I have a bizarre question. I sleep on my stomach with my left arm bent, under the pillow, supporting my head. Does that make sense? The problem is that sleeping like this is pinching a nerve in my upper back that makes my shoulder and arm ache the next day. I can't seem to change the position I sleep in. I fall asleep on my side or back but anytime I wake up, my arm is under my head again. DH wakes me up during the night if he notices me sleeping in that position. Any suggestions on how to change my sleeping position? I'm tired of having an aching arm everyday and I think DH is tired of massaging that spot every night, just in time for me to sleep wrong again. Thanks.

By Pamt on Thursday, April 6, 2006 - 07:50 pm:

I'm thinking....

By Tripletmom on Thursday, April 6, 2006 - 08:06 pm:

How about some rope!!!Just kidding.Actually I sleep the same way.I've tried my side with pillows between my knees it seems comfortable at first but if I really need to sleep I'm back to my stomach with my arms under my pillow too.I've started to wake up with lower back pain(the same spot I had my epidural)I wish I could help you but I'm presently in the same position as you.I hope someone can offer you something that might help us.

By Crystal915 on Thursday, April 6, 2006 - 08:09 pm:

I was told to not sleep on my stomach any more, because of my back. When I said I almost always end up rolling over onto my belly in my sleep, the doc suggested pinning a rolled up pair of socks to the front of my t-shirt or whatever I slept in. I can't give up my stomach sleeping, so I haven't tried it *blush* but apparently a lot of his patients have success breaking the habit that way. Perhaps if it's JUST your arm that you keep moving, you could pin it to an area under your arm that would make it uncomfortable.

By Momofmax on Thursday, April 6, 2006 - 09:02 pm:

I won't be of any help to you but I was shocked to hear that someone else has the exact same problem that I do! I ALWAYS have arm and shoulder pain from sleeping with my head rested on my arm either under or on top of my pillow. I've tried and tried to break the habit but just can't seem to do it. It's like a kid having a favorite blankie or pacifier - I go right to sleep once I give in to that position. The socks trick sounds good.

By Sandysmom on Thursday, April 6, 2006 - 09:45 pm:

OMG! Tink I have the same problem but on the other side. If my shoulder or arm starts aching too much, my DH & I just switch sides. The only problem with that is that I then sleep in the same position but just the opposite way, but it really is just that one side that aches so switching sides does the trick for me.

By Angellew on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 09:08 am:

Same here!!!!! I sleep on my right side, with my arm under my head, WITH a body pillow pushed up against me so I can sling my leg over it! But, I am ONLY comfortable on my right side! I try it on my left, and my arm falls asleep instantly and I can't breathe (I've been told that your sinuses drain better on your side... mine just happenes to be the right side. So, when I sleep on my right, I always breathe fine and never snore!!!) But, I'm faced with the same problem. Can't get comfortable any other way! DOOMED!!!!

By Tonya on Friday, April 7, 2006 - 10:59 am:

I am the same way I sleep on my left side with left arm hurting when I wake in the morning. Sorry no advise here but know you are not alone!!