If you are suffering from back pain now, or have suffered from it in the past, then you know how miserable it can be, especially when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep.
It’s virtually impossible to get comfortable. No matter how you move, the pain just seems to follow you. In fact, how you sleep may be contributing to the problem, and it could prolong the duration of your pain.
That’s especially true if you’re a stomach sleeper, as that position has the unfortunate disadvantage of straightening out, and putting added strain on your spine, which can make the pain you’re already feeling even worse.
Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help alleviate your back pain and get a better night’s sleep.
The first and best solution is that if you sleep primarily on your back, place a pillow under your legs at the knee. This allows your spin to maintain its natural alignment.
If you’re primarily a side-sleeper, then be sure to use a full body pillow between your knees, and draw them up slightly as you drift off. If you’re a stomach sleeper, the best advice is to stop altogether. Although, if you just can’t sleep in any other position, then you can help mitigate the strain by putting a pillow under your pelvis. It’s not perfect, but it helps some.
The biggest thing, though, is to move at regular intervals. No sleep position is optimal if held for an excessive period of time, and when you move around, you’re giving your back and various muscle groups a chance to rest and recover.
Also note that finding the “right” mattress and pillow will go a long way toward getting a better night’s sleep, back pain or not, and it’s well worth spending a little extra to get something that really works for you.
