How To Sleep for Kidney Stone Pain Relief

Most everyone who has experienced a kidney stone will agree that the stones—or, more accurately, the experience of passing them—can be excruciatingly painful. Many patients even equate the discomfort with childbirth.

The intense pain caused by these microscopic calcium deposits can make even the most basic daily tasks seem impossible. Often, however, the pain worsens at night, disrupting sleep. It’s been found that how you sleep can lessen pain and help the stones pass more quickly, but what is the best sleeping position for kidney stone pain relief? The urology experts at North Carolina Specialty Hospital have the tips you need for nighttime relief.

Kidney Stone Pain Relief: Your Guide to a Better Night’s Sleep

Kidney stones form as hard objects when there is an overabundance of waste and inadequate liquid to pass it out of the body in urine. Some chemicals that can cause a stone include calcium, uric acid, and cystine, which can create crystals when they aren’t flushed out. The crystals then join together and create a kidney stone.

It is possible to have kidney stones and never know. Small stones can pass without any pain. Some people discover they have kidney stones only during imaging tests for other conditions. In most cases, large kidney stones cause symptoms, including:

• Severe pain in the lower back
• Cloudy urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills

The most obvious symptom of kidney stones, severe back pain, actually doesn’t occur when the deposits are in the kidneys. Pain occurs when the stones travel through the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder). The stones slow or block urine flow and cause the ureters to spasm, causing pain.

Why Is Sleeping Painful With Kidney Stones?

Sleeping with kidney stones can be extremely uncomfortable and painful due to the pressure they exert on the surrounding organs and tissues. The pain can often disrupt your sleep, making it difficult to find a comfortable position. However, finding the right sleeping position can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with kidney stones.

How Can the Right Sleeping Position Help With Kidney Stone Pain?

If you find a position when lying down that minimizes the pressure the stones cause on your kidneys and urinary tract, it can help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort.

What Are the Best Sleeping Positions for Kidney Stone Pain Relief?

Research indicates that the best way to sleep with kidney stones for pain relief is to lie on the side with your knees bent. (Incidentally, this position has been found to increase blood flow and may help pass the stone.) It can also be effective to put a pillow between your knees because it helps align your spine and reduce pressure on the kidneys. This can also reduce pain and discomfort in the lower back and abdomen.

Another option is lying on your back with a pillow under your knees. This position helps relieve pressure on the kidneys and can also help prevent kidney stones from moving around during the night. Additionally, placing a pillow under your lower back can provide additional support and help to alleviate pain.

What Are the Sleeping Positions To Avoid?

It is important to avoid sleeping on your stomach when experiencing kidney stone pain, as this position can put additional pressure on the kidneys and exacerbate the discomfort. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid sleeping in a fetal position, as this can also increase pressure on the kidneys and worsen the pain.

What Else Can Help Relieve Kidney Stone Pain at Night?

In addition to finding the right sleeping position, there are other ways to help alleviate nighttime kidney stone pain:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. This can also help flush out the stones and reduce discomfort.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication recommended by your urologist, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen.
• Take prescription alpha-blockers to relax the muscles in the ureter and reduce pain.
• Use a heating pad on your lower back or abdomen to help relax the muscles and relieve pain.

By following these tips, you can hopefully find some relief and get a better night’s rest.

When Should I See a Doctor About Kidney Stone Pain?

If you are experiencing severe pain that is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep, talk to your doctor about other potential kidney stone pain relief and treatment options.

With that in mind, make an appointment to see your doctor if your symptoms worsen and you:

• Cannot get comfortable in any position because the pain is so severe.
• Start vomiting or have nausea, fever, and chills.
• Cannot urinate.
• Pass blood in your urine.

At North Carolina Specialty Hospital, our team of urologists frequently performs kidney stone procedures, including ESWL. We are committed to helping patients from the Raleigh-Durham area and beyond find pain relief.

If you have a persistent, painful kidney stone, don’t wait for the discomfort to become unbearable and lose sleep. Make an appointment with one of the urologists at NCSH and begin exploring your treatment options today.