What is the right position to sleep in case of insomnia?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have sciatica. I also have nerve pain in my face coming from my neck which stops me sleeping on my back. If I sleep on my shoulder, I get soreness on the shoulder. I have insomnia and cannot find the right position to be able to sleep. Could you give any advice? I put ice on my neck which temporarily relieves the neck pain and deep heat massage on my shoulder. Stomach sleeping is not recommended for people with back problems. Is there some solution to this problem?

Answered by Tanushree Agarwal

Education:

BPT

Professional Bio:

Dr. Tanushree Agarwal is a skilled Physiotherapist with expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, neuro-rehabilitation, sports injury management, pain relief techniques, therapeutic exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle modification through physiotherapy. She is dedicated to helping patients restore mobility, improve strength, and enhance overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In this case, there is no best position for sleeping. Instead, the way you are sleeping in every position that will help you.

1. Sleeping on the back - the pillow under the neck should be shallow enough to support the neck in one straight line. Keep a pillow under both the knees so that back is supported completely. 2. Sleeping on either side - the thickness of the pillow should be equal to how broad your shoulders are so that the head and spine be aligned. A pillow between both the arms to support the shoulder from following to either side might help. A pillow between the knees also. Keep changing the sides.

For more information consult a physiotherapist online.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 18, 2018
Reviewed At April 23, 2025

Education:

BPT

Professional Bio:

Dr. Tanushree Agarwal is a skilled Physiotherapist with expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, neuro-rehabilitation, sports injury management, pain relief techniques, therapeutic exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle modification through physiotherapy. She is dedicated to helping patients restore mobility, improve strength, and enhance overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

BPT

Professional Bio:

Dr. Tanushree Agarwal is a skilled Physiotherapist with expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, neuro-rehabilitation, sports injury management, pain relief techniques, therapeutic exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle modification through physiotherapy. She is dedicated to helping patients restore mobility, improve strength, and enhance overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Read answers about:

insomnianeck pain

Ask your health query to a Wellness Expert online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.