What causes chest pain when sleeping on one's side?

Dec 09, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Chest pain when sleeping on one's side may be caused by incorrect sleeping posture, myocardial ischemia, costochondritis, etc. In addition to the above-mentioned causes, it could also result from intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy, or other reasons. It is recommended that patients promptly seek medical attention at a hospital, undergo relevant examinations, identify the specific cause, and then receive targeted treatment.

Side sleeping with chest pain may be caused by incorrect sleeping posture, myocardial ischemia, costochondritis, or other reasons.

1. Incorrect sleeping posture

If one sleeps on their side for prolonged periods, the tissues within the chest cavity may become compressed. When the sternum and ribs are under continuous pressure, it can lead to pain and numbness in the surrounding nerves and muscles.

2. Myocardial ischemia

Side sleeping can affect blood circulation to the heart, potentially causing insufficient blood supply to the myocardium and resulting in chest pain.

3. Costochondritis

Costochondritis refers to an inflammatory condition affecting the costal cartilage. It typically causes localized swelling of the cartilage along with tenderness and pressure-induced pain, leading to chest discomfort during side sleeping.

Besides the above-mentioned causes, chest pain while side sleeping could also result from intercostal neuralgia, pleuritis, or other conditions. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital, undergo appropriate diagnostic tests, and receive targeted treatment based on the specific underlying cause.

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