Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall health, but did you know it can be especially helpful in relieving back pain? However, not all sleeping positions are created equal. In today’s short article on Healing Mosey, we’ll discuss the best ways to sleep that can help reduce back pain and improve your overall quality of life.
Why is back pain at night a red flag?
Back pain is one of the most common ailments in adults, affecting over 80% of the population at some point in their lives.
While back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, experiencing it at night can be an indication of a more serious issue.
Since you spend a third of your life asleep — assuming you sleep 8 hours per night — it’s worth optimizing your sleeping habits for a healthier back.
First off , nighttime back pain should not be ignored or disregarded as an inconvenience. It’s important to pay attention to your body and any changes it may be signaling, such as pain that only occurs at night.
Pain that worsens when lying down could mean there is a deeper issue such as inflammation or muscle strain causing discomfort.
In some cases, nighttime back pain may even indicate underlying medical conditions such as kidney stones or osteoporosis.
If you are experiencing persistent back pain during the night, it’s best to consult with a doctor. She/he is qualified to give you an accurate diagnosis based on your symptoms and medical history.
Can sleeping relieve back pain?
Painkillers and other medications are often used to treat back pain, but there may be an easier solution: more sleep.
Researchers have found that sleeping can help alleviate back pain in many instances.
Sleeping has even been linked to helping reduce chronic lower back pain, which can sometimes last for months or even years.
During sleep, our body repairs itself. It does so by reducing inflammation and relaxing sore muscles, which are two important factors in alleviating back pain.
Those who get a good night’s rest tend to experience less stress, which can also contribute to relief from back pain. If you suff er from ongoing or chronic back pain, it could benefit you greatly to pay attention to your sleeping habits.
How should you sleep to ease back pain?
As we’ve explored, inadequate sleep can be a major contributing factor.
If you’re looking for ways to ease back pain in the long-term, getting the right kind of sleep is essential.
There are certain sleeping positions and techniques that can help manage your back pain and improve your overall quality of life.
First, it’s important to find a mattress that properly supports your spine and head.
A medium firm mattress may off er optimal comfort while providing enough support to align your body comfortably.
You should also consider sleeping on your side or back with a pillow placed between the knees to keep your spine aligned in its natural curvature.
For those who prefer sleeping on their stomach, try placing a pillow under your hips or pelvis to reduce pressure on the lower back area.
Explore the following sleeping positions, to find what suits your back best:
- Lay on your side, in what’s known as a fetal position.
- Try a reclined position, laying on your back.
- Lay on your side, with a pillow that supports your knees.
- Tried laying on your stomach? Add a pillow below your pelvis and your lower abdomen.
- Simply lay flat on your back. Use a pillow underneath your knees.
What position is best for lower back pain?
If you suffer from lower back pain, finding the best position to rest in can be a challenge.
Lower back pain can be caused by poor posture, injury, or even certain diseases.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce discomfort and improve your posture while sleeping.
The best sleep position for people with lower back pain is usually to lie on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between the knees.
This helps align your spine and hips in a neutral position, as well as supports the upper body by keeping it slightly raised off the mattress.
Finally, it’s important to use a supportive mattress that distributes your weight evenly.
That way, pressure isn’t concentrated in one area of your body.
Summary: Sleep and back pain relief
Sleeping is like a cast for your back. When you place a broken or aching bone in a cast,it gives the bone time to heal and become stronger.
Similarly, sleeping can help relieve back pain by allowing your muscles to relax and repair themselves.
Therefore, make time for sleep. Respect your sleep — it’s the mother of health, after all.
Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
Find a mattress and pillows that you are comfortable with.
Experiment with different positions, where you place the pillow underneath or between your knees.
P.S. Thank you for your time today. With the help of our back massager, you can quickly and easily ease your back pain at home. Give it a try — your future self will thank you for it.