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Original poster

I have got to train myself to sleep on my back - please can I have your top tips?

32 replies

Blonchette · 01/07/2021 23:58

Due to a recent op I’ve got to get used to sleeping on my back in an elevated position. After being a one pillow side-sleeper all my life I can’t do it!

Please help me!

OP posts:
Original poster
Blonchette · 01/07/2021 23:58

Would buying a wedge shaped pillow help?

OP posts:
CeeceeBloomingdale · 01/07/2021 23:59

A v shaped pillow helps

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 01/07/2021 23:59

reclining armchair!

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HerRoyalNotness · 02/07/2021 00:02

I had to recently and bought a wedge pillow with another pillow supporting my injured arm. I didn’t sleep much tbh. Very uncomfortable and was glad to see the back of it. Still rotate between sleeping on my good side (that I don’t normally sleep on) and my back 4 mths after surgery 😭

M0rT · 02/07/2021 00:06

A U shaped pillow got me through this. I got one of the long pregnancy ones so could use it to sort of pretend I was on my side by tucking it under one side of my body and leg.
Need a normal pillow or two as well.
The small firm ones are helpful as well.

NorthernBirdAtHeart · 02/07/2021 00:09

I had to do the same due to surgery a couple of years ago after a lifetime of being a front sleeper. I found a V pillow really helped along with a pillow/s under my knees. I was surprised how quickly I got used to it, less than a week. Good luck!

penni00 · 02/07/2021 00:12

This might sound daft, but I needed to train myself to do this at one point, I used to imagine myself laying on a beach whenever I tried to go to sleep. If you were laying on a beach, you would be unlikely to be laying on your side. So imagining laying on the beach as you drift off to sleep might stop you rolling on to your side. Long shot, I know, but I think it helps.

Timeforanewnamemethinks · 02/07/2021 00:14

Listen to a sleep app that does guided breathing. You will be ‘told’ to breath from the bottom of your belly and it’s impossible to do on your side so being on your back is the only option. Guided sleep meditation will also help you get off to sleep.
There are loads of apps, sleepy cove is one that comes to mind.
Night Night!

ClairKingston · 02/07/2021 00:22

OP you are cordially invited to come and watch me in bed. Wink and I will show you how it's done as it is the only way I CAN sleep! Been like this for as long as I can remember. No way can I fall asleep on my side or curled up. Flat on my back every night.

Good luck with the changeover though.

tomorrowalready · 02/07/2021 00:23

I did this after a lifetime of side sleeping. I have a 2 pillows for my head, several side pillows and a pillow underneath my legs for support. having my 6 kilo cat insisting on sleping across my legs also helped. Actually sleep better now than ever.

Original poster
Blonchette · 02/07/2021 00:39

Thank you so much for the responses. I’m still awake as - guess what - can’t get comfortable! I’ll order some pillows tomorrow, and I like the “pretend you’re on a beach” tip! My heels hurt at the minute so I need to find a way to prevent that!

OP posts:
Original poster
Blonchette · 02/07/2021 00:40

@ClairKingston

OP you are cordially invited to come and watch me in bed. Wink and I will show you how it's done as it is the only way I CAN sleep! Been like this for as long as I can remember. No way can I fall asleep on my side or curled up. Flat on my back every night.

Good luck with the changeover though.

Send me your address and I’ll come round with my notebook!
OP posts:
MadCattery · 02/07/2021 00:44

I had to for a while and found it only worked if I slept on a sofa

tomorrowalready · 02/07/2021 00:44

Do you have a mattress topper? I resited getting a memory foam one but kind of accidently bought one last year and only kept it because of expense of sending it back but have to admit it helps me sleep in one posititon and supports my back. I would miss it now.

CimCardashian · 02/07/2021 00:45

I sleep on my back by choice!

I need quite a flat pillow (I like the panda bamboo one). I also have my arms above my head’

Original poster
Blonchette · 02/07/2021 00:48

I don’t have a mattress topper - how did you manage to buy one by accident?!

I don’t know many people who do that @CimCardashian - except for my late df. It’s a talent I wish I had!

OP posts:
CimCardashian · 02/07/2021 00:50

I know,it’s weird isn’t it?!

Original poster
Blonchette · 02/07/2021 00:52

It would be very useful right now! It’s meant to help with wrinkles or something as well isn’t it? Maybe it’ll be worth the effort!

OP posts:
penni00 · 02/07/2021 01:16

The mattress topper help with wrinkles??? Skin or sheets?

penni00 · 02/07/2021 01:20

@Blonchette

'my heels hurt at the minute' - that'll be the pebbles :)

tomorrowalready · 02/07/2021 02:14

@Blonchette, it was almost by accident as i imagined the one I was looking at as thinner and lighter than the one that I got hence the expense of possibly returning it and I thought i will try it. I have always hated the idea and feel of memory foam but it has a cover so don't actually feel the surface. As I said it has surprisingly suited me well.

PerveenMistry · 02/07/2021 03:02

Use a sleep mask and under-knee support.

Something to hold in your arms like a teddy bear too.

TaraR2020 · 02/07/2021 03:14

Life long side sleeper here but found an even better position, in which I sleep blissfully. On my back, but with my head resting in the dip between two pillows. Placing them v shaped helps. Or simply having a soft, squishy pillow to sink into. The pillow(s) cradle my head and face and I sleep just wonderfully like this. Smile

If your heels are hurting because of pressure against the bed, try a pillow or cushion under your calves to raise them up.

tomorrowalready · 02/07/2021 03:36

@PerveenMistry, I actually do have a small teddy to hold now but didn't like to mention it. Never had one until over 50 years old and made this major sleeping change. I found I needed something to do with my hands as previously been under the pillow or my cheek. It's actually a little toy tiger and helps a lot.

MistySkiesAfterRain · 02/07/2021 03:39

I slept upright after lung surgery. Loads of pillows, magnesium body lotion (I had awful restless leg syndrome- something to do with anaesthetic I think) and ... codeine, milk, anything to get me really sleepy. Good luck Flowers