How Can I Avoid Neck Pain after Sleeping?

Neck pain is a common problem that many people experience on a daily basis. This kind of pain typically occurs after the neck, or cervical spine, is bent or twisted for too long. Neck pain after sleeping often occurs when a person sleeps with his neck bent at an odd angle, and this is commonly referred to as a stiff neck. An individual can usually avoid neck pain after sleeping by doing something as simple as changing his mattress, pillow, or sleeping position.

The right mattress is an important first step toward preventing neck pain after sleeping. Most experts recommend that a mattress be firm to support the body and prevent the spine from bending out of shape. Mattresses that are too soft or sagging can allow the spine to bend as a person is sleeping. A firm pillow-top mattress will provide the support that the spine needs, and it will cushion the body and provide added comfort.

Probably one of the simplest things a person can do to help avoid neck pain after sleeping is to change his pillow. A pillow that is too low can cause the head to bend down, stretching the neck, while a pillow that is too high can cause the head to bend up. Either of these sleeping positions can lead to neck pain after sleeping. An ergonomic pillow, or neck pillow, which can provide the proper support to the head and prevent neck strain, is often recommended. Choosing the right pillow, however, often depends on which position a person sleeps in.

Sleeping on your back is generally considered to be one of the best sleeping positions if neck pain after sleeping is a chronic problem. Most people who go to sleep on their backs, however, usually toss and turn during the night, ending up either on their sides or stomachs. When sleeping on your side, a pillow that properly aligns the spine, keeping it straight, is considered to be essential.

Stomach sleepers often suffer neck pain after sleeping. This is because the head is usually turned the side to avoid the face being shoved into the pillow. This position twists the cervical spine, and if a person's neck is in this position for too long, it can lead to pain and stiffness in the morning.

Most people can't really help which position they end up in while sleeping. There are a couple of things that can be done to avoid the positions that lead to neck pain after sleeping. For example, some people find it helpful to place a pillow right next to them when they go to bed, which can sometimes keep them from rolling onto their stomachs. You can also sew a tennis ball onto the front or side of their pajama top, which can be extremely uncomfortable if you happen to roll over onto it when you are sleeping. This will usually cause you to roll onto your back again, preventing a stiff neck in the morning.