Once you lie down on your bed, the pressure around the tail bone begins to increase. You keep changing positions and your lower back is stiff making it difficult to turn. At the end of your day, after you finally fall asleep a sharp pull, or a throbbing feeling wakes you up again. The night time can be one of the most difficult times of handling a pilonidal cyst.
The worst part of it is that it’s the very thing your body requires the most for healing when you are sleep-deprived. The lack of sleep can increase inflammation, which makes you feel worse, decrease pain tolerance, and make you feel mentally exhausted.
The good news? The way you sleep, the way you lie and the way you prepare your bed can make a big difference.
So how to sleep better with a pilonidal cyst when you have heard about it a hundred times before?
Why does sleeping with a Pilonidal Cyst hurt so much?
A pilonidal cyst develops in the area around the tailbone, which is a natural place to get pressure when you:
- Held on your back, flat
- Shift positions
- Twist your hips
Flat on Your Back: The Worst Sleeping Position
When an individual sleeps safely, he or she naturally sleeps on his or her back. Unfortunately, this is one of the most uncomfortable postures to experience a pilonidal abscess.
Why?
The combination of pressure and lying on the tailbone is actually the place where the cyst is.
Although it may seem bearable at first hours of stress at night can lead to a worsening of the situation:
- Swelling
- Throbbing pain
- Morning stiffness
- Skin irritation
If you feel a lot worse in the morning, you might have an unsuitable sleeping position.
Side Sleeping: This is typically the ideal position
People with a pilonidal cyst find the best rest when sleeping on their side. It helps to move weight off the “tailbone” and off the affected area in general.
Make Side Sleeping More Comfortable
The following is a simple pillow setup:
- Place one pillow between your knees
- Hold the other pillow behind your lower back
- Slightly bend your knees
This will help to keep your hips stable and will stop you from rolling back onto the cyst when you are sleeping. This adjustment is sufficient for many patients to notice a decrease in their Pilonidal Disease symptoms right away.
The “Half-Turn” Position
Some people find it best to sit in the “half-turn” position when they have pilonidal discomfort.
- Do NOT lie completely on your side or back
- Slip to one side, slightly
- Push the opposite hip forward
- Use pillows to support your body
This gives a floating sensation which helps to lower pressure around the cleft area.
It’s particularly helpful when:
- One side of the body is more painful
- The cyst is draining
- Are unable to get or stay on your side all night
This sleep position is often more comfortable than the hard pillows when lying on your side.
Your Mattress Might Be Making Things Worse
The majority of people are concerned with just the cyst and disregard the sleeping surface. However, mattress pressure is more important than you’d think!
Very Firm Mattresses: They can compress pressure right over the bottom of the spine.
Extremely Soft Mattresses: They can lead to excessive inward tilt of the pelvis, which can lead to friction and heat accumulation.
The Sweet Spot
A medium support mattress is generally the best choice since it evenly distributes weight.
If you can’t replace the mattress, consider:
- Foam mattress topper
- A pressure-relief cushion
- Folded soft blanket under hips
Tiny changes can make a world of difference in minimizing symptoms during the night.Taking advantage of cooler evenings can be beneficial.
Conclusion: At Last
Nights can seem like a long time when dealing with a pilonidal cyst. Sleeping on a bed that is painful, unevenly piled, and constantly moved around can deplete both your physical and mental strength before pilonidal cyst treatment. However, comfort can be found in small changes instead of big changes. Adjusting sleeping position, eliminating pressure, enhancing ventilation and lifting the body properly can greatly help to improve sleep quality when you are suffering from the cyst or until you have had treatment. Once you fall into a comfortable sleeping position and are able to sleep without interruption, you will know the impact that those pilonidal cysts have had on your life.
