Let's talk about sleep - Part 1
By Tegan Hailey
Part 1 -
Struggling to sleep due to pain?
Most of us would have experienced a time when pain had limited us from being able to fall or stay asleep, and thus know how frustrating it can be. Whether you are in acute or chronic pain, sleep plays an important role in our body’s recovery.
As osteopaths, it is common for our clients to want to address sleep as part of their pain management. So is there anything we can do to help improve our sleep when pain is limiting us?
The answer is YES! Whilst we cannot guarantee that your sleep will be entirely pain free, the aim is to make you feel supported and comfortable as much as we possibly can.
Below you will find some images and explanations on how PILLOWS are used to help improve our quality of sleep. Depending on our sleeping position, area of pain and ability to provide appropriate support and stability.
Pillows for Lower Limb:
Example: Lower back pain
Option 1
Back Sleeper: Place a pillow underneath your knees.
Option 2
Side Sleeper: Place a pillow in between your knees, with the pillow support down your leg.
*Note: Sleeping on the non-affected side is recommended where possible.
Pillows for Upper Limb:
Example: Right shoulder pain
Option 1
Back Sleeper: Place a pillow high up into your armpit.
Option 2
Side Sleeper: Affected Side
Place a pillow underneath your waist so that you create a gap for your affected limb to sit nicely.
Option 3
Side Sleeper: Non-affected Side
Place one pillow in front of your torso to prevent you from rolling forward. Place a second pillow high into you armpit, and drape your affected side over the pillow for support.