Doctor Warns About A Sleeping Position That Could Be Harming Your Health

We all know getting enough sleep is essential for good health, but one doctor is warning that the way you sleep might be just as important as how long you sleep.

If you've ever woken up feeling stiff, sore, or just not as rested as you should be, your sleeping position might be to blame.

According to a medical expert, some sleep positions could actually be doing more harm than good.

While many of us focus on getting enough hours of rest, the quality of sleep plays a crucial role in overall health.

Dr. Tim Mercer, an NHS GP partner and trainer working with Opera Beds in the UK, has spoken about why sleeping posture matters more than people realize.

In an interview with the Mirror, he explained: "The position in which you sleep can profoundly impact sleep quality and your health, so it's crucial to identify a sleep position that not only promotes restful sleep but also contributes to your body's overall function and condition."

Sleeping like you don't have to worry about the positions you get yourself in Getty Stock Image

Dr. Mercer also pointed out that one of the worst sleeping positions is surprisingly common.

He cautioned against sleeping on your front with one leg pulled up toward your chest, stating that it places unnecessary strain on your body.

He continued: "This is probably the worst sleeping position due to the number of issues it can cause. Raising one leg while lying down causes the pelvis to shift, placing strain on the lower back and disrupting spinal alignment."

"Over time, this may contribute to stiffness or discomfort. An uneven hip position—where one side is elevated while the other remains flat—can create tension in the hip flexors and place uneven pressure on the pelvis."

If you don’t sleep in this position, you might think you're in the clear—but Dr. Mercer warns that other positions can also cause problems.

He highlighted sleeping on your stomach as another risky choice, explaining that it can negatively impact your neck, spine, and even your breathing.

In case no one told you, sleep is crucial for your health and wellbeing Getty Stock Image

He added: "Sleeping on the stomach also compresses the chest, which can make deep breathing more difficult and limit oxygen intake. Furthermore, prolonged facial contact with the pillow may contribute to skin issues such as breakouts, wrinkles, and puffiness."

Dr. Mercer further explained: "Left-side sleeping can shift the position of your heart, increasing the pressure it experiences and changing the heart's electrical activity."

While the doctor didn’t specify the best sleeping positions, a sleep expert who goes by Levitex on TikTok has shared insights into ideal sleeping postures. So, if you want to improve your sleep quality, avoiding these problematic positions might be a good place to start.