Sleeping on your stomach is a common position, but it comes with both benefits and drawbacks. Understanding them can help you decide whether it’s the right sleeping style for you — or whether it’s time to consider adjusting your habits for better health.
Pros of Stomach Sleeping
For some people, sleeping on their stomach can reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea. Because the airway is less likely to collapse when lying facedown, breathing may stay more consistent throughout the night. Some stomach sleepers also find it comforting and feel that it helps them fall asleep faster.
Cons of Stomach Sleeping
Unfortunately, the cons often outweigh the pros. Sleeping on your stomach puts significant strain on your neck and spine. Because you must turn your head to one side to breathe, the neck remains twisted for hours, increasing the risk of stiffness, pain, and long-term injury.
Additionally, stomach sleeping flattens the natural curve of the spine, which can lead to lower back pain. The pressure on muscles and joints may cause numbness, tingling, and general discomfort, disrupting the quality of your sleep.
Another downside is that it can contribute to facial wrinkles over time due to constant contact with the pillow, a small but noteworthy cosmetic concern.
The Bottom Line
While sleeping on your stomach might help with snoring, it often leads to more problems than it solves. If you can’t give it up, using a very thin pillow — or no pillow at all — and placing a pillow under your hips can help reduce some of the pressure on your back. In the long run, transitioning to side or back sleeping positions may offer better support and healthier sleep.
