Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone here sleep with their legs elevated and their head? I have not been able to sleep flat in years. Feet just about 3.5 years now

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX
January 30
 · 
Reactions
A MyLupusTeam Member

After I was diagnosed with GERD I started sleeping with my head elevated. I haven't had any episodes ever since then. As for my feet, I only sleep with them elevated when they or my legs are swollen.

January 30
MyLupusTeam

Why might you need to sleep with your head and legs elevated?

Sleeping with your head and legs elevated can help manage several lupus-related issues. Elevating your head may help if you experience symptoms like a rush of blood to your head when lying flat, which can be caused by conditions more common in people with lupus Show Full Answer

Why might you need to sleep with your head and legs elevated?

Sleeping with your head and legs elevated can help manage several lupus-related issues. Elevating your head may help if you experience symptoms like a rush of blood to your head when lying flat, which can be caused by conditions more common in people with lupus such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, or anemia.

Elevating your feet can help reduce swelling in your ankles and legs, which is a common issue with lupus. This position helps drain excess fluid that can build up, especially if you're dealing with fluid retention from medications like prednisone or from lupus nephritis.

Tips for better sleep in this position:

* Keep your feet elevated above your heart level for 20-30 minutes at a time
* Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time daily
* Keep your bedroom cool (around 65 degrees)
* Consider using pillows or an adjustable bed to find the most comfortable angle

If you haven't already, it's worth discussing these sleeping needs with your doctor. They can help determine if there's an underlying cause that needs treatment and suggest ways to make sleeping more comfortable.

January 30
A MyLupusTeam Member

I sleep with my head on a pillow and my legs on another pillow. The leg under my pillow helps bc I always have severe back pain 🙏😊♥️

January 30
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank MiaButler, Sweeties1958, and Patricia10 for the hug. 🙂💐

February 1
A MyLupusTeam Member

I don't elevate my feet but I do my head because I have bursitis in the front of my shoulders and it hurts to flat on my back.

January 31

Related Questions

View All

Does anyone have these issues in their legs?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Portage, IN
September 2, 2022

Anyone experience a leg rash (little red dots)?.

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Panama City, FL
February 12, 2017

You’ve Just Been Diagnosed With Lupus. Now What?
More Than Half of MyLupusTeam Members Surveyed Are Not Satisfied With Their Doctors
4 Medications That Cause Ankle and Foot Swelling
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In