Effect of sleep posture on neck muscle activity

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of sleep posture on neck muscle activity. [Subjects and Methods] The study recruited 20 healthy subjects, who were positioned in three supine sleeping positions: both hands at sides, both hands on the chest, and dominant hand on the forehead. The activities of the scalene and upper trapezius muscles bilaterally were measured by surface electromyography. [Results] The upper trapezius and scalene muscle activity on the right side was significantly greater in the supine with dominant hand on the forehead position than in the other positions. [Conclusion] Sleep posture is important and prevent neck and shoulder musculoskeletal pain.