Best Sleeping Position For Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

This article is reviewed, corrected, and approved by: Dr. Joshua Collins M.D. | MRCP। FRCP

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is like a traffic jam in the blood vessels of our legs and feet. It happens when those roads (arteries) get narrowed or blocked, making it tough for proper blood flow.

This can lead to pain, cramps, and trouble walking, just like how we get stuck and frustrated in traffic jams. Taking care of our health and making good lifestyle choices can help keep those roads clear and improve how our legs feel and function.

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

PAD is a condition that affects the blood vessels in areas like the legs, feet, arms, and hands. It can also impact other parts of the body.

This condition can restrict blood flow or circulation, which can be harmful and even life-threatening. The symptoms of PAD can range from mild to severe, depending on how much the arteries are narrowed.

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease-

Intermittent Claudication

It refers to cramping, pain, or aching in the muscles of the legs or arms, typically occurring during physical activity such as walking or exercising. The discomfort is often relieved by resting for a few minutes, but it tends to return with further activity.

Rest Pain

In more advanced cases of PAD, the pain and discomfort may not only be limited to physical activity but can also occur during periods of rest or while sleeping. This is a more severe symptom and may indicate significant arterial blockage.

Weakness or Fatigue

When there is decreased blood flow to the muscles, it can cause weakness and fatigue in the limbs that are affected.

Numbness or Tingling

Some people with PAD may experience a sensation of numbness or tingling in their legs or arms.

Cold Extremities

Insufficient and poor blood circulation may cause the affected limb to feel cooler to the touch.

Skin Changes

The skin on the legs or arms might look alike pale or have a bluish tint (Cyanosis) due to insufficient oxygenation. In some cases, the skin may become shiny and thin or develop sores that are slow to heal.

Poor Nail and Hair Growth

A lack of blood flow can lead to slower nail and hair growth in the affected area.

Erectile Dysfunction (in men)

PAD can affect blood flow to the genital area, leading to difficulties with achieving or maintaining an erection.

Peripheral artery disease may not have noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Nonetheless, even without symptoms, it is crucial to stay vigilant.

Regular health checkups are important for early detection of PAD in individuals with risk factors like diabetes, smoking, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Arterial narrowing and atherosclerosis remain significant health risks.

Best Sleeping Positions For People With PAD

Experiencing this condition can cause discomfort, loss of sensation, and a prickling sensation in the lower limbs, as well as hinder mobility. Sleeping can also be difficult if you have PAD.

PAD sufferers can benefit from a few sleeping positions. To improve sleep with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), consider the following tips:

• Elevate Your Legs: Do you elevate legs with PAD? If not then before bedtime, elevate your legs using pillows or a wedge cushion to improve blood flow and reduce pain.
• Side Sleeping: Sleep on your side with bent knees and a pillow between them for added leg support and better blood flow.
• Recliner Use: Consider sleeping in a recliner to keep your legs elevated and provide additional back support.
• Comfortable Environment: Maintain a relaxing sleep environment with a comfortable mattress, supportive pillows, and suitable room temperature. Use anything that makes your leg feel comfortable.
• Gentle Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises during the day to improve circulation, but avoid vigorous activities close to bedtime.
• Limit Stimulants: If you're having trouble sleeping, it's a good idea to avoid caffeine and nicotine before hitting the hay. These substances can mess with your sleep patterns and make it harder to get the restful night's sleep you deserve. So, skip that late-night coffee or cigarette and give yourself the gift of peaceful slumber.
• Bedtime Routine: You can help your body relax and prepare for sleep by creating a bedtime routine. As a result, your body will know that it is time to wind down.
• Manage Fluid Intake: Limit fluids in the evening to reduce nighttime disruptions for bathroom visits.
• Pain Management: Discuss pain relief strategies with your healthcare provider to manage discomfort caused by PAD.
• Compression Stockings: Wear compression stockings as recommended by your doctor to increase blood flow and reduce swelling.
• Stress Reduction: To alleviate stress and anxiety before going to bed, it is recommended to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Consistent Sleep Schedule: Maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends, to regulate your body's internal clock.
• Nap Wisely: Limit daytime naps to 20-30 minutes to avoid affecting nighttime sleep.

Best Exercise for Peripheral Artery Disease

Regular walking, cycling, water exercises, leg lifts, ankle pumps, calf stretches, stationary rowing, Tai Chi, yoga, resistance training, and chair exercises are all great options for low-impact workouts that can improve fitness without putting excessive strain on the legs.

Conclusion

ICD 10 for peripheral artery disease can cause pain and fatigue. There are no such specific positions for the best sleeping position for peripheral artery disease. You can manage it with lifestyle or habit changes, medication, or surgery.

Improve sleep by elevating your legs, sleeping on the side, or using a recliner. These measures can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

F.A.Qs

Q: What kind of doctor treats peripheral artery disease?

Ans: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is typically treated and managed by a medical specialist known as a vascular medicine specialist or vascular surgeon.

Q: Can peripheral artery disease be reversed?

Ans: No, Peripheral Artery Disease cannot be completely reversed, but its progression can be slowed and managed through treatment and lifestyle changes.

Q: Is pad hereditary?

Ans: Although not inherited directly, genetics can play a role in the likelihood of developing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). But family history of PAD, coronary artery disease, or cardiovascular diseases may raise an individual's risk.

Q: What does PAD mean in diabetes?

Ans: Diabetes increases the risk of developing PAD and can cause complications such as poor wound healing and infections in the lower extremities.

Q: What is PAD in hypertension?

Ans: PAD and hypertension often occur together because they share risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, and diabetes, which can harm the arteries.

Q: What is called "peripheral arterial disease" in Spanish?

Ans: ICD 10 for peripheral artery disease or Peripheral arterial disease in Spanish, is called enfermedad arterial periférica (EAP).

Q: How to improve circulation in feet while sleeping?

Ans: Many people suffers from poor circulation when lying down their feet and sleeping. Therefore, elevating legs while sleeping can help you to improve circulation in feet while sleeping.

Q: What is the best sleeping position to prevent blood clots?

Ans: According to experts, the sleeping position commonly called "The right side of the hill" is the best sleeping position to prevent blood clots.

Q: How to elevate your legs while sleeping on your side?

Ans: When you are sleeping on your side, you can elevate your legs easily by keeping a pillow in between your legs.