How Many Pillows Should You Use When You Sleep on Your Stomach?
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Pillow Placement for Stomach Sleeping
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When sleeping on your stomach, it is best to use only one pillow--but not under your head. If you place a single pillow under your hips, and lay your head on the mattress, your spine will rest closest to its natural position, helping to alleviate potential back pain. If you cannot sleep without padding under your head as well, use the thinnest possible pillow.
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Back and Side Sleeping
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Many health professionals advise against sleeping on your stomach altogether. Even with a pillow under your hips and no pillow under your head, sleeping on your stomach may easily lead to back and neck pain. For the most natural and pain-free spine positioning, experts recommend sleeping on your side or, optimally, your back.
Bottom Line
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Regardless of the potential back and neck problems, many of us can only fall asleep on our stomachs. In addition, some initial tests have shown that sleeping on your stomach may actually lower nighttime blood pressure. However, it is best to use only one pillow, and place it under your hips, when sleeping in this position.
References
- Bed Info.com: How To Buy A Bed Based on Sleeping Position
- St. Louis Chiropractor -- Dr. Adam Tanase: Never Sleep on Your Stomach
- Skytrax: People who sleep on their stomachs have lower night time blood pressure
- FamilyDoctor.org: Low Back Pain
- Alberta Health Services: Range of Motion Exercises and Positioning Tips
Resources
- Photo Credit almost sleeping image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
