How to wake up with less pain
Image credit: izzyfisch_ via Unsplash
Waking up stiff and sore isn’t always a sign of aging, it is often a sign that your sleep setup isn’t working for your body. The position you sleep in, along with your pillow height and mattress support, can strain your neck, shoulders, back, and hips for hours at a time. Simple changes, like switching to side or back sleeping, using a pillow that keeps your neck in line with your spine, or choosing a more supportive mattress, may help reduce morning aches and make it easier to start the day feeling comfortable.
Source
Saini, Y., Rai, A., & Sen, S. (2025). Relationship Between Sleep Posture and Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. Musculoskeletal care, 23(2), e70114. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.70114
Additional Reading
https://www.npr.org/2025/10/02/nx-s1-5435668/sleep-body-pain-minimize-morning-aches-soreness
https://www.mensfitness.com/news/how-to-fix-morning-aches-by-sleep-position