Aches and pains can cause you to wake up feeling stiff and sore. Most of us would love to start the day with a ‘rise and shine’ attitude, but often, even opening our eyes and sitting up comfortably can feel like a challenge. Do you wake up asking yourself, “Why do my sides hurt in the morning?”, “Why does my neck ache?”, or perhaps, “Why do my hips hurt?” Don’t worry we’re here to help.
Aside from medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, everyday aches and pains are completely normal and usually subside quickly. But to prevent discomfort, whether it’s hip pain, aching muscles, or soreness in your sides, we first need to understand what causes it. Let’s take a look at the key areas at risk of pain and, most importantly, how to stop it from happening.
Here are three solid reasons to reconsider your sleep posture.
Back pain
Your spine is the backbone of, well, everything you do, and it deserves some respect! Stomach sleeping puts extra pressure on your spine by flattening its natural curve.
This not only can lead to back pain but also aches in other parts of your body. Over time, this strain can result in more significant spinal issues, making that mattress not so friendly after all.
Blocked breathing
And here’s a less obvious but equally important reason: your breathing. When you sleep on your stomach, especially on a high pillow, you’re likely compressing your diaphragm.
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This compression can make it harder for you to breathe deeply while you sleep, reducing the quality of your rest.
Oxygen is crucial for a good night’s sleep, so don’t make it harder for your body to get what it needs.
So, what’s a stomach sleeper to do? Transitioning to sleeping on your back or side can be a game-changer. These positions support the natural alignment of your spine and can improve your overall sleep quality.
Here are three solid reasons to reconsider your sleep posture.
Neck strain
First up, ever wake up with a crick in your neck that makes you feel a hundred years old?
Sleeping on your stomach forces your neck to turn to one side for hours, putting a strain on those neck muscles and joints.
This unnatural twist can lead to soreness, stiffness, and even long-term neck issues. Not exactly the dreamy wake-up scenario you had in mind, right?
