Why Sleep Position Matters for Certain Injuries

Why Sleep Position Matters for Certain Injuries

Why sleep position matters is an often overlooked problem. We hear about proper posture when at work, walking, standing, at the desk and so on, but the posture you have when you sleep, particularly if you are healing from an injury is extremely important.

Today, we will be going over 6 problems that bad sleep posture can cause. 

1. Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Rotator cuff syndrome happens when we sleep with an arm above our shoulders. Sleeping with one arm impinging the rotator cuff can become a habit and last a lifetime. This causes nocturnal pain, an asymptomatic shoulder, and rotator cuff rupture. Be sure to avoid sleeping on the affected side to break this habit. You can also try placing a pillow between the arm and body to allow for more support. 

2. Neck Pain

Neck pain is common in a lot of patients, and could possibly be caused by the height of your pillow. Pillow height forces static compression and stretches the cervical structures, which can be painful. Make sure to choose a pillow which lets the neck nemain in a neutral position. These would be feather or fiberfill pillows. Avoid stiff foam.

3. Tennis Elbow

Sleeping with an elbow under your pillow can result in compression to the wrist extensors. Make sure to keep both arms at your side when you sleep to reduce the pain that can linger from your wrists to your elbows. 

4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sleeping in a fetal position with your wrists flexed under can cause compression on the median nerve, which results in the annoying carpal tunnel syndrome. You can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by wearing a splint while you sleep that will help keep your wrists straight. 

If you are unsure about your posture when you sleep, or if you often wake up in pain, it might be worth talking to us so we can help you. When we treat patients, we not only treat the source of the injury, but also talk to our patients so that they understand what the cause is and help them to change habits so that the problem doesn’t reoccur. Education is every bit as important as the therapy itself.

If you’re in pain right now, if you don’t have to be. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online. We also accept insurance. You can Schedule an appointment here.

Dr David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP

Dr. David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP is the founder and practice overseer at Back and Body Pain Relief in Springfield, NJ. A graduate of Life University Summa Cum Laude, Dr. Perna holds certifications in Active Release Technique (ART), Graston, SFMA, Neuro-Diagnostics (NCV/EMG), and Manipulation Under Anesthesia, among others. He is a Board Certified Sports Physician, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Volunteer.

A competing athlete himself — a 2x Ironman 70.3 finisher with a background in Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and martial arts – Dr. Perna brings firsthand athletic experience to his patient care.

He has treated presidents, royalty, diplomats, and professional athletes across MMA, baseball, tennis, and football, and has appeared on Dr. Oz demonstrating chiropractic therapies. His approach is diagnostic-first, combining evidence-based chiropractic care with rehabilitation to help patients get out of pain and back to full function.