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

Question

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?

Answer 1

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.