A broken collarbone—also known as a clavicle fracture—can make even the most basic daily activities feel daunting.

But perhaps one of the most frustrating challenges is simply getting a good night’s sleep.

Tossing and turning is no longer an option when every movement sends a jolt of pain through your shoulder or chest.

Best Sleeping Positions for a Broken Collarbone

1. Sleep on Your Back in an Elevated Position

Sleeping on your back with your upper body elevated is the most recommended position during the initial stages of collarbone recovery.

When the clavicle is fractured, lying flat can increase pressure on the bone and surrounding muscles, worsening pain and inflammation.

Elevating the upper body to a 30–45° angle using a wedge pillow, adjustable bed, or a stack of firm pillows helps reduce swelling and improves circulation to the injury site.

This position also naturally discourages turning over during sleep, which could otherwise place pressure on the broken bone. To support the injured arm, place a small pillow or rolled towel under the forearm or elbow to keep it gently elevated and in a neutral position.

It’s also essential to wear your sling or brace while sleeping unless your doctor advises otherwise, as this immobilizes the shoulder and protects the healing bone from unnecessary movement.

Sleeping elevated on your back not only promotes better bone alignment but also helps you breathe more easily if you’re experiencing pain across the chest or shoulder.

2. Sleep in a Recliner Chair

If lying in bed proves too uncomfortable or if you struggle to maintain an elevated position, sleeping in a recliner chair can be a game-changer.

Recliners provide excellent support for both your upper and lower body while limiting your range of motion—two important benefits during clavicle recovery. Choose a recliner that offers firm back support and well-cushioned armrests.

You can enhance comfort and stability by adding small cushions or rolled-up towels under your injured arm to keep it slightly lifted and reduce muscle strain.

Placing a travel neck pillow around your neck can also help prevent your head from falling to one side while you sleep, which might otherwise stress the collarbone.

One of the biggest advantages of a recliner is that it discourages shifting positions during the night, something that’s hard to control when sleeping in a regular bed.

The upright posture of a recliner helps keep your spine aligned and reduces the risk of accidental rolling or shifting, making it one of the safest and most comfortable options during the early weeks of healing.

3. Sleep on Your Non-Injured Side (With Support)

Once your pain begins to subside and your doctor confirms that it’s safe to modify your sleeping position, you may be able to sleep on your non-injured side with proper support.

This option becomes more viable during the mid-to-late stages of healing when the bone has begun to stabilize but still requires protection.

To do this safely, lie on your side opposite the injury and place a firm pillow or rolled-up towel along your back to prevent accidental rolling during the night.

In front of your body, use a long body pillow or another rolled blanket to support your injured arm, allowing it to rest in a slightly forward, neutral position. This prevents it from hanging awkwardly or pulling on the clavicle.

Continue wearing your sling or brace to limit movement, unless told otherwise by your healthcare provider. This side-sleeping setup offers a comforting option for people who find it hard to sleep on their backs, while still minimizing pressure on the healing bone.

It’s crucial, however, to monitor for any increase in pain or discomfort and revert to an elevated back-sleeping position if needed.

Pillow and Bedding Support: What You Need

Your regular pillow setup won’t cut it during collarbone recovery. Here’s what can make a big difference:

1. Wedge Pillow: Keeps Upper Body Elevated

A wedge pillow is one of the most crucial items for sleeping comfortably with a clavicle fracture.

By positioning your upper body at a 30–45° incline, you reduce the risk of rolling onto your injured side and prevent fluid buildup that causes swelling and inflammation.

The gentle incline also relieves pressure on the chest and shoulders, which can make breathing easier and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles.

Unlike regular pillows that can shift and flatten, wedge pillows provide consistent, structured support throughout the night.

If you don’t have a wedge, you can replicate the angle by stacking 2–3 firm pillows beneath your shoulders and upper back, although this may be less stable.

2. Arm Rest Pillow: Supports the Injured Arm and Reduces Shoulder Tension

Your arm needs to be stabilized and slightly elevated during sleep to prevent it from pulling downward on the healing collarbone.

An arm rest pillow—or simply a small firm pillow or folded towel placed under your elbow or forearm—provides that essential lift and support.

This reduces tension in the shoulder muscles, minimizes involuntary movements, and keeps the collarbone aligned.

Supporting the arm also helps alleviate nerve pressure and reduces the risk of tingling, numbness, or “dead arm” sensations that can occur if the limb is left hanging unsupported.

For extra comfort, consider using a pillow with memory foam or contouring material that molds to your arm’s shape.

3. Neck Pillow: Prevents Head Rolling and Neck Strain

Many people underestimate the importance of head and neck alignment when recovering from a shoulder or clavicle injury.

A U-shaped travel neck pillow, or a contoured orthopedic neck pillow, can prevent your head from rolling to one side during sleep—something that often happens without conscious awareness and can strain the collarbone.

Proper neck alignment also reduces muscular tension in the shoulders and upper back, which often become tight due to compensatory postures.

This is particularly important if you’re sleeping in a reclined or elevated position where your head is more prone to sliding or tilting awkwardly.

4. Body Pillow: Offers Side Support and Arm Cushioning

If you’re cleared to sleep on your non-injured side later in your recovery, a body pillow becomes incredibly helpful. It acts as a soft barrier that keeps your body in place and cradles your injured arm in a supported, forward-facing position.

This ensures your arm doesn’t collapse downward or twist uncomfortably during the night.

Even when sleeping on your back, a body pillow across your torso can provide arm support while also preventing you from rolling to the injured side. For best results, use a long, firm body pillow with good resistance—it should provide enough lift without sinking.

5. Pillow Barriers: Prevent Accidental Rolling

In addition to the core pillows listed above, it’s smart to create a “pillow barricade” around your body to prevent rolling during sleep, especially in the early weeks post-injury.

Place firm pillows or rolled blankets on both sides of your torso and legs to limit motion.

This technique is especially effective for those who tend to shift positions in their sleep.

Some patients also find it helpful to place a pillow under their knees (when sleeping on their back) to reduce lower back strain and maintain a more neutral body position.

6. Cooling or Gel-Infused Pillows: Manage Heat and Inflammation

During the initial healing period, the shoulder area may feel hot, inflamed, or tender.

Cooling pillows or gel-infused memory foam pillows can provide localized temperature control, which may help reduce discomfort and help you fall asleep faster.

While not a substitute for cold therapy or ice packs (which should not be used overnight), these pillows can help manage heat retention, especially during warmer months or if you tend to overheat at night.

How to Choose the Right Mattress for Sleeping with a Broken Collarbone?

Recovering from a broken collarbone is painful enough during the day—but at night, when your body craves rest the most, even lying down can be a struggle.

The wrong mattress can worsen pain, increase inflammation, and make it harder to sleep through the night.

The right one, however, can provide critical support, pressure relief, and comfort during your recovery.

1. Look for Exceptional Pressure Relief

A broken collarbone (clavicle) is highly sensitive to any pressure or weight. That’s why your mattress needs to be soft and adaptive enough to reduce pressure on the shoulders, chest, and upper back.

Memory foam and latex are two of the best materials for this because they conform closely to the body and distribute weight evenly. This prevents sharp pressure buildup around the injury site, which could otherwise lead to painful nights or delayed healing.

Choose a mattress with thicker comfort layers (2–4 inches) and avoid surfaces that feel rigid or push back against the body. If you’re sleeping on your back, the mattress should cushion the shoulder blades and upper spine without sinking too much.

For side sleepers (on the uninjured side), extra give around the shoulders is especially important to avoid stress on the healing bone.

2. Choose a Supportive but Adaptive Mattress

While softness helps with pain, your mattress also needs to support your spine in a healthy, neutral alignment, especially since you may be forced to sleep in unnatural positions during recovery.

A mattress that’s too soft can cause your midsection to sag, placing strain on the neck, back, and even the healing collarbone.

The sweet spot is a mattress with medium to medium-soft firmness (4 to 6 out of 10). These provide balanced contouring and support. If possible, look for models with zoned support, meaning different firmness levels in different areas of the mattress.

For example, you might want more support under the lower back and hips, and more cushioning under the shoulders.

3. Go for Adjustable Bed Compatibility

Many people recovering from a collarbone fracture find it easier to sleep with their upper body elevated, especially during the first few weeks when swelling and pain are most intense.

An adjustable bed base can help you find the most comfortable sleep position, such as elevating your torso to reduce pressure on the clavicle and improve circulation.

To work with an adjustable base, your mattress needs to be flexible and bendable. Foam and latex mattresses are ideal for this purpose, while many innerspring or extra-thick hybrids may be too rigid.

Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for adjustable bed compatibility.

4. Avoid Extra-Firm or Inflexible Mattresses

Although firm mattresses are often marketed for back support, they can be harmful during collarbone recovery.

Lying on a hard surface can create pressure hotspots in the shoulder area and make it impossible to find a comfortable position without pain.

If you’re forced to sleep on your back or side, a firm mattress will not accommodate the natural curves of your upper body.

Skip mattresses rated 8–10 on the firmness scale, especially those made of firm innerspring or basic polyfoam. Even if you typically prefer firm beds, your body needs more give while it heals.

5. Prioritize Cooling and Breathability

Pain, medication, and limited movement during injury recovery can all raise your body temperature at night. If you tend to sleep hot or live in a warm climate, a mattress that traps heat can make your sleep miserable.

Choose a mattress made with gel-infused memory foam, ventilated latex, or open-cell foam constructions that promote airflow and dissipate heat.

Also, check for breathable covers made of natural materials like cotton, bamboo, or Tencel, which wick away moisture and keep your skin cooler.

6. Strong Edge Support for Easier Entry and Exit

When you have a broken collarbone, even getting in and out of bed becomes a challenge. A mattress with weak edges may sag or collapse when you sit or push off, forcing your body to overcompensate with injured muscles and bones.

To prevent this, look for a mattress with reinforced edge support, especially if you’re sleeping on a smaller bed like a twin or full-size.

Hybrid mattresses often provide the best edge support, but many high-density foam mattresses are now designed with firmer side rails or perimeter foam enhancements to keep the edges stable and secure.

7. Consider Mattress Height and Accessibility

A mattress that’s too high or too low can make recovery harder.

Beds that are too tall (especially when paired with a box spring or platform) can require more effort to get into and increase your risk of falls.

On the other hand, a very low mattress might force you to strain your shoulders when getting up.

Aim for a mattress height (including your base) that allows you to sit with your knees at a 90-degree angle and your feet flat on the floor. Most people find 20–24 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress to be optimal.

8. Add Healing-Enhancing Accessories

Even with the right mattress, adding supportive accessories can make a big difference:

• Body pillows or wedge pillows can help prop you up, prevent rolling, and stabilize your sleep position.
• Mattress toppers can temporarily adjust the firmness of your current mattress if you’re not ready to buy a new one.
• Mattress protectors with waterproof features may help in case you’re applying topical ointments, ice packs, or using pain-relief patches at night.

These tools not only promote comfort but also help create a safe, healing-focused sleep environment.

9. Consider Trial Periods and Return Policies

If you’re buying a mattress specifically for recovery, make sure it comes with a generous trial period (at least 90–120 nights).

You may discover that a mattress feels different once you’re fully healed and no longer need as much pressure relief.

A flexible return or exchange policy gives you peace of mind as your needs evolve.

Why Is It Hard to Sleep with a Broken Collarbone?

The collarbone is a long, thin bone that connects your breastbone to your shoulder blade. It plays a vital role in shoulder mobility and upper body alignment.

When fractured, even the smallest movements—breathing deeply, turning your head, shifting positions—can cause pain or put stress on the bone.

Key challenges while sleeping include:

• Involuntary movement during sleep
• Pressure on the affected shoulder
• Discomfort from immobilizing slings or braces
• Difficulty finding a comfortable position
• Pain flares from muscle tension or poor support

Practical Tips for Sleeping with a Broken Collarbone

1. Wear Your Sling or Brace to Bed
   Only remove it if your doctor gives the go-ahead. It keeps the bone stable and reduces the risk of injury while sleeping.
2. Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach or Injured Side
   These positions can delay healing and increase pain due to direct pressure on the fracture.
3. Create a Sleep Nest
   Build a cocoon of pillows around your body to prevent tossing and keep your spine aligned.
4. Take Pain Medication Before Bed
   Ask your doctor about appropriate medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage nighttime pain.
5. Apply Ice Packs (Before Bed, Not During Sleep)
   Ice before sleep helps reduce inflammation, but never sleep with ice packs on.
6. Do Gentle Breathing or Relaxation Exercises
   Stress and tension can worsen pain. Try deep breathing or guided meditation to relax your body.
7. Follow a Consistent Sleep Routine
   Go to bed at the same time daily, reduce screen time, and keep your room cool and dark to promote restful sleep.

When Can You Sleep Normally Again?

Recovery timelines vary, but generally:

• First 3–4 weeks: Strict immobilization and elevated sleeping
• 4–8 weeks: Gradual return to normal sleeping positions
• 8+ weeks: Most patients can sleep freely, though minor soreness may persist

Healing can be delayed if you apply pressure to the injured bone too soon. Always follow up with your doctor or orthopedic specialist.

When to Call a Doctor?

While some discomfort is normal, call your doctor if you notice:

• Sharp or worsening pain during sleep
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
• Swelling or bruising that increases overnight
• The sling or brace no longer feels supportive

Final Thoughts:

Sleep is when your body does most of its healing.

While a broken collarbone can make sleeping a challenge, the right position, pillow support, and sleep hygiene can ease the process.

Listen to your body, follow medical guidance, and prioritize rest as much as you do physical recovery.

You’ll be back to your normal sleeping habits in time—just give your body the care and patience it deserves.