Getting through the day with back pain is tough enough.  Imaging the pain revs up at night! People who have chronic pain don’t sleep well. And poor quality sleep generally worsens the back condition. 

Re-evaluate your bed
It may take some trial and experiments to get the right bed for your back. In some cases, it might be as simple as adding or changing pillows or flippping your old mattress or getting a new mattress.  Adjusting them so that you’re sleeping in a more comfortable position.

Use a body pillow. Find a body pillow for support and take some pressure off your back.  Use the body pillow effectively and let it rest along your trunk.  Many people with back pain do well sleeping in a semi-sidelined position.  For your individual needs, make sure to try different positions before settling down for a long night of sleep. Putting a pillow behind your back to keep you from rolling over. This is how nurses in the hospital do when they want a patient to stay in one position

Adjust your bed pillow properly. The most common mistake is people put just their heads on the pillow without suppprting the neck.  It will strain the neck over time.  However, no shoulders should be on the pillow .  Shoulders should be on the mattress.   Besides the traditional foam or feather-filled pillow, try memory foam or water pillow.

Take a mattress for a test ride. It is important to find mattresses for back pain relief .  Ask if any stores will allow people try out mattresses for 30 to 45 days before buying. Call around until you find a store that will work with you on trial period before purchase.

No alcohol, especially near bedtime.

No caffeine, at least 8 hours prior to bedtime.

For a sleep-friendly environment, try some good music or aromatherapy oil. Control the temperature.  Choose good bed sheets.

Consider medications for insomnia, such as Ambien.  It can be helpful.

Talk with your primary care physician about other approaches for your back pain relief.