If you're a fan of sleeping on your front, you may want to consider switching to a supposedly healthier sleeping position, an expert warned.
It seems that the idea of throwing yourself on the bed on your front as the ultimate symbol of total comfort is but a myth, as the position could actually be damaging to your posture and health.
Alongside an increased risk of drooling on your pillow or staining it with some stubborn makeup leftovers, sleeping face down comes with an unpleasant side of health concerns, according to an expert from pillow and mattress brand Levitex.
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In a video shared on TikTok by Levitex, the expert demonstrated how sleeping on your stomach may increase your back and neck problems. With the help of a model wearing a muscle suit, the expert highlighted the possible dangers of lying face down and how that forces the thigh muscles to do all the work, impacting your back.
He explained that by sleeping on your front, the muscles at the back of your upper legs have to extend to maintain the position.
"Muscles don't like to be tense for long periods of time," the expert said.
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"None of you have ever watched TV like this, so why would you spend hours upon hours twisting your neck?" he continuing, twisting his neck to one side.
But it's not just the legs and neck that are put under pressure when you sleep on your stomach. There's also your spine to think about, as it comes under strain when you lay on your front and will cause back problems 'very, very soon' if you dare continue sleeping in the position.
So, if you can stop sleeping on your stomach, do it - but if you really can't refrain, then at least use a pillow as this will relieve some of the pressure on your neck.
Elsewhere on Levitex's TikTok, the company's spokesperson also revealed how the pillows you use to support your neck and head make all the difference for a healthy, truly resting sleeping session.
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Forget the nice, big fluffy ones and trade them for thin, supportive cushions which will support the curvature of your head, minimising the risk of you being left with neck ache in the morning.
Although, that doesn't mean you need to throw away those old pillows, with the Levitex host explaining you can wedge one between your legs if you're a side sleeper in order to maintain your posture or add one to support your neck if - despite all this advice - you're still resolute on sleeping on your front.
Stefania Sarrubba