Sleeping
Numbness during night rest
When being diagnosed one of the first questions is: How do I have to sleep?
Interesting to read: HNPP and sleeping positions
Unfortunately there is not one magical solution. If you look at the information patients advise on sleeping, you will see that there are various answers.
Each person is unique and what is good for one patient isn't ideal for another. Also, we are not able to test everything that is suggested.
Because we spend a significant part of our lives in bed, we advise you to explore the options in order to be able to make a decision that best suits you.
Mattress: 29.216 hours
An average mattress lasts about 10 years. A mattress can be expensive.
However! If you sleep 8 hours at night, you spend approximately 29.216 hours in bed. You should not go lightly on this purchase. Take your time to choose the best possible option.
With HNPP it is all about avoiding pressure. One of the options is a memory foam mattress (not suited for children*)
Mattresses recommended by patients (Facebook)
Ikea foam mattress
Individual suggestions on Facebook: Waterbed, Purple Mattress, egg cup shaped mattress, eve mattress, Stearns & Foster.
....
A lot of stores offer the option to test a mattress for a certain amount of time.
* Memory foam mattress: Not suited for children because 1) they are in full growth and 2) with this type of mattress they might not be strong enough to turn around at night when they have to vomit, which can cause suffocation.
Pillow
Try out several pillows in several stores and check what suits you.
As for mattresses, a lot of stores offer the option to test a pillow for a certain amount of time.
Maternity pillow for side sleeping
Also exists in memory foam (see Amazon)
Sleeping positions
Make sure your nerves don't get pinched while sleeping! Especially the nerves in the limbs (arms and legs).
Do not sleep with your head on your hands. Do not sleep with your elbows bent to avoid ulnar nerve compression.
Tell your partner not to rest his head on your arm to avoid a palsy.
sleeping on the back: advised by medical professionals and is also the most advisable position to avoid back problems. Most HNPP patients seem to prefer this sleeping position.
side sleeping: see the maternity pillow to help (also read this info: HNPP and sleeping positions)
- some people reported facial palsy (this can occur when sleeping on your cheek)
some people report cranial nerve involvement (talk to a medical professional to avoid this while sleeping)
To avoid
Don't sleep on your hands
Don't sleep on your arms
Don't bend your elbows at night.
Don't let your partner lean on you at night
Don't sleep with your arms above your head