How to Sleep With Neck Pain

Updated

January 9, 2024

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Looking for a way to sleep with neck pain? We've got you covered! Additionally, this article will also help you to learn:

  • How to sleep if you have neck pain?
  • How to sleep to relieve neck pain?
  •  How to sleep with a stiff neck and shoulder?
  • How to sleep when you have back and neck pain?

When you have neck pain, it is best to sleep on your back or side. Sleeping on the back helps maintain the normal curve of the spine, according to a ncbi study. By aligning the neck and thoracic regions of the spine, sleeping on your side reduces pressure on the cervical facet joint.

Why does my neck hurt when I sleep?

If your neck hurts when you sleep, there can be many reasons. Like, maybe your pillow is not comfortable or too high, bad sleeping posture, injuries, carrying heavy bags, aging, etc. To fix the problem, you can try doing some exercises or gently stretching your neck to relax the muscles.

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How to sleep if you have neck pain?

One of the most common symptoms of discomfort is neck pain. Sleeping in the wrong position is also quite common to cause neck pain. If your neck is sore, it may be difficult for you to sleep comfortably. How to sleep with a neck strain, or how to sleep with neck pain from sleeping wrong, isn't impossible, but there are a few proven ways to relieve the pain.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach since it puts more pressure on the cervical spine. The best way to reduce the pain is to sleep on your back or side.

If you sleep on your back, choose a thin pillow that supports your head and neck so that its natural curve can be supported. Another option is to use a feather pillow that easily adjusts to the shape of your neck, providing support.

If you sleep on your side, use a pillow that aligns your head and neck. Nonetheless, if the pressure is excessively low or too high, it can be painful. Instead, you can try using a cervical pillow to help support your head and neck. Check out our best pillow reviews to find a variety of different options. 

How to sleep with a stiff neck?

Using the right pillow that supports your neck and keeps you in the right position can make sleeping easier if you have a stiff neck. Use a neck pillow or roll a towel and put it inside your pillowcase to support your neck and balance it. You can use a cervical pillow or memory foam that provides comfortable, firm support, as soft pillows can make things worse. A travel pillow is also useful.


How to sleep to relieve neck pain?

To relieve neck pain, you must support your body posture while sleeping. Support your head and neck with two pillows. Your bottom pillow should be slightly at the back to support your head, and your top pillow should support your shoulder. You can keep a pillow between your legs if you sleep on your side. Place a pillow between your thighs if you sleep on your back. By doing so, it can help balance pressure on your spine and provide relief.

You can also try taking a deep breath gently to relax and calm your body.

How to sleep with a stiff neck and shoulder?

Try sleeping on your back or side in your most comfortable position if you have a stiff neck and shoulders. Poor sleeping positions or joint disorders prevent you from getting a good night's sleep, which can lead to stiff necks and shoulders. Changing your sleeping position and using the right pillow instead can soothe the stiffness and allow you to sleep peacefully.

  • Poor sleeping positions can prevent you from sleeping comfortably and cause stiffness in your neck and shoulders. Sleeping on your back or side will maintain your spine's normal posture and reduce stiffness.
  • Don't sleep on your stomach. As a result, your head will be in an awkward position, and you will have to turn your head repeatedly, leading to more pain in your neck and shoulders.
  • Pillows must be used properly. You will be uncomfortable if your pillow is too flat or too puffy since your spine and neck will not be aligned properly. Therefore, try using a pillow that provides equal support for your neck and spine.
  • Exercise or stretching can also help strengthen your muscles and reduce stiffness.
  • Consider consulting a professional therapist to run a check on the cause of your stiff neck and shoulders. It might also be due to underlying health problems or injuries which might require medical attention.

How to sleep when you have back and neck pain?

While we sleep, our bodies undergo a healing process. Sleep is crucial for healing, but your back and neck pain may be preventing it. How do you sleep when you have back and neck pain?

By sleeping on your back, you maintain pressure while keeping the spine in its natural position. Roll a towel under your knees or use a pillow. It keeps your spine aligned and balances your weight. You should use a pillow that balances your spinal curve and supports your neck.

By aligning the spine around your neck and hips, sleeping on your side can ease the pain. You can sleep in the fetal position or with a pillow between your knees for support. Keeping your spine straight requires a slightly higher pillow so that your neck can maintain a healthy posture.

You could also try getting a new pillow mentioned earlier or get an orthopedic mattress for bad pain. These mattresses have a top layer of memory foam which helps relieve pressure on your joints and makes you sleep better.