A doctor has revealed the number one sleeping position we should all be avoiding – and it’s a popular one.
While a good night’s sleep is one of the keys to a healthy life, the way in which we fall – and stay – asleep can actually do more harm than good.
Many of us enjoy nothing more than winding down for a well-earned snooze at night, and have our trusty favoured positions – whether that’s lying flat on your back, on your side, or even face-down to the bed.
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But Daria Sadovskaya, 30, a nephrologist [kidney specialist] of seven years, has gone viral on TikTok with nearly six million views, warning against one popular position – saying it can cause a myriad of issues in the body.
The doctor, who often shares everyday health insights and medical facts with her 190,000 followers, shared a video of herself demonstrating various typical sleeping positions in order of how detrimental they can be to your health.
She starts by sleeping flat on her back – the most recommended 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, from Singapore, told Need To Know.
“It also minimizes pressure on joints and can prevent facial wrinkles, as there’s no pressure on your face.”
Next, she sleeps sideways, resting a hand under her pillow – which she also says is the “second best” position.
She explained: “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.”
For the third position, she demonstrates sleeping on her stomach.
Dr Daria said: “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 showed the worst position: lying on your stomach with one leg pulled up to the chest.
The expert said this is “particularly problematic” due to causing several issues.
Dr Daria 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.”
The post garnered more than 500,000 likes.
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 viewer bemoaned.
Someone else said: “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 user added: “The worse they get, the better they feel.”
Despite viewers not always appreciating the hard truths she shared online, the medical professional says it is important to her to raise awareness for little-known issues.
Dr Daria said: “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.”
