{"id":1398,"date":"2026-09-11T14:06:15","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T14:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/?p=1398"},"modified":"2026-09-15T14:12:59","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T14:12:59","slug":"sleepmaxxing-neck-pain-sleeping-position","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/sleepmaxxing-neck-pain-sleeping-position\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleepmaxxing Is Going Viral \u2013 Could It Be Causing Neck Pain?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sleepmaxxing is the latest wellness trend taking over social media \u2013 but are Australians focusing so much on getting the \u201cperfect\u201d sleep that they are overlooking something important: how they sleep?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From mouth taping and eye masks to magnesium, sleep tracking, cooling bedrooms and elaborate nighttime routines, \u201csleepmaxxing\u201d has become a huge social media trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The idea is simple: <strong>optimise your sleep as much as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But there is another part of sleep that often gets overlooked \u2013 <strong>your sleeping position, pillow and spinal alignment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <strong>The Melbourne Chiropractor<\/strong>, we regularly see people experiencing neck stiffness, headaches, upper back tension and lower back discomfort who may not realise that their sleep setup could be contributing to the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Sleepmaxxing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sleepmaxxing is a social media trend focused on improving sleep quality through different habits, products and routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the recommendations are sensible, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keeping a consistent sleep schedule<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reducing screen time before bed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping your bedroom dark and comfortable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exercising regularly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating a relaxing bedtime routine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding excessive caffeine late in the day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, social media has also popularised more extreme sleep practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trend has become so widespread that the term \u201csleepmaxxing\u201d has attracted more than 100 million posts on TikTok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And while improving your sleep is undoubtedly important, <strong>more optimisation isn&#8217;t necessarily better.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Part Of Sleep Nobody Talks About: Your Spine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can have the perfect bedtime routine, the best mattress and the most expensive pillow available \u2013 but if your sleeping position consistently places your neck or spine in an awkward position, you may wake up feeling worse than when you went to bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you ever woken up with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A stiff neck<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shoulder tightness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upper back pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower back stiffness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jaw or facial tension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pins and needles in your arm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty turning your head?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your sleeping position may be one of several factors contributing to these symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can Your Pillow Cause Neck Pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your pillow plays a surprisingly important role in keeping your head and neck supported while you sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your pillow is too high, your neck can remain bent to one side for hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If it is too low, your head may drop backwards or sideways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither situation is ideal for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right pillow height can depend on your sleeping position, body shape, shoulder width and personal comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Side Sleepers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Side sleepers generally need enough pillow height to help keep the head and neck relatively neutral rather than dropping towards the mattress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A pillow that is too low can leave the neck angled downwards for prolonged periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Back Sleepers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back sleepers may prefer a lower pillow that supports the natural curve of the neck without pushing the head too far forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stomach Sleepers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stomach sleeping can be particularly challenging for the neck because the head usually needs to rotate to one side for breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you already experience neck stiffness or headaches, changing your sleeping position may be worth discussing with a qualified healthcare professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What About Sleeping On Your Side?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Side sleeping is extremely common, but the position of your head, neck, shoulders and hips can all influence how comfortable you feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your pillow pushes your head too far upwards, or allows it to drop down towards the mattress, your neck can remain in an uncomfortable position for several hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your hips and knees can also influence spinal positioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people find that placing a pillow between their knees makes side sleeping more comfortable by providing additional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And What About Back Pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sleep and back pain can have a complicated relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes pain can make it difficult to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other times, poor sleep can make pain feel more difficult to manage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And for some people, their mattress, sleeping position or lack of movement during the day may contribute to morning stiffness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interestingly, walking is also receiving renewed attention as a simple way to support overall health and movement. Recent health coverage has highlighted walking as a low-impact activity that can support mobility and may help people with lower back discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That doesn&#8217;t mean walking is a cure for back pain \u2013 but it does reinforce an important principle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your spine generally benefits from regular, comfortable movement.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&#8217;t Fall For Every Viral Health Hack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is perhaps the biggest lesson from sleepmaxxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Social media can be fantastic for discovering new ideas, but <strong>viral doesn&#8217;t automatically mean proven.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some sleep habits promoted online are harmless and sensible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others may not be appropriate for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, some influencers promote mouth taping as part of their nighttime routine. However, experts have raised concerns about blindly adopting viral sleep techniques without considering individual circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same principle applies to your spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A TikTok video telling everyone to sleep in one particular position, buy a particular pillow or perform a particular stretch isn&#8217;t necessarily going to be right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Body Isn&#8217;t A TikTok Trend<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest problems with viral wellness trends is that they often try to provide a <strong>one-size-fits-all solution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But bodies are different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your age, activity levels, occupation, previous injuries, sleeping position, stress levels and daily habits can all influence how your body feels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of constantly chasing the next viral health hack, it can be more useful to understand <strong>what your body is actually telling you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you repeatedly wake up with neck pain, headaches or back stiffness, it may be worth getting the problem assessed rather than simply buying another pillow or trying another TikTok trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Should You Get Your Neck Or Back Checked?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional if you regularly experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Persistent neck pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recurrent headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Morning back stiffness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shoulder or upper back tension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain that keeps returning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced neck movement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain affecting your sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tingling or numbness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symptoms that are getting worse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A professional assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether further management or referral is appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Melbourne Chiropractor \u2013 Helping You Move Better<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <strong>The Melbourne Chiropractor<\/strong>, our chiropractors work with people experiencing a range of musculoskeletal complaints, including neck pain, back pain, headaches, posture-related discomfort and sports-related issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our approach focuses on understanding the individual rather than applying the same solution to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We can assess your movement, discuss your symptoms and provide advice around appropriate care, exercises and lifestyle strategies where suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With clinics across <strong>Fawkner, Mill Park, Westmeadows and Broadmeadows<\/strong>, our team is available seven days a week, including late appointments and weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Word: You Don&#8217;t Need To \u201cMax Out\u201d Everything<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sleep is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Movement is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recovery is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But your health doesn&#8217;t have to become another competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of trying to optimise every tiny part of your life, focus on the basics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Move regularly. Sleep consistently. Stay active. Look after your body. And don&#8217;t ignore persistent pain.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you are waking up every morning feeling like your neck and back need a chiropractor more than your coffee needs a caffeine hit, it may be time to get your symptoms assessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Book an appointment with The Melbourne Chiropractor today.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Book With The Melbourne Chiropractor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udccd <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/fawkner-chiropractor\">Fawkner <\/a>| <a href=\"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/millpark-chiropractor\">Mill Park<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/westmeadows-chiropractor\">Westmeadows <\/a>| <a href=\"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/broadmeadows-chiropractor\">Broadmeadows<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f <strong>Open 7 Days<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udf19 <strong>Late Appointments &amp; Weekend Appointments Available<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/book-now\">Book your appointment with The Melbourne Chiropractor today.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sleepmaxxing is the latest wellness trend taking over social media \u2013 but are Australians focusing so much on getting the \u201cperfect\u201d sleep that they are overlooking something important: how they sleep? From mouth taping and eye masks to magnesium, sleep tracking, cooling bedrooms and elaborate nighttime routines, \u201csleepmaxxing\u201d has become a huge social media trend. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[28,841,843,30,839,35,749,611,27,643,49,20,6,838,842,840,24,844,837,836,7,48],"class_list":["post-1398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorised","tag-acute-pain","tag-back-pain-after-sleeping","tag-back-pain-melbourne","tag-benefits-of-chiropractic","tag-best-sleeping-position-for-neck-pain","tag-broadmeadows-chiopractor","tag-chiropractor-for-neck-pain-melbourne","tag-chiropractor-melbourne","tag-chronic-pain","tag-dr-matthew-chiropractor","tag-fawkner-chiropractor","tag-low-back-pain","tag-neck-pain","tag-neck-pain-after-sleeping","tag-neck-pain-melbourne","tag-pillow-causing-neck-pain","tag-poor-posture","tag-posture-and-sleep","tag-sleepmaxxing","tag-sleepmaxxing-neck-pain","tag-stretches","tag-westmeadows-chiropractor"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1214,"url":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/optimising-sleep-for-spinal-health-how-to-sleep-right\/","url_meta":{"origin":1398,"position":0},"title":"Optimising Sleep for Spinal Health: How to Sleep Right","date":"26 September 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Your sleep position can either support or sabotage your spine. Many people wake up with tight backs or necks without realizing their sleeping posture is the culprit. Here\u2019s how to make sure your sleep is helping\u2014not hurting\u2014your spine. Best Sleep Positions for Spinal Health On Your Back Use a small\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Uncategorised&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"Good_Sleep_TMC.jpg","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Benefits-Of-Sleeping-Correctly.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1160,"url":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/the-best-pillow-for-a-good-nights-sleep-why-flexi-pillows-stand-out\/","url_meta":{"origin":1398,"position":1},"title":"The Best Pillow for a Good Night&#8217;s Sleep: Why Flexi Pillows Stand Out","date":"22 January 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"As chiropractors, we often emphasize the importance of maintaining proper spinal alignment while sleeping. One essential element that can significantly impact your sleep quality and spinal health is the pillow you use. While there are various types of pillows on the market, I\u2019d like to shine a spotlight on the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Uncategorised&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"Best-Pillow-TMC.jpg","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Best-Pillow.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":298,"url":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/what-is-the-best-pillow-for-neck-pain\/","url_meta":{"origin":1398,"position":2},"title":"What Is the Best Pillow For Neck Pain?","date":"30 March 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"About Neck Pain - There are three main types of neck pain which may include: Acute Neck pain\u00a0= Neck pain that is usually severe and has been going on for the last 72 hours is considered acuteSub acute Neck pain\u00a0= Neck pain that has continued for the last 2 weeks\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Uncategorised&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"PillowSleepingTMC.jpg","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/man-sleeping-napping-resting-in-bed-1_jpg-600x390-1.jpg?fit=600%2C390&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":529,"url":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/%f0%9f%98%b4the-importance-of-sleep-%f0%9f%98%b4\/","url_meta":{"origin":1398,"position":3},"title":"THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP\u00a0\ud83d\ude34","date":"21 July 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"We all know that sleep is important. But do we know why? Sleep plays a vital role in both your physical and mental health. It aids the body\u2019s ability to function through a variety processes: 1\ufe0f\u20e3 Improved recovery and body repair. Decreased sleep increases the possibility of fatigue and low\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Uncategorised&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"Sleeping-Benefits-TMC.jpg","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/sleep-sleeping-bed-732x549-thumbnail-732x549-1.jpg?fit=732%2C549&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":444,"url":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/tips-for-teachers-dealing-with-stress\/","url_meta":{"origin":1398,"position":4},"title":"Tips For Teachers Dealing With Stress","date":"25 May 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Teachers are constantly dealing with a stressful environment day in day out and that means the body begins to deteriorate under these demanding social and physical pressures. Whilst some of the time it can be tempting to do extra work related chores sometimes it is best to take a break\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Uncategorised&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"TiredTeacherTMC.jpg","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/School_Challenge_Teacher_Anxiety_1410x720-705x410-1.jpg?fit=705%2C410&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1371,"url":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/chiropractic-care-for-headaches-melbourne-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":1398,"position":5},"title":"Can Chiropractic Care Help With Headaches? | Melbourne Chiropractor","date":"3 June 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Headaches are one of those problems that can be incredibly disruptive while also being difficult to understand. One person may experience a headache after a stressful day at work. Another may notice headaches after spending hours at a computer. Someone else may wake up with a headache after sleeping poorly.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Uncategorised&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/TMC-LOGO-11.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1398","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1398"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1398\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1399,"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1398\/revisions\/1399"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themelbournechiropractor.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}