I’ve always read and been told that sleeping on your stomach is bad for your spine and neck but after a workout or long day at work, I find that laying on my stomach for an hour or so while I read or scroll on my phone makes my back feel so much better. Am I doing more long-term harm than good with this? Why does it feel so good on my back but is bad for it? Is it just not recommended for long periods of time but beneficial for shorter periods?
If it feels good for you, it is probably good. The warnings are about the sleeping position, which is unnatural (meaning your body wasn’t built for it) and may lead to pain, joint ache, breathing problems etc.
However, laying on your back can be a huge relief for your back, I know that from experience. Especially if your lower back hurts, it’s a very good way to work against the painm but I guess your reading position is also different to a sleeping position, your neck is bend upwards and also you push your back more through.
Laying on the stomach can also help with stomach pain and ingestion problems.
In the end everybody is different. Carefully listen to your body and how it responds.
Also I can really recommend going to the gym and strengthen your torso, especially back and stomach muscles. I feel so much better than before, I think I can never go back to not working out.
(For the record, I do think it’s really good advice but that instantly came to mind) :)
As a programmer I can relate :D
But honestly, at the desk what counts is moving and changing your posture from time to time. Nothing worse than sitting or standing 8 hours in the same position.
How do I train myself to sleep on my back or side?
I sleep on my stomach everynight