Have you ever had a difficult time "dialing something in"? I think this is my problem right now, I tried something new - it worked - then I changed it - it no longer works, and I can't get it dialed back in!
A little over a week ago, I noticed that my headaches were worse when lying down and they were slightly alleviated after rising. Armed with this observation, I decided to test a theory - what if I just never laid down? Sounds strange, but what did I have to lose? I'd been running on a daily migraine track again so why not try something different?
My husband and I bought an adjustable bed a couple of years ago since we both love to read in bed. I decided to raise the head of the bed and try sleeping sitting up. Would you believe it worked? Five days in a row, no migraine! I felt as if I were definitely on to something. Then, I pulled my shoulder out of whack (all for the love of books - I went book shopping at Powell's in Portland and got carried away). As a result of my shoulder pain, sleeping in any position became difficult. I started playing with the level of incline, I tossed and turned more, I even started playing the multiple pillow game again and now, for the last three days, the migraines are back.
I'll try to set the bed back to where I had it previously - it seemed to be working so it makes sense to try it again, but what I really wonder is why was it working? Does the level of incline keep me from sleeping on my stomach, thereby keeping my neck in a better position? Do I toss and turn less when sleeping on an incline? Or was my success just coincidental luck? Well, there's one way to find out... Stay tuned!
3 comments:
Interesting! I've noticed if I already have a headache or migraine, it's irritated more lying down flat because it makes my head pound - similar to how it does when I bend over. I haven't thought of sleeping on incline though. I hope it works for you again!
Oh yes... bending over is the worst, isn't it. And it always seems I drop more things when I don't want to bend over!
I hadn't actually equated it to laying down - just one more reason to keep trying it & working out the kinks! I'll let you know how it turns out!
I often sleep sitting up when my head is hurting and find it helps. I would imagine it keeps less blood from going to your head, putting pressure on your blood vessels which in turn causes headaches. I don't that for sure but it makes sense. Like when they have you elevate your foot when you sprain your ankle to keep some of the blood out of there, if that makes sense.
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