Do you ever wake up in the morning and have a stinging stiff nasty pain in your neck? Fortunately, this is not so common with the back or side sleepers among us. This mainly occurs with the stomach sleepers among us. That is why this post is written for the stomach sleepers among us.
Does it matter?
Does it matter which way you lie in your bed? Of course it does. One sleeping position is simply better than another sleeping position. Unless there is a medical reason, it is almost never a good idea to sleep on your stomach.
Why?
By lying on your stomach with your head on the pillow, your vertebrae joints will close maximally. A moment is not bad, because we just have to be able to go up diagonally. But if this movement continues for a long time, the pressure will increase enormously on your neck and upper back vertebrae. This will cause the ligaments and muscles to cramp and you will experience pain and stiffness in the morning.
How?
The most recommended sleeping positions are on the side and on the back. This of course if there is no medical reason not to do this. You can lie on your side with a pillow between your legs and a thin pillow under your head. You can also lie on your back with a pillow under your legs and a slightly thicker pillow under your head. These are two examples, of course there are more.
What if this doesn't work?
I have been sleeping on my stomach for so long and I get problems, but otherwise I cannot sleep. Of course this is very difficult. Everyone now has their finer positions. And if you've been going to sleep like this for years, this will be quite difficult. But can you do against this? Keep trying of course. Of course easier said than done. Of course you also move while sleeping, but by making a good start the chance is smaller. What may also play a role is your bed and pillow, usually a bed only lasts 10 years. As it ages, its resilience will decrease. This can also cause complaints.
In case you have some troubles visit your doctor. They might be able to help you.
Questions, feedback or ideas for other posts? Message me.
Kind regards,
Sascha Bargi BSc. Pt. & MSc. Ost. in training
