5 Best Sleeping Positions for Peripheral Artery Disease Patients

Sleeping Positions for Peripheral Artery Disease Patients

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a circulatory condition that narrows arteries and reduces blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs. It affects over 8.5 million Americans, with many being unaware they have it.

PAD is commonly caused by atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries over time. Symptoms include leg pain with walking, numbness, coldness in the legs or feet, sores on the toes or feet that won’t heal, and a change in leg color.

While there is no cure for PAD, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising, and eating healthy can help manage symptoms. Finding the right sleeping position is also important to improve circulation and comfort.

In this blog post, we will share the best sleeping positions for PAd and also their importance.

Why is it important to sleep in the right positions for PAD?

Finding the right sleeping position is vital for PAD patients to improve circulation and manage symptoms. Certain positions can:

  • Increase blood flow to the legs by reducing pressure on arteries and letting blood flow “downhill” towards the heart. This reduces leg swelling.
  • Prevent the upper leg from pressing down on the lower leg, which improves circulation.
  • Keep legs elevated above heart level to allow gravity to assist with downward circulation.
  • Reduce pain by taking pressure off the hips, knees, and legs. This helps PAD patients sleep more comfortably.
  • Encourage blood flow back to the heart from the lower body.
  • Align the spine and improve breathing issues like sleep apnea.

So, using supportive positions that elevate the legs can significantly improve PAD symptoms during sleep when patients are immobile for long periods.

What are the best sleeping positions for PAD?

Here are the 5 best sleeping positions for peripheral artery disease patients.

  1. Sleeping on Your Back with Legs Elevated

Sleeping on Your Back with Legs Elevated

Sleeping on your back with your legs elevated above heart level is an excellent position for improving blood flow to the legs and feet.

Raising your legs uses gravity to increase circulation as blood can flow more easily downhill toward the heart. This takes the pressure off arteries in the legs and reduces swelling.

Place pillows under your calves to elevate your legs 6 to 12 inches above your chest. You can use more pillows for a greater incline. This position keeps your legs entirely straight for maximize circulation benefits.

Back sleeping also helps align the spine and prevents pressure points on the hips and shoulders experienced inside sleeping. If you have sleep apnea, this position can improve breathing as well.

  1. Sleeping on Your Side with a Pillow Between Legs

Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees provides comfort and support for PAD patients. Bend your knees slightly and place a soft cushion between your legs, from the ankles up to the hips.

The pillow prevents your upper leg from pressing down on your lower leg and reduces tension in the hips and knees. This improves circulation to the legs and feet.

If you experience back or hip pain in this position, place an additional pillow under your waist to maintain the spine’s natural alignment.

Side sleeping helps reduce snoring and is a good option if you have trouble breathing when sleeping on your back.

  1. Reclined Position with Legs Elevated

Sleeping in a reclined position with your upper body slightly elevated at a 30-45 degree angle takes pressure off your legs while raising them above your heart.

Use adjustable bed frames or wedge pillows to create an inclined position. Place pillows under your calves to elevate your legs above chest level.

The reclined position helps blood circulate downhill from your legs toward your heart. It prevents blood from pooling in the legs and feet when you are stationary for long periods.

This position also makes it easier to get in and out of bed compared to lying completely flat, especially if you have mobility issues.

  1. Sleeping on Your Stomach with a Pillow Under Ankles

Sleeping on Your Stomach

Stomach sleeping faces downward pressure on your legs. But using a pillow under your ankles while on your stomach can minimize this.

Place a soft pillow lengthwise under your ankles and feet to keep them elevated while your stomach sleeps. Bend your knees slightly so your feet are pointed upward. You can use a body pillow for more comfort and support.

Stomach sleeping helps align the neck and spine. If you have low back pain, placing a pillow under your abdomen and hips can improve spinal alignment in this position.

Avoid using too many pillows as overextending the neck backwards can cause neck strain. Keep the head in a neutral position.

  1. Fetal Position with a Pillow Between Legs

The fetal position involves sleeping on your side with your legs curled inward towards your chest. Place a pillow between your knees for comfort and support.

Bending your knees and hips allows your legs to relax and loosens tight muscles that can restrict blood flow. This helps peripheral artery disease patients sleep pain-free.

Drawing your legs upwards also prevents your upper leg from bearing down on your lower leg, improving circulation.

Lying on your left side encourages better blood flow as it takes the pressure off the inferior vena cava – the large vein that returns blood to the heart from the lower body.

Tips for Better Sleep with PAD

  • Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol before bed as these can worsen PAD symptoms.
  • Take pain medication as your doctor advises to manage leg discomfort at night.
  • Use compression stockings daily to improve blood flow and minimize nighttime leg swelling.
  • Exercise regularly but avoid activity 3-4 hours before bedtime.
  • Keep bedroom temperatures around 65° Fahrenheit to minimize restless legs syndrome.

Peripheral artery disease can disrupt sleep and cause discomfort at night due to reduced leg circulation. Finding the right sleeping positions is crucial for managing PAD symptoms and promoting blood flow to the lower limbs.

Sleeping on the back or side with legs elevated above heart level is an excellent position for improving circulation and reducing swelling. Using supportive pillows between the knees and under the calves also helps PAD patients sleep pain-free.

Consult your doctor on the ideal sleeping postures tailored to your needs. With the proper adjustments, PAD patients can achieve quality sleep and wake up refreshed. Learn here more about sleep health and better sleeping tips.