg upwards on the side. Remember that such habits might hurt you by twisting your bones into weird positions.
You should, therefore, adopt the best alignment and that is the reason behind obtaining things such as pillows and good mattresses.
- Morning stretch
In spite of these practices, sometimes you may still wake with stiff muscles even though not to the extent of causing alarming injuries. However, you should undertake stretching exercises once you wake up. The stretching session should last for a short while, an utmost of 5 minutes. You should stretch out slowly avoiding sudden movements since your body has not already warmed up. Besides, you need to avoid hurting yourself in case some muscle parts have stiffened.
Stomach-Sleeping Exemptions
This sleeping position is generally not suitable for pregnant women. It might pose a threat squeezing the fetus; thus they need to find a sleeping position that allows room for the baby. Stomach sleeping can also disrupt blood flow to the fetus reducing the level of oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby.
Conclusion
Sleeping on your stomach can be a tough and troubling position until you consider the right measures. If you carefully review and consider the tips we have provided, you will have a fascinating time in your sleep.
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