Stomach sleeping, also called prone sleeping, involves lying face down on the mattress.
Some people naturally prefer this position and find it easier to fall asleep this way.
However, stomach sleeping can be difficult to maintain without placing the neck in an awkward position.
Because you cannot comfortably breathe with your face directly against the mattress, you generally need to turn your head to one side. Holding that position for hours can strain the neck.
The lower back may also become uncomfortable, particularly if the mattress allows the abdomen to sink too deeply.
Potential disadvantages of stomach sleeping
It can strain the neck.
Keeping the head rotated for an extended period may aggravate neck stiffness or existing neck pain.
It may increase lower-back discomfort.
Depending on body shape and mattress support, stomach sleeping can increase the arch of the lower back and make some people uncomfortable.
It can place pressure on the shoulders.
