If you’ve ever woken up with neck pain and stiffness from sleeping, you know it can ruin the rest of your day. It’s hard to imagine how sleeping can cause so much tension to build up in just one night or even a few hours of sleep. It’s understandable that you might feel a bit anxious going to bed the next night, especially if you’re still feeling sore.

In this blog post, we’ll share five tips on how to get to sleep when you still have a sore neck from the night before. 

How can I avoid a stiff neck from sleeping?

The key to avoiding a stiff neck from sleeping is getting comfortable in a position that doesn’t put too much strain on your neck. Sleeping on your stomach is generally worse for your neck than sleeping on your back or your side. You should also make sure your pillow is giving you the right kind of support. It can be hard to adjust your sleeping position, but these tips might help.

Try these five strategies to avoid a stiff neck and get more restful sleep:

• Try changing your sleeping position — Sleeping on your side or your back is best for preventing neck pain. If you’re having a hard time getting comfortable, stack pillows behind your back for extra support while sleeping on your side. For sleeping on your back, it can help to put a pillow under your knees. This supports the natural curve of your spine.
• Make sure you’re using the right pillow — Sleeping on your side can leave you with a stiff neck if you’re not using the right pillow. Try looking for a cervical pillow with more support near the edges or one with medium firmness. 
• Try some gentle stretching and movement before bed — Relaxing your neck muscles with some gentle movement can make it easier to get comfortable and fall asleep. Try some yin yoga or stretch your upper body and your back.
• Try hot and cold therapy before bed — If you’re still feeling pain and stiffness in your neck, try alternating heat and ice to numb your pain and relax your muscles. Apply an ice pack for about 20 minutes and then switch to a heating pad for another 20 minutes.
• See a physical therapist — If your neck stiffness is severe or ongoing, it could be a sign of a serious condition. Consider seeing a physical therapist. A PT can provide treatments that work quickly to loosen up your neck so you can get to sleep comfortably.

The neck is a delicate structure, and the nerves that pass through it control sensation and movement in the entire body. If you’re seeking treatment for stiffness and pain in your neck, you should see a medical professional with the credentials and experience to treat neck pain. 

At Continuum Wellness, we help patients with neck pain and stiffness find both short-term and long-term relief. We use safe and natural treatments that target what’s causing your pain rather than masking it. We also get to know each of our patients on a personal level so we can provide treatments that support their lifestyle. 

Are you looking for a PT who can help you with neck pain and stiffness from sleeping? Call us or request an appointment today. Let’s talk about how to get you sleeping soundly again.