If you’re ready to stop waking up in pain, a spine alignment specialist has a clear directive: ditch two of the most common sleeping habits. He explains that your posture at night is just as critical as your posture during the day, and these two habits are “major risks” for your long-term spinal health.
The core issue, the expert states, is that poor positions put uneven pressure on the spine, “disturbing its natural alignment and straining nerves.” This prevents the body from repairing muscles, ligaments, and joints as it should. Over time, this leads to chronic pain and even posture imbalances.
The first habit to ditch is stomach sleeping. The specialist calls this “unnatural,” as it forces a prolonged, 90-degree neck twist. This “can strain the neck muscles and compress nerves.” Simultaneously, it causes the lower back to “arch in an unnatural direction,” putting undue stress on the lumbar region.
The second habit is the tight fetal position. While it feels “cozy,” this position “rounds the spine too much.” This “over-stretches the back muscles,” “tightens hip flexors,” and “limits deep breathing,” creating a trifecta of problems that can lead to chronic mid-back pain and stiffness.
The best habit to adopt is sleeping in a way that “maintains the spine’s natural curve.” This means lying on your back with a small pillow under your knees to support your lower back, or lying on your side with a supportive pillow between your legs to keep your hips aligned and your spine pain-free.