Parkinson's Disease
How to sleep on your side with Parkinson's Disease
Step-by-step guides for sleeping on your side when you have Parkinson's Disease. Practical methods from real bed mobility guides.
Quick answer
Unload the down-side shoulder before you settle: hug a pillow to keep your top shoulder from collapsing forward, put a pillow between knees, and slide your hips 2–3 cm back so more weight goes into your ribcage/hip instead of the shoulder point. If microfiber sheets or a tucked top sheet are grabbing, free the sheet at hip level and smooth wrinkles so you don’t re-load the shoulder during the turn.
Key steps
- 1.Free a tightly tucked top sheet 10–15 cm at waist/hip level before you try to resettle.
- 2.Smooth wrinkles under your ribs and hip; microfiber grabs most where it’s folded.
- 3.Hug a pillow to stop the top shoulder from collapsing forward onto the down-side shoulder.
- 4.Place a pillow between knees high enough to support the knee and lower thigh (not just ankles).
- 5.Shift hips 2–3 cm backward before lowering your chest to redistribute pressure to ribcage and hip.
- 6.Lower ribs first, then let the shoulder follow—avoid shoulder-first contact.
- 7.Bend the down-side elbow slightly and bring the forearm forward to reduce shoulder jamming.
- 8.If you keep tipping forward, add a thin pillow behind the upper back as a backstop.
Icelandic-designed · Sold in pharmacies
Snoozle Slide Sheet
A home-use slide sheet that reduces mattress friction so you can reposition sideways instead of lifting. Made from comfortable fabric — not nylon, no handles. Designed for you, not for a caregiver.
- ✓Less friction when turning — less effort, less pain
- ✓Comfortable fabric you can sleep on all night
- ✓Handle-free — quiet, independent, self-use
Trusted by Vörður insurance for pregnant policyholders. Recommended by Icelandic midwives and physiotherapists.
In-depth guides
Sleep Comfort
A quieter way to side-sleep when your shoulder is the problem
When you wake and try to resettle on your side, the down-side shoulder often takes all the load. This guide shows how to redistribute pressure with a small sequence change, pillow placement, and quick bedding fixes.
Sleep Comfort
How to Overcome Night-Time Freezing in Parkinson’s: Practical Bed Mobility Tips with Snoozle Slide Sheet
Night-time rigidity and freezing in Parkinson’s can make turning in bed and getting out of bed slow, painful, and exhausting. This guide explains why freezing happens, what typically goes wrong when you try to move, and how to use small, segmented movements to turn and get up more safely. It also shows how a low-friction Snoozle Slide Sheet can reduce resistance so you can reposition with less effort and strain, without lifting or risky transfers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I side-sleep with shoulder pain without waking up fully?▼
Unload the down-side shoulder before you settle: hug a pillow so your top shoulder can’t roll forward, use a pillow between your knees, and shift your hips 2–3 cm backward so your ribcage and hip share the load. Fix any sheet or pajama bunching first so you don’t stall mid-move.
Why does my shoulder hurt more right after I wake and try to get comfortable again?▼
Right after waking, your shoulder has been still and compressed, so the first pressure feels sharper. If you resettle by dropping onto your side, the shoulder point often takes first contact while your ribs and hip aren’t stacked yet, so pressure concentrates instead of redistributing.
What pillow position takes pressure off the shoulder when side sleeping?▼
Hug a pillow in front of your chest to prevent the top shoulder from rolling forward, and place a pillow between your knees to stop the pelvis from twisting. This keeps your torso stacked so pressure redistributes across ribs and hip instead of focusing on the shoulder.
Do microfiber sheets make it harder to reposition without shoulder pain?▼
Yes—microfiber often increases drag during sideways scoots, so you stop mid-turn and sink onto the shoulder. Smoothing wrinkles under your ribs/hip and freeing a tight top sheet at the waist makes the move glide instead of stall.
Should my painful shoulder be on top or on the mattress?▼
Many people tolerate the painful shoulder better on top so it isn’t the main load point, but some prefer the painful side down with careful pillow blocking and a ribs-first settle. Use the position where the shoulder is least likely to become the pivot point during the resettle.
How do I stop my top shoulder from collapsing forward when I’m on my side?▼
Put a pillow in front of your chest to hold so your top arm has support and your top shoulder can’t drop forward. If you still tip forward, add a thin backstop pillow behind your upper back to keep you slightly off-true-side.
Why do I freeze more at night than during the day?▼
At night, Parkinson’s medication may be wearing off, your body is cooler and has been still for longer, and you may be more tired. All of this can increase stiffness and make it harder for your brain to start movements, so freezing is more common when turning or getting out of bed.
How should I use the Snoozle Slide Sheet safely?▼
Place the Snoozle on top of your regular sheet under your trunk and hips, making sure it lies flat. Use it to slide and roll in small, controlled movements as described in this guide. Do not use it to lift yourself or someone else, and do not rely on it for standing up or transferring to a chair.