8 Tips to Get Better Sleep with Sciatica Pain

Sciatica affects the largest nerve in the body, creating big problems when it becomes pinched or injured. This pain can affect your back, hips, legs, and even your feet, making it difficult to get comfortable.

To spare your sleep schedule and pave the way for a better tomorrow, consult a specialist to find relief. 

At Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, our team diagnoses and treats sciatica, helping you sleep, move, and feel better. Here’s what we want you to know.

Sciatica basics

Sciatica refers to pain caused by the irritation of your sciatic nerve. Most cases resolve themselves, but persistent pain can be a sign that intervention is necessary. 

The sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve, the body’s largest nerve, runs from the lower back, through each leg, and down to your feet. It has five nerve roots that merge at the base of the spine. It’s also a mixed nerve, meaning it gets motion directions from your brain and sends back sensation messages.

Due to its size and complexity, injuries to the sciatic nerve can lead to numerous uncomfortable symptoms. 

Symptoms of sciatica

In most cases, sciatica occurs downstream, meaning the pain travels down the nerve from the site of the injury. That means you might feel numbness and pain from your hip to your toes. Symptoms of sciatica include: 

• Pain (sharp, aching, burning)
• Muscle spasms
• Numbness 
• Weakness 
• Tingling 

Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body.

In some cases, sciatica causes you to lose control of your bowels. If your sciatica is so severe that you’re unable to walk or make it to the bathroom, seek help immediately. 

8 tips for sleeping better with sciatica

Sciatica can get worse at night, making it difficult to sleep. When you move around during the day, you stretch muscles and massage the nerves. Lying down adds pressure, and poor posture or soft mattresses can make matters worse. 

To sleep better with sciatica, consider changes to your sleeping schedule and environment. Here are eight ways you can sidestep sciatica-related sleep issues at night.

1. Use a body pillow to avoid changing positions as you sleep
2. Avoid sleeping on your stomach 
3. Sleep on your uninjured side to reduce pressure
4. Sleep flat on your back with a pillow under your knees or lower back
5. Lay plywood under a soft mattress for added support
6. Do stretching or yoga exercises before retiring
7. Take warm baths before bed
8. Practice good sleep hygiene

If your sciatica doesn’t improve in a few weeks, it may be time to consult a specialist. At Advantage Spinal Dynamics, we offer nonsurgical treatments to help relieve nerve pain. 

To learn more about sciatica and available treatments, schedule a consultation at Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine by calling 208-213-7963, or request an appointment online today.