When your neck and shoulders are particularly sore when you wake up, it’s time for a new mattress. After you’ve slept, you should feel better there, however these places often become sore with a poor mattress. You may experience stiffness in your lower back and aching hips, as well as a morning sluggishness, according to Howard.
There are a variety of reasons why back and neck pain persists, including:
- Acute harm
- Vigorous activity
- Strain of a muscle or ligament
- Typical ageing effects
- Herniated discs or compressed nerves
- Sleeping on a poor mattress is another typical cause.
According to her, most mattresses only last 7 to 10 years on average, so you should think about getting a new one as soon as you start to see indentations. When your mattress no longer feels supportive, switching to a new one might help you sleep more easily for longer periods of time while also relieving aches and pains.
Your brain generally filters out toxins and restores itself while you are in deep sleep, which is not possible when pain or anything else interferes with your sleep. It can be difficult for your body to recuperate fully and your brain to function normally if you don’t get enough deep sleep.
So, even if you are not currently experiencing discomfort, sleep deprivation may result in pain in the future. You can preserve your health and stop this unpleasant cycle before it begins with a mattress that enhances your sleep.
Additional methods for reducing neck and back discomfort while you sleep
Additionally, the following techniques can lessen persistent neck and back pain:
Obtain new pillows.
If you like to sleep on your back or stomach, a high loft pillow may cause neck strain and discomfort.
In general, stomach and back sleepers require thinner pillows, whereas side sleepers require firm pillows to correct the head and neck. The smallest pillow you can find, or none at all, is what you should use if you only sleep on your stomach.
Take a look at a mattress pad
A topper might give you more comfort and padding if your mattress provides support but seems excessively firm.
Reposition
While not the only factor, your sleeping posture can have an impact on neck and back pain. Lower back pain can be relieved by sleeping flat on your back with cushions under your knees. For neck pain, try sleeping on your back or your side.
Consider a bed with an adjustable foundation if you need to recline to feel at ease. Numerous of the mattresses on this list are adaptable to different base types.
When to consult a physician
Lack of sleep can impact your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and memory problems, among other things.
Therefore, it is best to visit with your healthcare provider to discuss options if your back or neck pain is persistent and keeping you from sleeping. They can suggest a physical therapist who can help you deal with your discomfort and find the source.
Common inquiries regarding sleeping when experiencing back and neck discomfort
What kind of mattress relieves neck and back pain the best?
For those who suffer from neck and back problems, a medium firm hybrid or latex foam mattress may be helpful. A mattress with innersprings most certainly won’t offer sufficient pressure alleviation.
What sleeping position relieves neck and back discomfort the most?
If you suffer from neck and back pain, it is better to sleep on your side or back. Your back may experience too much pressure if you sleep on your stomach. Additionally, it may force you to sleep with your head in an uncomfortable posture to the side, which could exacerbate neck pain.
Which sleeping position relieves upper back discomfort the most?
According to the Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, sleeping on your stomach can be particularly taxing on your upper back. You must turn your head to the side while sleeping in this position.
People with upper back pain can use a supporting pillow in addition to avoiding sleeping on their stomachs if they prefer to sleep on their side.
Keck asserts that lying on your back is likely the most comfortable position for preventing upper back problems. For pregnant women, it’s not a comfortable sleeping position. Additionally, it may be challenging for some people to fall asleep soundly in this position.
What mattress firmness relieves neck and back pain the best?
According to 2015Trusted Source research, the best mattress for back discomfort is a medium-firm, self-adjustable one. Firmness is a relative concept. If something is hard to you, it might be soft to someone else. The recommendation is to either choose a mattress with an in-home trial period or try out mattresses in-store before purchasing.
Is back and neck pain coming from my old mattress?
The answer is that it is possible to get pain from an old mattress. Mattresses are not indestructible. Regardless of the kind you use, they degrade over time and become less supportive.
Ideally, you should change your mattress every eight years or as soon as you find it isn’t as comfy as it once was.
Takeaway
When back and neck pain keeps you up at night, a new mattress can make a significant improvement, while it may not totally eliminate your suffering.
Always consult a medical expert to rule out any underlying medical conditions, especially if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep.