The symptoms of sciatica can include burning, numbness, tingling, or pain that occurs while sleeping. These symptoms may be caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower spine down the back of the leg. This type of pain can be debilitating when attempting to get some rest.
The good news is that there are many ways to manage this pain as well as you will get some tricks about how to sleep with sciatica.
Sleep on your Side:
One of the best ways to sleep with sciatica is to sleep on your side. The reason this is one of the best is that it allows a person to have their feet on the ground instead of being on the bed or floor. It can also help alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve while sleeping. The best way to try to alleviate the symptoms is to use an orthopedic mattress with a mattress protector which fits across the top of the mattress.
Drink Plenty of Water:
When trying to sleep with sciatica, it is important to remember to drink plenty of water. Water helps flush out the body of impurities which in turn reduces swelling. It is also a good sleep aid as cold compresses will also assist in giving a person a good sleep. You can purchase cold compresses from any drug store or grocery outlet.
Don’t Sleep on your Stomach:
People who suffer from sciatica are usually advised not to sleep on their stomachs. This is because it increases pressure on the sciatic nerve and decreases blood flow to the stomach. The solution is to purchase one of several mattress protectors which fit across the top of the mattress. The mattress protectors come with a zippered pocket where you can place them. The advantage of purchasing one of these is that they can be changed out when they become worn or dirty.
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Many people suffering from sciatica find that performing the daily activities of life can aggravate their condition. Sleeping takes time to relax the muscles and tendons in the back. Hence when sleeping the back muscles remain stiff. It takes time for the back to heal itself and this is often aggravated by the daily activities we perform. One way to help the process of healing is to lie on your back with your knees up and relax the back muscles by bending your elbows.
Use an Orthosis:
Another simple way to sleep with sciatica is to use an orthosis. These devices are designed to align the spine and help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain. An orthosis may look like a small table with a movable arm and a movable headrest. You can sleep with it on your side or stomach. You will find it particularly helpful if you sleep on your back with the hips elevated.
Apply Cold Compress:
If you feel uncomfortable while sleeping with the device fixed to your leg, you may want to try applying cold compresses. Apply them directly to the affected area or you could also soak a washcloth in cold water and apply the compress on the affected area. Cold compresses are known to relax the muscles as well as to ease sciatic nerve pain.
Try to Relax:
When you sleep with a partner, you can talk about the day’s activities and try to relax. You may find that you fall asleep quite quickly on your partner’s side. You can also experiment with the different sleeping positions. Make sure you are comfortable. Remember that the position you choose while you sleep will have an impact on the quality of your rest.
Soft Mattress:
You can avoid the symptoms of sciatica when you sleep by making sure that you have a soft mattress. A firm mattress can encourage irritation of the sciatic nerve as well as cause the symptoms of sciatica. In some cases, the condition can worsen due to bedsores. Before laying down for the night, you should take a few minutes to apply a lubricant to the bottom of your bed. You should also make sure that the linens you sleep on are cool and comfortable.
Don’t Use Linens:
Linens that are too hot, too cold, or too soft can irritate your nerve and cause painful side effects such as tingling, numbness, leg pain, or numbness. Avoid using mattresses with these properties. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for people who have sensitive sciatica and need to sleep on a contoured mattress. They are especially suitable for people who sleep on their backs. A memory foam mattress has more adjustable springs than a regular mattress, which means that you can get the right amount of support.
Mattress Pad:
A mattress pad is another option if you want to sleep with sciatica without experiencing painful side effects. There are several mattress pads available in the market today. These pads can help to eliminate pressure points, thereby eliminating the uncomfortable side effects of the condition. These pads are often made from silicon or other absorbent materials.
