Does sleeping on chest (sleeping upside down horizontally) cause shortness of breath?

Question

Yes, This is wrong way to sleep cause short breath.

Pooja Bhalke · Accepted Answer

Yes, This is wrong way to sleep cause short breath.

Vaidya Rajeev Verma · Answer

Right way of sleeping is towrds left lateral position.

Col V C Goyal · Answer

No, you should feel comfortable while sleeping.

Udaya Nath Sahoo · Answer

Hello,

Thanks for your query on Lybrate

"As"per your clinical history is concerned in medical science it is impossible to tell you can get breathing problems by sleeping in this way so to know exact pathological cause please follow like this -

1)Do a clinical examination by your treating Doctor and do few investigations like [Polysomnography,Oximetry and ECG]to know exact cause behind shortness of breathing.

2)Do take right treatment as per cause only

Take few lifestyle modifications like this -

1)Try to lose weight. If you're overweight or obese, even a slight loss of excess weight may help relieve constriction of your airway.

2)Do regular exercise. Exercising, such as aerobic exercise and strength training, can help improve your condition. Aim to exercise about 150 minutes per week, and generally try to exercise four or more days per week.

3)Try to avoid alcohol and medications such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills. Alcohol can worsen obstructive sleep apnea and sleepiness and may lead to you gaining weight. Certain medications also can worsen your sleep.

4)Try to sleep on your side or abdomen rather than on your back. Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of your throat and block your airway. To prevent sleeping on your back, try sewing a tennis ball in the back of your pajama top.

5)Try to keep your nasal passages open while you sleep. If you have congestion, use a saline nasal spray to help keep your nasal passages open. Talk to your doctor about using nasal decongestants or antihistamines.

Hope that helps

Rajiv Bajaj · Answer

Sleep whatever position you are comfortable. Some overweight people sleep tummy down if they have snoring problem. If you have snoring problem, meet a physician, discuss on phone.