How to sleep with costochondritis?

Question

I've been diagnosed with costochondritis, and the chest pain makes it incredibly difficult to lie down and sleep. It feels like a constant pressure. What's the best way to sleep without irritating my ribs?

Ananya Hegde · Accepted Answer

I totally get it, that chest wall pain is so frightening and makes you feel like you can't even take a deep breath. Try sleeping flat on your back with a thin pillow under your knees to take the stress off your rib cage. Side sleeping can compress the ribs and make it way worse.

Rohan Mehra · Answer

Actually sleeping on the side is a big no-no with this pain, yaar. I tried it and woke up gasping because of the pressure on my chest. Best is to sleep on your back and put a hot water bag on your chest for 10 minutes before sleeping.

Deepak Yadav · Answer

Listen, don't try to sleep on your stomach at all, it will press your ribs and cause horrible pain. Just lie flat on your back and keep a pillow under both arms to support your shoulders. And make sure you are not lifting heavy weights at the gym right now.

Karthik Krishnan · Answer

My grandmother suggested some herbal pastes for the chest warmth, but I consulted my doctor who confirmed it is costochondritis and prescribed mild anti-inflammatories. He advised sleeping strictly on my back with a pillow under my knees, which really helps ease the strain on the sternum.

Pooja Saxena · Answer

Did anyone else feel like it was a heart issue when the pain first started? It makes me so anxious at night that my chest tightens even more. I try to sleep on my back but the anxiety keeps me awake, how do you guys calm down?

Meera Pillai · Answer

Currently staring at the ceiling because every time I try to turn, my chest screams at me. I've built a fort of pillows around myself so I don't accidentally roll over in my sleep. Wishing us both some actual sleep tonight!

How to sleep with costochondritis?

6 answers

Consult a internal medicine specialist

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