1 week Ago By Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz
Do you ever wonder if your favorite sleeping position is doing more harm than good? Whether you're a side sleeper, a back snoozer, or a die-hard stomach slumberer, we all have our go-to positions for catching some Z's. However, it turns out that not all sleep poses are created equal. There's one particular pose that an expert warns could wreak havoc on your healthy spine — bad news for fans of the 'Squatter' sleep style.
Foam pillow and mattress company founder, James Leinhardt of Levitex , has dubbed the 'Squatter' — where you're half on your stomach, half on your side with arms tucked under a pillow and knees bent — as the "absolute stinker" for spinal alignment. With over a decade of experience aiding individuals with serious injuries and chronic conditions, the posture specialist is no stranger to the repercussions of poor sleep form. In his warning, James pointed out the issues with the 'Squatter,' saying: "Look at the twist in the neck, and I bet you always lie with the same side.
Look at the twist of the hips. I bet you get pain in the knees even." But squatters aren't the only ones in for discomfort; according to James, the 'Applauder,' 'Wrester,' and 'Hedgehog' are also "pretty gross".
Each involves resting on your side with varying contortions of the neck and spine. On the brand's TikTok channel, he had previously shared that there are really only two postures he recommends for sleep, unless a medical condition necessitates stomach-sleeping, which he notes is "very rare". First, he vouches for the "soldier" position, which means lying on your back in a straight position.
He continued: "If you're lying on your back, your spine is immediately supported by the mattress and you've got the most even distribution of body weight." To make this position even more beneficial for your spine, James recommends putting a pillow under your knees, which will tilt your pelvis, causing more of your back to connect with the bed, offering more support. The second option James recommends is lying on your side, or the "dreamer" position, which reportedly puts the least amount of tension on your spine.
He continued: "You want your ears, your shoulders, your hips, your knees, your ankles all stacked on top of each other." He also recommends putting a pillow in between your knees and ankles, which takes the weight off the leg and offers better support. It turns out these positions, including the use of pillows, are great for during hot weather too, as it can increase air circulation.
Sammy Margo, sleep expert at Dreams, previously explained that lying on your side with a pillow between your legs will help "align the spine and allow for better airflow". She added: "This position can also be particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from snoring or sleep apnoea, as it helps keep airways open." The back sleeper position, with a pillow under your knees, can also "help to improve circulation and reduces tired, achey, and puffy legs, allowing for better blood flow and heat dissipation".
If you're struggling with backpain, there are some exercises the NHS recommends. However, if you're unsure of the safest way to treat it, or it's not getting any better, you should speak to a GP..
