Why Your Sleep Posture Is as Important as Your Daytime Posture

We’re often told to sit up straight, but a spine specialist says your sleeping posture is “as important as sitting or standing posture during the day.” A chiropractor explained that the way you sleep determines how well your spine rests and recovers. He identified two common positions that are “major risks” for spinal health.
The specialist emphasized that sleep is when your body repairs muscles and joints. A poor sleeping posture can put uneven pressure on the spine, disrupting its alignment and straining nerves. He warned that this can lead to chronic back and neck pain and even a permanent posture imbalance.
The first position to be avoided is sleeping on your stomach. The expert described this as “unnatural” because it forces you to twist your neck to one side, which strains muscles and compresses nerves. It also causes the lower back to arch excessively, putting stress on the lumbar region.
The second position to avoid is the tight fetal position. The specialist noted that while it feels “cozy,” tucking your knees tightly to your chest “rounds the spine too much.” This over-stretches the back muscles, tightens the hip flexors, and restricts deep breathing, which can lead to decreased flexibility and chronic mid-back pain.
The best sleeping position, according to the specialist, is one that maintains the spine’s natural, neutral curve. He recommends lying on your back with a small pillow under your knees to support the lower back, or on your side with a supportive pillow between your legs to align the hips. These positions distribute weight evenly and prevent strain.