when you’re snoozing. “Stretching your neck muscle for that long creates soreness,” says Dr. Bang. Sleeping on your stomach also extends your neck backward, compressing your spine. This can lead to a tingling sensation as your arm “falls asleep” from constricted blood flow and compressed nerves. Shoulder pain What do you do with your arms if you sleep on your stomach? Most people naturally raise them up, maybe even tucking one arm (or both) under the pillow. That positioning keeps tension on your shoulder joint. “You’re creating a situation that can eventually lead to rotator cuff problems or other shoulder issues ,” states Dr. Bang. Facial wrinkles Sleeping face down on your stomach basically mushes your facial skin, which brings consequences. Researchers found that a prone sleeping position brings wrinkle-forming compression and stress . Babies and sleep position While stomach sleeping can lead to aches and pains for adults, it can be deadly for infants. “ Safe Sleep ” recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize that babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep. Sleeping on their belly carries an elevated risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) . How to stop stomach sleeping If you’re a regular stomach sleeper and want to change your overnight position, it can be done, says Dr. Bang. His advice to help with the transition? Use pillows. A few well-placed pillows can basically serve as bumpers that keep you from turning onto your stomach during the night. Over time, you can train your body to remain in the side or back position. “It takes a little practice,” he says, “but if you’re sleeping on your stomach and make the change, odds are you’re going to wake up in the morning feeling better.” Advertisement Better health starts here Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Example email Sign up Sign up Example email Learn more about our editorial process . Health Li