Lying (position)

Lying – also called recumbency, prostration, or decubitus in medicine (from Latin decumbo 'to lie down') – is a type of human position in which the body is more or less horizontal and supported along its length by the surface underneath.

Lying is the most common position while being immobilized (e.g. in bedrest), while sleeping, or while being struck by injury or disease.

When lying, the body may assume a great variety of shapes and positions.

[1] In radiology, this term implies that the patient is lying down with the X-ray being taken parallel to the horizon.

[2] Bedrest as a medical treatment refers to staying in bed day and night as a treatment for an illness or medical condition, especially when prescribed or chosen rather than resulting from severe prostration or imminent death.