What position is recommended for sleeping to relieve sciatic nerve pain?

One recommended position for relieving sciatic nerve pain is to lie on the side with the top leg bent and pulled up toward the chest, according to American Spine & PainMedGroup. One or two pillows are slid under the knee to support it.

To sleep on the back, one or more pillows are positioned under the knees, elevating them above hip level, states American Spine & PainMedGroup. When sleeping on the side or back, a pillow goes under the head to bring it into alignment with the spine. A warm shower or an ice pack on the lower back shortly before bed helps reduce pain. In addition, some patients need medication for pain or sleeplessness due to sciatica, University of Maryland Medical Center advises.