How Sleeping Positions Affect Chronic Pain
Do you regularly sleep on your back, side or stomach? Sleeping the wrong way can aggravate your joints causing pain or choric pain flair ups.
Chronic pain will not only affect your daily life but can also disturb your sleep quality. Poor bed posture can worsen or even cause pain over time. If you’re experiencing chronic pain to any extent, get in touch with our Asheville pain management doctors to get a treatment plan and personalized advice for getting a good night’s rest! Let’s get right into our tips on how sleeping positions affect chronic pain.
Sleep & Chronic Pain
Dealing with debilitating chronic pain can significantly disrupt your sleep patterns. Check out our other blog post all about the variety of treatments available to ease your pain while improving sleep right here.
Best Sleeping Positions for Chronic Pain
On your back + knee support: This is the optimal sleeping position for most people dealing with back pain. It allows you to evenly distribute your body weight which minimizes pressure points.
On your side + a pillow between the knees: Sleeping on your side is a popular sleeping position. Place a pillow between your knees to allow your hips, pelvis and spine to be aliened—alleviating stress on your body.
Fetal position: The curled fetal position can bring relief during the night, especially for those suffering with herniated discs. When adopting the fetal position, make sure to keep your back relatively straight.
On your back in a reclined position: Sleeping in a semi-upright position can provide relief to those dealing with neck, shoulder and back pain. This position improves blood flow and takes pressure away from your spine.
Pillows & Mattresses
Selecting the right pillows and mattresses to fit your needs can make a huge difference in sleep quality. Here are just a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when upgrading your bedroom:
Always put your pillow under your head and neck only—not your shoulders
Choose a high-quality foam or innerspring mattress for maximum support (or use a mattress topper).
If you are a side sleeper, select a firm pillow
Dial-in your Nighttime Routine
Getting good quality sleep always begins before laying down for the night. Try out a few different relaxing nighttime routines to see what works best for you. Here are a few sleep hygiene tips to keep in mind:
Avoid sleeping in late to compensate for lost sleep—maintain a regular sleep schedule
Wind down an hour before you want to get to sleep by taking a hot bath, listening to relaxing music, reading or doing light stretches
Dim the lights in your home and avoid TV and computer monitors
Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening hours
Get Help Today from the Pain Management Doctors in Asheville NC
If chronic pain is causing you lie awake all night, reach out to our team at Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas. We’ll help to evaluate your condition and offer a customized treatment plan to get you back to feeling—and sleeping—better!
Get in touch with us by calling 828-483-4438
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