Sleep and back pain often go hand-in-hand because this type of pain makes it very difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. A lack of sleep and sleepless nights can make pain worse, and even sleeping in certain positions can exacerbate the issue. Without sleep, individuals are not able to function in daily life and enjoy the activities they love. But with effective pain management and a supportive mattress, people with arthritis and joint pain can get the rest they need to feel great all throughout the day. This article will address the issue of sleeping with back pain, as well as recommendations for the best sleeping positions and comfortable mattresses.
But with effective pain management and a supportive mattress, people with arthritis and joint pain can get the rest they need to feel great all throughout the day. This article will address the issue of sleeping with back pain, as well as recommendations for the best sleeping positions and comfortable mattresses.
Lower Back Pain While Sleeping
One common complaint among arthritis sufferers is lower back pain while sleeping. This type of pain can be caused by an issue with the spine, such as disc degeneration. Nocturnal back pain can also be caused by various forms of arthritis, sprains, fractures, pregnancy, and scoliosis. In serious cases, it may also be a sign of a spinal tumor. Some people experience the pain as soon as they lie down, while others are woken up by it in the middle of the night.
How to Relieve Back Pain While Sleeping
Choosing a good mattress is a great first step to having restful nights in spite of back pain. It is also necessary to find a sleeping position that works well for your body.
Powerful arthritis pain relief creams, like JointFlex, can be applied shortly before bed to ease the pain quickly and continue to work while drifting off to sleep. It also helps to get in and out of bed slowly while supporting the back with the hands, bending the knees, and rolling onto one’s side.
Best Sleeping Position for Lower Back Pain
What many people don’t realize is that lying the wrong way in bed can actually make pain worse. For most individuals, the best sleeping position for lower back pain is on the back. Many people find relief by placing a pillow under the knees for extra support and to prevent the back from arching.
The stomach is considered to be the worst position for sleeping if one has back pain. Side sleeping is not ideal, but better than stomach sleeping if one is unable to sleep on the back.
Mattress Buying Tips for Back Pain Sufferers
The mattress that one chooses for the bedroom makes a big difference in how restful the night’s sleep will be. Firm or medium-firm mattresses are typically best for back pain sufferers because they offer extra support for the back. Just because a mattress is marketed as having a 20-year lifespan doesn’t mean that it is supportive enough for that length of time. Back pain experts have recommended the Saatva Mattress, Amerisleep AS2, the Helix Mattress, and the Bear Mattress for people with back pain.
However, it is important to test various mattress brands and level of firmness with various sleeping positions before choosing a new one to purchase. Many mattress purchases include a risk-free home trial to allow customers to try out a mattress for a month or more in order to determine its level of comfort and support.