If You’re Over 65, Sleeping This Way Can Help Reduce Joint Pain
As people age, joint pain often becomes part of daily life—but sleep posture may play a bigger role than many realize. Doctors and sleep specialists say that how you sleep after 65 can significantly affect joint stiffness, inflammation, and morning pain.
One of the most recommended positions is sleeping on your side with proper support. Placing a pillow between the knees helps keep the hips, knees, and spine aligned, reducing pressure on joints. For shoulder pain, experts advise sleeping on the opposite side and hugging a pillow to prevent the top shoulder from collapsing forward.
Back sleepers can also benefit by placing a small pillow under the knees. This position maintains the natural curve of the spine and reduces strain on the lower back and hips.
“Joint pain often worsens at night because the body stays still for hours,” one specialist explains. “Proper alignment allows joints to rest instead of fighting gravity.”
Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as it twists the neck and stresses the spine. Small adjustments—like supportive pillows and a consistent position—can lead to noticeably less pain and better sleep quality over time.
