Nighttime tension

[Gillyflower18]

Hi everyone I’m doing well on my sleep therapy. Sleep very well now except for the tension I build up in my neck and shoulders at night. Any of you have any suggestions?

[Agora1]

Hi Gillyflower, nice to hear you're doing well on your sleep therapy.As for the neck and shoulder tension (which I have as well), I remind

myself throughout the day and even while in bed to pull my shoulders

down away from my ears. Somehow my friend, they seem to gravitate

to the ears w/o my noticing lol

When I'm on the computer forum, I place a hot towel right out of the

dryer and wrap it around my neck and shoulders. I get an immediate

release of tension. Sometime that's when I meditate and breathe as

well. Wish you well xx

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks Agora! I know the shoulders in the ears feeling well! I’m going to try your shoulder shrubs whenever I wake up with it. It’s just such an annoying feeling. Even when I sleep well I wake up sore. 😖

[Agora1 in reply to Gillyflower18]

Even while lying in bed, I am very aware that my shoulders are creepingup on me. I take a deep breathe, bring my shoulders down and go back to

sleep... xx

[Agora1 in reply to Gillyflower18]

P.S. Sorry I wanted to include that I have slept on a Kawasaki Pillowfor years. It helps cradle my neck, supporting it and filling in the gaps.

Has made a big different in waking up with your neck being sore. xx

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Agora1]

I’ll have to check out the pillow. I’ve never found one that was comfortable and supportive.

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Agora1]

I couldn’t find a Kawasaki pillow except for motorcycle fanatics. Did you mean a buckwheat pillow?

[Agora1 in reply to Gillyflower18]

Yes, At one time I always purchased the Kawasaki Pillow from WalgreensI don't think they carry that brand anymore. But the Buckwheat pillow

would be the same. xx

[Agora1 in reply to Gillyflower18]

Oh my apologies Gillyflower It has been a looong time since I purchasedmy pillows. I checked out Amazon and did find what I use but it's not

Kawasaki as I had stated lol It's Sobakawa (the original Buckwheat Hull Pillow)

I use to pay $29.95 but the price has gone up dramatically.

Amazon has many comparable pillows that would support your neck and shoulders

comfortably throughout the night. Sorry about that dear xx

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Agora1]

No problem! 🤣🤣🤣 just wanted to know if I was on the right track with the buckwheat thing. Thanks. I’ll check it out on Amazon.

[Hidden]

If I may ask, what is sleep therapy? I have sleep issues and am interested.

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Hidden]

It starts with having a sleep study done. Usually by a neurologist who specializes in the area. It’s usually an overnight thing at a special sleep lab. In my case it turned out I have significant sleep apnea. I now use a cpap machine every night and sleep significantly better. The shoulder tension thing is stress related and I can remember having it as a child. I’m 71 so that’s a long time! It’s also affected by balance problems from bad feet. If you’re having difficulty with sleep I encourage you to look into it. Sometimes help is just around the corner!👍

[Hidden in reply to Gillyflower18]

Thank-you for your reply, Gillyflower18. I appreciate you taking the time to explain this to me. I will look into this for sure. Good luck and sleep well tonight.

[CandiceRW]

I have to use a heating pad every night. But it's so pain relieving I look forward to it every night. Good luck with the pillow. I hope it's a game changer for you. 🤞

[Iamanartist1]

I have found that sleeping with a down pillow allows my neck to relax. You can bunch it up or not depending on what feels best. I have bad arthritis in my neck and my neck hurt for 2 years until I got my pillow. My physical therapist recommended it.Hope it helps you. I know they are expensive…

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Iamanartist1]

Thanks for your reply. I used to use down pillows but I can’t anymore as it was part of the cause of my allergies. I agree they are very soft and cuddly and I miss them!😥😥

[Mumbutterfly]

My mother used to make pillows for us when we were kids because my brother was allergic to feather pillows (50 something years ago). The My-Pillow brand is just like the ones she made. They range from firm support to soft ones and are sold at Walmart now so you can feel them to gauge which one you need.

I have the tense shoulders, as well. I thought it was from my constant head pain but maybe it’s one of the reasons I can’t get rid of it. Trying to learn how to release the tension, especially before bed. It work but the tension comes back during sleep. My body is stuck in fight/flight/freeze tension and has been for 31 years. Working on breaking the cycle with anxiety/depression therapy and learning all I can about self-compassion, mindfulness, and other things.

Hope you find a comfortable pillow and that it helps with your night time tension as it does with many people.

Sorry this is so long. I can’t seem to help oversharing. This is one reason I don’t usually comment :/

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Mumbutterfly]

I’m glad you did! I’m going to check it out along with the buckwheat pillow and see which one I like best. Getting tense while you sleep is a bummer I agree.

[Moonira in reply to Mumbutterfly]

Don't be sorry for replying Mumbutterfly that's exactly what this site is for. It's for sharing expressing, venting etc.....isn't it enough that so many times "regular" folk can't relate, or deal with our suffering or begin to understand it. Please express yourself. 🌞🌻🌈🦋

[Moonira]

Hi Gillyflower. Glad you sleep well. For me nighttime is a hit or miss. Tonight a miss. My neck and shoulders are also constantly tensed up. The things that offer temporary relief for me are: aquafitness, stretching, heat therapy and massotherapy. I know others have excellent ideas. Good luck!!