WTAP featured Mountain River Physical Therapy’s Mike Lawless, PT, DPT, CSCS, in a recent article on how chronic pain and sleeping positions can impact sleep quality. As March marks National Sleep Awareness Month, Dr. Lawless emphasized that a staggering one in three adults fails to get the recommended seven hours of sleep.
Understanding the impact of sleep positions on chronic pain is crucial. Research indicates that poor sleep can increase the chances of chronic pain, highlighting the importance of optimizing comfort during sleep. Your chosen sleep position significantly affects your overall comfort and can play a pivotal role in alleviating discomfort.
Below are some insights into each sleep position and tips for enhancing your sleeping experience:
Side Sleeper: To maintain comfort and support, keep your legs gently bent and place a pillow between your knees to help keep your hips aligned. Arrange your lower arm forward to rest more comfortably on your shoulder blade, easing any undue pressure and promoting a restful night’s sleep.
Back Sleeper: Enhancing the natural curve of your lower back is key. Position a pillow beneath your knees to provide this support. Choosing a supportive pillow for your head is also crucial to ensure that your head, neck, and spine are well-aligned, fostering a pain-free sleeping environment.
Stomach Sleeper: While sleeping on your stomach is generally not advised due to potential discomfort, there are ways to improve this position. Placing a pillow under your pelvis can help maintain a more neutral spine alignment. Opting for a flatter pillow under your head, or even going without one, can contribute to better spinal alignment and reduce strain.
Take the Slumber Scorecard Quiz to find out what kind of sleeper you are.
If you’re experiencing pain, it’s important to note your sleep position when the pain occurs, as this information will be valuable for your physical therapist. Additionally, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists. They will work with you to identify the root cause of your pain and guide you toward a pain-free life.
For the full interview with Dr. Lawless, visit: Can your chronic pain and the way you sleep be impacting your sleep?
