Last time we explored why stomach sleeping is so damaging to the neck. I received a lot of response from folks who legitimately have difficulty sleeping, or falling asleep, in any position other than their stomach.
The reason traces to Eastern medicine where the meridians of the body map the health of the body. There are two main meridians: the governing vessel and conception vessel. The conception vessel runs down the front of the body in the very center and is associated with Yin or receptive energy.
Because sleeping on our backs is a vulnerable position and sleep is a semiconscious state, the need to feel comfortable with your inner and outer world is critical and directly affects this meridian.
The story I have about this meridian – and when I learned what’s happening for my clients who stomach sleep – happened to me. I’m a comfortable back sleeper, always have been (and not just because I teach this stuff!). My Dad, who had never been sick up to that point had two heart attacks in one weekend. This event stunned my family and me. For the five nights following, I found myself waking up on my stomach even though I’d fallen asleep on my back as usual. I vividly remember awaking with terrible neck pain and a visceral understanding of why people stomach sleep.
Sometimes, life happens, and our healthy patterns of sleep are interrupted. But when stomach sleeping is a long term habit, it’s essential to uncover the source and get back to healthy sleep.
Here are a few tips that turn you back on your back while you sleep:
1. Pick a night or two when you can be tired the next day.
2. Strap a pillow to your belly (or two if that’s what it takes) and secure with a yoga strap. Being bound with pillows will prevent you from rolling onto your stomach in your sleep. You might feel like the Michelin man, but it works.
3. Journal pen to paper – not spoken – your stream of consciousness until there is nothing left on your mind. Clearing your mind this way could take hours and several sheets of paper. Be patient. What needs to be revealed, will be. Keep writing until you are tired enough to fall asleep.
Perhaps this is also the time to seek acupuncture to support your meridian health.
One of the best I know in NYC is Picara Vassallo, and in Cleveland, it’s Molly Enders.
Both are intuitive and wildly talented practitioners.
