Occasionally falling asleep this way is different from deliberately choosing it every night.

However, sleeping in an awkward position for prolonged periods may place pressure on certain parts of the body and may not provide the same support as a properly designed bed.

For people with medical conditions affecting breathing or circulation, the safest sleeping arrangement can be different, so personalized medical advice may be appropriate.

The Most Dangerous Sleeping Position for Babies

This is where sleep position becomes a serious safety issue.

For babies under 1 year old, the recommended sleeping position is fundamentally different from many adult sleep recommendations.

Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep.

The CDC recommends placing babies on their backs for every sleep—both naps and nighttime. Babies should sleep on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface designed for infant sleep.

Sleeping on the stomach or side can increase the risk of sleep-related death.