Question

Sleeping on your back is a lot more unhealthy then sleeping on your side

Comments

I do think that this is a reliable source to use about a study. Also the eviendce and reasoning that the article gives makes sense with their explanation. There are also real doctors that are giving quotes throught the article.

---

After reading the articles from the Sleep Foundation and the Mayo Clinic, the information presented in each does not match. According to the Sleep Foundation report, sleeping on your back or side has more advantages than sleeping on your stomach. This runs counter to the Mayo Clinic article's assertion, which cites the Sleep Foundation as a source to support it. Despite the fact that Dr. Krahn provided the data, I believe that the Mayo Clinic paper isn't very trustworthy for this reason.

---

After reading the article coming to the claim that sleeping on your back is a lot more unhealthy than sleeping on your side is unreasonable. This is not to say that sleeping on your back is better but the argument in the article is insufficient. Less snoring and obscure circumstances like pregnancy health shouldn't be the criteria for which position is healthier in general. Aside from the claim the article provides sources for where it gathers information and is well written.

Answer 1

This article jumps to way too big a conclusion. In the very beginning of this article, they cite the Sleep Foundation. I went to the article they cited from, here: How to Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Back. A complete article backed by a sleep medicine physician that undermines Mayo Clinic's story. They say that back sleeping may be unhealthy for some, if you have problems like heartburn, sleep apnea or you want to reduce snoring. But the rest of the article explains and encourages sleeping on your back.

Another article from the Sleep Foundation states, "The best position depends on your unique needs, but back or side sleeping is considered better than stomach sleeping." ( What Are the Best Positions for Sleeping? )

Furthermore, the "sleep specialist" quoted in the article that makes this claim has her studies in psychiatry, and pulmonary medicine (lung disorders). She studies sleep, but her focus is mostly on narcolepsy. Lois E. Krahn, M.D. - Doctors and Medical Staff - Mayo Clinic

Even if she is credible, she is jumping to too big a claim, when there is plenty of other research saying that back sleeping is okay, and further, stomach sleeping is worse. Mayo Clinic could have easily said that back sleeping isn't a good idea for some. Saying it is straight out unhealthy is misleading and false according to The Sleep Foundation and the BBC.

If you want more information with less exaggerated claims, the BBC explains it the best: Which is the best sleeping position?

Answer 2

Sleeping on your back can lead to various health issues compared to side sleeping. It may increase the risk of snoring and sleep apnea, as the tongue can block the throat. Back sleeping can also cause back pain by misaligning the spine. Furthermore, pregnant individuals may experience reduced blood flow to the fetus when lying flat on their back. Research indicates that side sleeping can improve circulation, reduce acid reflux, and alleviate pressure on vital organs, making it generally healthier. Therefore I agree with this fact there are also studies that show sleeping on your stomach has more benefits than sleeping on back. It depends on the individual and their body as well as their health. 

Comments

I do like that you provided answers based on the research you found, but I believe this factcheck would be better if the sources to your data were included.

---

I agree with your fact check, but I think it would be better to include a link or citations from the source you used. That way the fact check is more valid.

---

What is your source? Always cite your sources in-text and provide a hyperlink. Also, please select a rating. Thanks!

Answer 3

While sleeping on your back has some benefits such as less breakouts, relieving congestions, it has greater negative effects. Sleeping on your back may cause blocked airway, sleep apnea, and back problems. Studies show sleeping on your side is healthier. Side sleeping helps prevent the airway from collapsing and may reduce snoring, it is also recommended for pregnant women as side sleeping can benefit both the mother and the baby. There is strong evidence and health benefits to sleeping on your side, therefore; I agree with this site and find it reliable regarding side sleeping being healthier than on your back.

Comments

What is your source? Always cite your sources in-text and provide a hyperlink. Also, please select a rating. Thanks!

Answer 4

https://www.sleepfoundation..org/sleeping-positions

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeping-positions/how-to-sleep-on-your-back

This article from the Mayo Clinic does not support the claim that sleeping on your back is worse for your health than sleeping on your side. The text does not discuss any claims of direct comparison between the two. This article exclusively promotes possible benefits of sleeping on your back in specific scenarios such that you are pregnant, snore, or have sleep apnea. The text states: “There is evidence overall suggesting that probably sleeping on the side is better.” However, this is post dialogue of a con sleeping on your stomach, and a con of sleeping on your back. Again, this dialogue does not support the claim that sleeping on your back is more unhealthy than sleeping on your side. This article cites the Sleep Foundation in its opening paragraph. If the Mayo Clinic were arguing a direct comparison between sleeping on your back VS your side, It would be illogical to use the Sleep Foundation as evidence of support as they have no such claims. According to the Sleep Foundation, more than 60% of people sleep on their side, and sleeping on your back is the second most popular position. The Sleep Foundation simply highlights pros and cons of each position, with no direct comparison between back and side sleeping.