ask: Back and Neck Soreness in AM: Could it be my pillow?
We purchased a new, "state-of-the-art" mattress (read: expensive!), and my back/neck are still really sore when I wake up!
I've noticed that it does not happen every morning, and am wondering if it could be the way I'm sleeping, and if that has to do with my pillow? How do you know if you have the "right" pillow for you? I am a side, back and stomach sleeper (my husband just loves how much I toss and turn at night!).
I've also noticed if I "sleep in" that I'm MORE sore. Is it possible to sleep too much and get sore? By "sleeping in", I'm talking 8-9 hours instead of 6-7 hours.
This question has been plaguing me for years (and, the mattress has helped, but not enough)!
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Hi free2be, It seems like you're on to something in questioning your pillow and your sleep positions. Sleeping on your stomach can cause neck pain and/or stiffness as it completely rotates your head to one side. Try sleeping on your side or back instead. Also, with regard to your pillow, if you pile your pillows too high or sleep on a non-supportive pillow, you may experience more soreness. What type of pillow are you using right now?
August 24, 2008 - 7:39amThis Comment
Well, I'm embarrassed to say that I am using a pillow that I found on clearance at a department store. It was the only one I could find that was flat enough, to allow me to sleep on my stomach comfortably.
I've tried some pillow for side sleepers that are the specialty-foam pillows, with a neck ridge (lack of better phrase). I felt like I was suffocating.
Too bad we can't "try out" pillows, because some of them are really expensive! I bring my own pillow with me to hotels, because their's are always too fluffy and big. I'm not sure how to find a pillow! LOL!
But, in all seriousness, I am tired of the back and neck aches in the morning. Thanks for helping!
August 24, 2008 - 8:58pmI agree with Tina. How you sleep can determine what part(s) of your body will hurt because of the strain you can be placing on different areas.
My mother has never slept with a pillow and always sleeps on her back. She's nearly 80, now, but until a few years ago, she had great posture.
I feel most rested if I've slept on my back, but I do have a really soft pillow to support my neck. I also do alright on my side, only if my body is supported by a large pillow.
How sleep positions affect your health.
Here's a slideshow done by Mayo Clinic on sleep positions.
For fun, do you know your sleep position personality?
August 25, 2008 - 6:24pm