The best three sleeping positions for peripheral artery disease include leg elevation, sleeping on your back, and side sleeping. We will share everything about these positions in detail below. Moreover, we will also share other sleeping and lifestyle tips to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Following the shared instructions in this guide will enable you to sleep peacefully. Let’s quickly get into its details without wasting time.
Top 3 Recommended Sleeping Positions For Peripheral Artery Disease
There are three recommended sleeping positions for people with this disease. Follow the most suitable one according to your comfort. Let’s check out the details of these positions.
Leg Elevation
The first one we have is leg elevation. Leg elevation can also help you sleep with peripheral artery disease. This is because the condition often causes pain in your legs, especially at night. That pain can easily disturb your sleep. Elevating your legs helps relieve that discomfort and may help you fall asleep faster. Pillows are a great tool for this purpose and are often suggested as the best position for sleeping when dealing with poor circulation.
Sleeping On Your Back With An Elevated Head
Elevating your head while lying on your back can support better blood flow to the lower part of your body. You should raise both your head and upper body slightly using a pillow. This slight lift lets gravity assist in moving blood more efficiently through your body. It can also help ease any leg pain linked to poor circulation. This position may be especially useful if you’re a peripheral artery disease teenager, since proper sleep posture can ease symptoms without relying on medication.
Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is widely considered the best sleeping position for peripheral artery disease. It helps take pressure off the arteries in the legs and may support healthier blood flow to the heart. When you place a pillow between your knees during side sleeping, it keeps your spine properly aligned and eases pressure on your lower back and hips. This position can relieve symptoms of PAD and support a deeper, more comfortable sleep.
People often ask, Can peripheral artery disease be reversed? While it might not be fully reversible, using the right sleeping positions along with positive lifestyle changes can make a big difference in reducing discomfort and improving quality of life.
Other Sleeping Tips For Peripheral Artery Disease
Alongside sleeping tips for peripheral artery disease, you must take care of your sleep environment as well. A sleep-friendly environment can also help you fall asleep quickly. Here are some tips for better sleep hygiene.
Investing in Quality Pillows and Mattresses:
The first tip is the two basic accessories that you need for sleeping. These include a pillow and a mattress. Invest in getting comfortable ones. These should be neither too hard nor too soft.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach:
The next one is prevention. Don’t sleep on your stomach if you have peripheral artery disease. This condition can cause pain in your spine or neck. You may place pillows or blankets at your side to prevent it.
Maintain A Comfortable Sleep Environment:
Last but not the least, your sleeping environment is the key. Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Ensure there is no exposure to blue or red lights or other disturbances.
Lifestyle Tips To Sleep Better: Peripheral Artery Disease
To improve the quality of your sleep, you need more than just the right best position for sleeping. Following these tips will definitely help you manage peripheral artery disease. Here are some practical lifestyle tips for you:
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Start by eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This supports better circulation and overall health.
Regular Exercise: Even though peripheral artery disease may limit your movement, regular moderate exercise is very beneficial. It helps improve blood flow and reduce symptoms.
Manage Stress: Stress can make peripheral artery disease symptoms worse and disrupt your sleep. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to keep stress under control.
Medication Management: Always follow your doctor’s advice and take medications properly to manage pain, inflammation, or other symptoms that might affect your sleep.
Quit Smoking: Smoking narrows blood vessels and worsens peripheral artery disease. Cutting back on nicotine can improve blood flow and help you sleep better. It’s also great for your overall health.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: To sleep well with peripheral artery disease, avoid stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, especially close to bedtime.
FAQs:
Can peripheral artery disease be reversed?
Not fully, but with early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and proper treatment, you can slow its progress and cure most symptoms.
Is an Elevated Leg Position a Good Sleeping Position for PAD?
Yes, keeping your legs raised can support better circulation by helping blood flow return to the heart more easily.
Does sleeping badly with PAD increase pain?
Yes, poor sleep positioning can make pain worse for people with peripheral artery disease. When circulation is reduced, your leg muscles may not get the oxygen they need.
Conclusion:
There are three recommended positions if you’re dealing with peripheral artery disease. Among them, side sleeping is considered the best sleeping position for peripheral artery disease. However, if that’s uncomfortable for you, you can try the other two options.
Besides your sleeping position, your overall sleep habits and lifestyle also affect how well you sleep. Pay attention to these and make changes if needed. Finally, if you don’t notice any improvement after trying these tips, be sure to consult your doctor.
