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The Worst Sleeping Position for Neck Pain

Waking up with neck pain is frustrating, but maybe the position you sleep in could be the cause.

Sophia KellerMandy Armitage, MD
Written by Sophia Keller | Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD
Updated on July 2, 2025
Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD | July 2, 2025

While neck pain is more common as you get older, there may be other causes. Sometimes the position you sleep in can cause neck discomfort. Even your mattress and pillows could play a role when you’re walking up with a crick in your neck.

If you are experiencing regular neck pain, it may be time to look at your sleeping position.

References

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Sophia Keller
Written by:
Sophia Keller
Sophia Keller was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She has a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University.
Mandy Armitage, MD
Reviewed by:
Mandy Armitage, MD
Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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