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How To Sleep Better With Neuropathy


Neuropathy, nerve damage in the body’s extremities, can make nights feel endless.

This condition causes tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or arms, which often intensifies when you lie down, leaving many restless and frustrated well into the early hours.

Finding the proper neuropathy sleep position, supporting pressure points, and using the right pillows can make a real difference. Here’s why.

Best Sleep Positions for Neuropathy

Studies have shown that up to 68% of neuropathy patients experience disturbed sleep (Ferini-Strambi, 2017).

The best neuropathy sleep position changes from person to person, but generally, you want to be in an aligned position that removes pressure and supports your body.

Here are the four main recommendations:

Back Sleeping

Lying on your back helps maintain a neutral spine and keeps pressure off sensitive areas.

Back sleeping is often recommended for those asking how to sleep with neuropathy in the feet or other areas, as it’s a comfortable position and also gives you the chance to elevate your legs or remove pressure from your arms.

Side Sleeping

Side sleeping on the less affected side can relieve pressure and prevent nerves from being compressed. However, you don’t want to twist your body too much.

To maintain a healthy side position, align your hips and shoulders with pillows for support, keeping your neck neutral. A body pillow can help you stay aligned without reducing your comfort.

Many people find this position helpful when learning how to sleep with neuropathy in hands or managing arm nerve pain.

Gentle Leg Elevation

Elevating the legs slightly can reduce tingling and discomfort in the lower limbs. This is another great option for those with neuropathy in the feet.

You can lift your legs with a small pillow under the knees or a wedge cushion allows the nerves to relax while supporting spinal alignment.

Recliner Sleeping

For short-term flare-ups, sitting back in a supportive chair can ease pressure on painful areas.

Slightly elevating the legs and using a cushioned headrest may help reduce discomfort and prevent nerves from being aggravated at night.

However, this isn’t recommended as a long-term solution, as sleeping in a recliner may lead to back or neck pain.

Positions & Habits to Avoid With Neuropathy

While finding the right positions can help, some habits and sleeping positions can make neuropathy symptoms worse.

Avoiding these common pitfalls can reduce nerve compression and help you get a more comfortable night’s sleep:

  • Tight fetal positions that curl the spine and compress nerves
  • Sleeping directly on hands or arms, which can worsen numbness
  • Bent or tucked wrists overnight
  • Overly high pillows that push the chin forward, increasing neck and shoulder strain

Pillow Choice & Sleep Support For Neuropathy

The right pillow can make a huge difference for nerve pain, as proper height and neck alignment prevent compression and irritation.

This isn’t always a given with standard pillows. Instead, there are specialised pillows (e.g., memory foam pillows) which target different areas.

For example, Groove’s Adjustable Pillow allows you to customise support to your comfort and body size, while the Combination Pillow works well for mixed sleepers.

Hugging a Groove Body Pillow can also protect arms and shoulders, making it easier to manage how to sleep with a pinched nerve in neck and shoulder or how to sleep with nerve pain in arm.

Extra Tips to Sleep Through Nerve Pain

For many, the question of how to sleep through nerve pain comes down to a combination of positioning, pillow support, and careful attention to pressure points.

You can also make small lifestyle adjustments to further improve sleep quality:

  • A warm bath before bed can increase circulation and relax nerves
  • Gentle stretching or relaxation exercises help release tension
  • Keep a calm, consistent pre-bed routine
  • Consult a medical professional if symptoms worsen or change

Don’t overlook the sleep hygiene tips above. Studies show that most people have poor sleep routines, and this can make falling asleep more difficult, and it can lead to excessive daytime tiredness (Alanazi et al., 2023).

Sleeping With Neuropathy FAQs

What Is The Best Sleep Position For Neuropathy?

Back or side sleeping on the less affected side is often recommended, with gentle leg elevation or arm support as needed.

Why Is Neuropathy Worse At Night Or When Lying Down?

Neuropathy gets worse at night due to reduced circulation, pressure on sensitive nerves, and lack of movement. These three factors can intensify tingling and pain.

How Should I Sleep With Neuropathy In My Feet?

If you experience foot neuropathy, elevate your legs slightly with a pillow and avoid sleeping directly on your feet to reduce pressure.

Can The Wrong Pillow Make Nerve Pain Worse?

Yes. Pillows that are too high or that misalign the neck can compress nerves in the neck, shoulders, and arms.

How Can I Sleep Through Nerve Pain At Night?

Knowing how to sleep through nerve pain depends on where your neuropathy shows up, but generally you can use supportive pillows, proper positioning, gentle stretches, and maintain a calm bedtime routine.

What Triggers Neuropathy To Flare-Up?

Flare-ups can be triggered by prolonged pressure on nerves, poor sleep positions, reduced circulation, stress, temperature changes, or underlying conditions such as diabetes. Lack of sleep itself can also make nerve symptoms feel more intense.

When To See A Doctor About Neuropathy At Night?

If night-time symptoms are worsening, disrupting sleep regularly, or are accompanied by new weakness, loss of sensation, or changes in balance, it’s important to seek medical advice for proper assessment and management.

The Conclusion

Sleeping with neuropathy doesn’t have to mean restless nights and painful snoozes.

Using the right neuropathy sleeping positions and supportive pillows can relieve pressure and protect sensitive nerves, leading to better rest.

Ready for better sleep? Explore Groove pillows designed to adapt to your needs, providing better alignment and better rest, night after night.


References

  • Alanazi, E.M., Alanazi, A.M.M., Albuhairy, A.H. and Alanazi, A.A.A. (2023). Sleep hygiene practices and its impact on mental health and functional performance among adults in tabuk city: A cross-sectional study. Cureus, [online] 15(3), pp.1–12. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.36221.
  • Ferini-Strambi, L. (2017). Neuropathic Pain and Sleep: A Review. Pain and Therapy, 6(S1), pp.19–23. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-017-0089-y.