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There’s a popular belief that sleeping on your back is the best way to sleep. I’ve never understood why this is taught. This is not only incorrect, but it can be harmful to your health. Most people are aware that kicking a man on his back and forcing him to roll over will cause him to stop snoring. Gravity pushes your mouth and throat down while you’re lying on your back and all the muscles in your head and neck are relaxed. This closes the airway, allowing for snoring, or as I like to call it, the sound of you suffocating on your own body.

So we have a huge fall in oxygen levels, which will be damaging if not death. Then individuals like to put their head on a pillow, which forces their chin to their chest, and they lie there for hours in the worst conceivable head and neck position. Meanwhile, if you have a butt, it will prop your pelvis up, lowering your lumbar curve and causing core tone difficulties and lower back pain. However, lying on your stomach with your head slightly rotated will keep the airway open and allow you to breathe freely all night.

This will also allow you to rest flat and avoid putting excessive pressure on your pelvis, which can lead to lower back pain difficulties. Those with a belly or larger breasts may need to place a pillow under their pelvis if lying on their stomach, but this is a body-specific adjustment issue that becomes customized to the person.

Remember that no one sleeps on their side; instead, they sleep on their ribs, which causes shoulder and rib problems. While this is preferable to the back, I would still want to try the stomach. So, if you snore or don’t get enough sleep, consider sleeping in a different posture.

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Dr. Matt Chalmers

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Before taking any action based on this information you should first consult with your physician or health care provider. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions regarding a medical condition, your health, or wellness.