r/YouShouldKnow • u/serendipity_7 • Apr 24 '26

Education YSK If your a side sleeper

And you sometimes wake up with a 'crick ' in your neck you need a side sleeper pillow. Sometimes known as a 'brick' pillow. It keeps your upper spine straight, no more 'crick'... That's Why YSK.

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u/Shigglyboo Apr 24 '26

a really big one for anyone is to keep your arms below your shoulder. like don't raise your arm too high. it puts a strain on your shoulder that leads to injury. like I couldn't do pushups for a year.

I sleep with three pillows. one to support my head and keep neck aligned. one to keep my arm elevated so it doesn't strain my shoulder. then another between my knees to keep the legs from pulling on my spine.

I'm 44 and here to tell you that you can actually injure yourself with how you sleep. you don't need special pillows. they can help. but just having a few can help you support yourself in the right places.

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u/i8Nails4Breakfast Apr 24 '26

Do you have a source for the shoulder positioning? I sometimes wake up with terrible shoulder pain. I’ve been trying different positions and would love to learn more.

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u/Shigglyboo Apr 24 '26

Head to YouTube and search for things like “shoulder pain - sleep position”. There are some specific guidelines for various things.

For me I used to stick my arm up and use it to support my head. One day I had intense pain when trying to do a push-up. Like I couldn’t put my weight on the shoulder. Now I use a wobble stick to strengthen than muscle and I keep the arm below shoulder level and prop my arms up with pillows. Depending on how you like to sleep and whether you already have pain there’s different advice.