A sleep expert has cautioned against sleeping face down, with this particular sleep position having grim consequences that may well give you nightmares
An expert has urged people not to sleep facing down, as this could leave you feeling anything but rested.
As with many things in life, we’re all different when it comes to bedtime routines – whether that’s right side or left side, or two pillows or one. Naturally, this extends to the position we sleep in.
When collapsing into bed at the end of a long day, many of us will naturally assume that any old sleeping position will do, and likely won’t give it too much thought.
This couldn’t be further from the truth, however, as there’s one very common sleeping position that should be avoided at all costs, no matter how comforting and familiar it may feel.
There are six common sleeping positions: foetus (curled up on your side in a ball), log (arms and legs stretched out on your side), yearner (arms in front and legs extended to the side), soldier (lying on your back with your arms by your side), starfish (on your back with arms stretched above your head), and finally, freefaller.
Freefaller sleepers drift off on their stomachs, with their head to one side and arms wrapped around their pillow. This, unfortunately for those who prefer it, is the one position sleep expert Lisa Artis would always urge against.
During a recent interview with the Mail Online, Lisa, who is deputy CEO at The Sleep Charity, explained: “It’s fine to sleep on your back or sides but we suggest avoiding sleeping on your tummy as it puts a lot of strain on your neck as it is permanently twisted throughout the night.”
So if you’re waking up with aches and pains in your neck after getting a supposedly good night’s sleep – it may well be time to rethink your position.
Meanwhile, Martin Seeley, a sleep expert at MattressNextDay, told the publication that sleeping on your back isn’t a great idea for those who snore, as this can exacerbate what can already be quite a frustrating nighttime problem.
Martin revealed: “Sleeping on your side is regarded as the best position. It can help improve circulation and digestion, and also opens the airways for easier breathing which means less chance of snoring.”
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