Chiropractor Dr. Zhe Chang warns against sleeping on your stomach, claiming that this position increases the load on the entire body.
Dr. Zhe Chang, who works in Arizona, USA, at the Chiro Wellness Clinic, released a video explaining why people who sleep on their stomachs should change their habits.
In the video, which has garnered over 21 million views, Dr. Chang points out that sleeping in this position can negatively affect the neck, lower back, and cardiovascular system.
“When you sleep on your stomach, you have to turn your head to the side. This can cause strain in the neck and increase the load on the lower back. Additionally, this position can negatively impact the heart, especially in people with cardiovascular diseases,”
Sleeping on Your Stomach is a Bad Habit
Sleeping in a stomach position is considered unfavorable for health, as it can hinder breathing and lead to spinal curvature.
In this position, your body, pressing against the mattress, can cause the back to arch, leading to improper spinal alignment. This can result in unpleasant feelings of “ache” upon waking and muscle tension. If the tension affects the neck, it can even lead to migraines.
Sleeping on your stomach also forces you to turn your head in a way that can lead to inflammation and pain in the neck muscles, as well as back pain.
What Sleeping Position to Choose
Experts agree that the most preferred positions are on the back and side. However, many users in the comments to Dr. Chang's video note that they can only fall asleep in a stomach position.
Research shows that the most optimal sleeping position is lying on your back, as this allows the body weight to be distributed evenly, eliminating excessive load on specific areas of the body.
