Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 12 million people in the United States. While your sleeping position might seem like a small detail, the way you position your body during rest can actually affect blood flow and nighttime pain.
The good news is that a few simple adjustments may help optimize blood flow to your limbs and improve comfort while you sleep.
Muthu Velusamy, MD, FACC, ABVM, offers premier personalized care plans for patients affected by PAD at Cardiovascular Institute of America in Tampa and Lutz, Florida. Here’s what to know about the best sleeping positions for PAD, plus a few additional healthy habits that may help you rest easier.
PAD is a condition in which blood flow is reduced in the extremities — most often, the legs — due to narrowed arteries. It develops because of fatty deposit buildup along your artery walls (atherosclerosis).
Without enough blood flow to keep up with the body’s demands, PAD can cause the following symptoms:
Treatment often includes medications, healthy lifestyle modifications (e.g., dietary changes, regular exercise, stress management, smoking cessation, optimal sleep) or medical procedures in severe cases. See Dr. Velusamy at the first sign of PAD.
If you have peripheral artery disease, check with Dr. Velusamy to learn which sleeping position is best suited for you. He may recommend that you:
It’s often helpful to sleep with the head of your bed raised several inches to keep your legs below the level of your heart and minimize the risk of pain.
Intermittently hanging your legs over the edge of your bed may also help reduce leg discomfort at night.
Lying on your back (while slightly elevating your upper body with a pillow) may be the best way to maximize blood flow to your lower limbs, but check with Dr. Velusamy to learn your optimal sleep position.
The most appropriate sleeping position for people with PAD can vary from person to person. For example, if you have PAD and sleep apnea, it may be beneficial to sleep on your side to help keep your airways open.
It’s important to note that elevating your legs while sleeping with PAD may worsen your resting leg pain. Aim to avoid placing pressure against the back of your knees as you sleep.
Adopting additional healthy habits can help enhance your sleep quality if you have PAD. Examples include getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, eating nutritious foods, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine — especially later in the day.
Create a regular wake-sleep schedule that allows seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and create a sleep environment that’s quiet, cool, and dark.
Whether you have PAD, varicose veins, or heart disease, see Dr. Velusamy at one of our three Cardiovascular Institute of America Tampa-area locations for a personalized treatment plan.
We have one office in Lutz and two offices in Tampa, Florida. Contact us by calling our office or requesting an appointment online today.
