A spine specialist has warned that two of the most common sleeping positions are “unnatural” and “round the spine too much,” leading to a host of health problems. A chiropractor and osteopathic specialist explained that sleep is for recovery, but these postures can put uneven pressure on the spine, disrupting its alignment and straining nerves.
The specialist warned that this is a serious issue. “If one continues to sleep in poor posture for longer periods,” he stated, “it may… result in chronic back and neck pain and even a posture imbalance.” This highlights the importance of choosing a healthy sleeping posture.
The first “unnatural” position is stomach sleeping. The specialist explained that this forces you to twist your neck to one side for hours. This strains neck muscles and can compress nerves, leading to stiffness or tingling. He also noted that this position causes the lower back to arch excessively, stressing the lumbar region.
The second position, which “rounds the spine too much,” is the tight fetal pose. The expert noted that while it “feels super comfortable,” tucking your knees tightly to your chest over-stretches the back muscles, tightens the hip flexors, and restricts deep breathing, a combination that can lead to chronic mid-back pain.
The best way to sleep, according to the specialist, is to maintain the spine’s natural curve. He recommends lying on your back with a small pillow under your knees, or on your side with a supportive pillow between your legs. These positions distribute weight evenly, prevent strain, and allow for a truly restorative night’s sleep.