Sleep Problems Associated With Back Pain (and How to Fix Them)

The review found that back pain has a profound effect on causing insomnia and depressed mood. The worse the pain, the more difficult it is to fall asleep and the more frequent the night time awakenings.

Difficulty falling asleep was linked to back pain severity. It was also found to be more common in women and those with direct lumbar trauma.

Waking up because of pain was found to be more likely in those with a posterior column problem. The awakenings were found to be caused by pain when turning during the night, or aching when lying still.

Men were found to be more likely to wake due to pain caused by turning in the night. It was also found to be more common in those withfacet joint syndrome.

Women were found to be more likely to wake due to pain or aches not associated with night time movement. This form of sleep interruption was more common in those with a herniated disc.

Those with posterior ramus syndrome (also known as thoracolumbar junction syndrome, Maigne syndrome, and dorsal ramus syndrome) were found to be more likely to experience early morning stiffness for an hour or more.

The review found that physiotherapists recommend those with back pain relieved by flexion should sleep on a softer bed. Those with pain relieved by extension should sleep on a firmer bed.

Althoughsleeping on your sidewith your knees bent may feel comfortable, it isn't a balanced position for the back. If you sleep on your side, keep your lowermost leg almost straight and bend your top leg. Lying flat on your back can minimize pressure on the spinal discs.

Using a low level heat wrap overnight was found to provide relief from pain, reduce muscle stiffness, improve flexibility, and improve sleep quality.