A doctor has highlighted the sleeping position we should all steer clear of – and it’s a widely favoured one. Daria Sadovskaya, 30, a nephrologist with seven years of experience, has cautioned against one particular popular position – claiming it can lead to a host of problems in the body.
In a video, Dr Daria is seen demonstrating various common sleeping positions, ranking them by their potential harm to health. She begins by lying flat on her back – the most advocated position.
“This is considered the best sleep position because it keeps your head, neck, and spine in a neutral alignment, reducing the risk of pain,” Dr Daria stated. “It also minimises pressure on joints and can prevent facial wrinkles, as there’s no pressure on your face.”
Then, she adopts a side-sleeping posture, placing a hand beneath her pillow – which she also deems the “second best” option.
She elaborated: “Sleeping on your side is highly beneficial. To maintain proper alignment, use a supportive pillow between your knees to keep your spine neutral. This position is also great for reducing snoring and alleviating sleep apnoea by keeping your airways open.”, reports Surrey Live.
Lastly, she shows herself sleeping on her stomach. Dr Daria remarked: “This position is generally not recommended because it can strain your neck and spine due to the head being turned to one side for extended periods. Additionally, it increases pressure on your lower back, which can lead to discomfort.”
And finally, she revealed the sleeping position to avoid at all costs: lying on your stomach with one leg pulled up towards the chest. According to Dr Daria, this pose is “particularly problematic” as it causes a multitude of issues.
She explained: “Pulling one leg up causes the pelvis to rotate, twisting your lower back and leading to spinal misalignment.”
“Over time, this can result in back pain or stiffness. It can also cause neck strain – turning your head to one side for long periods can strain the neck muscles and even lead to nerve compression. The uneven positioning of the hips (one raised and one flat) can also create tension in the hip flexors and result in imbalanced pressure on the pelvis. And, sleeping on your stomach compresses your chest, making it harder to breathe deeply and reducing oxygen intake.”
One person commented: “Why the worst ones are the most comfortable? ! ” “I have never fallen asleep on my back ever I just can’t,” another said. Someone else joked: “God can we just sleep? I never pay attention in what position I fall asleep and I’m very much alive.”
“The best sleeping position is the one where you’re actually able to sleep through the night,” another viewer quipped. Another added: “The worse they get, the better they feel.”
The healthcare expert emphasises the significance of highlighting lesser-known health concerns.
Dr Daria remarked: “I believe your health is the most valuable thing a person has. That’s why I am glad and grateful to have a following that makes it possible to spread an important message to millions of people. If at least one person will be inspired by my videos to take better care of their health, I’ll be more than happy.”