Although it may seem like little is happening to your body while you sleep, behind the scenes your body is working hard to perform a number of crucial processes at a time when energy isn’t being expended elsewhere. Tissue repair, immune responses and cellular waste disposal are all key aspects that occur more efficiently while you’re sleeping, and you’ll want these processes to be firing on all cylinders in the wake of shoulder surgery.
Unfortunately, the aftermath of shoulder surgery can make it hard to achieve prolonged restful sleep. Sleep is helpful for recovery after shoulder surgery, but the operation can make it hard to achieve great sleep, so how can you manage these dueling components? Below, we share five tips for making nighttime a more enjoyable aspect of your recovery following shoulder surgery.
Sleep In A Recliner
Most people will find that sleeping in a recliner or a bed that can be adjusted to a reclined position is most comfortable after shoulder surgery. Lying on a flat bed on your back can still put stress on your recovering shoulder, which can make it difficult to fall asleep. Sitting up in a reclined position reduces stress on the shoulder and can keep you from unknowingly rolling onto your surgically-operated shoulder in the middle of the night.
Pillow Supports
Pillows are a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to helping you achieve restful sleep after shoulder surgery. You can:
- Use them to prop you up into a reclined position in bed
- Slip them under your elbow for added support and to take stress off the shoulder
- Position them to prevent you from rolling onto your recovering shoulder
Throw a few more pillows on your bed after shoulder surgery and place them in helpful positions based on your needs.
Pain Medication Plan
You’re going to need to be proactive when it comes to taking your pain medications at the right time. Don’t wait until you crawl into bed to take your prescription painkillers, because they will take some time to kick in. Take them so they are at their most effective as you lay down. Your doctor isn’t going to want you to be on prescription medications for long, so most people transition to over-the-counter painkillers after the first few days and save the rest of their prescription for nighttime so that it’s easier to achieve restful and uninterrupted sleep. Give some real thought as to when you should take your pain meds leading up to bedtime.
Consider Your Sling
Although your doctor may want you to support your shoulder during the day and get used to some more normal movements, nighttime isn’t really a time when you want your surgically-repaired shoulder to be able to move in different directions. Many people find that wearing their sling at night is a little uncomfortable at first, but soon they get used to it and benefit from the added stability and protection it provides. Talk to your treating surgeon about when you’ll want to wear your sling and if it is beneficial to wear it to bed.
Make The Room Conducive To Sleep
A lot of bedrooms aren’t very conducive to sleep. Blinds may not be room darkening, the temperature may be too warm or light from a television or sounds from a cell phone can keep us up. Make sure that your room is assistive in your quest to fall asleep. Silence the phone, keep the TV off, make the room cool and as dark as possible and avoid reading books or scrolling on your phone once you climb in bed. All of these actions will help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Don’t overlook the importance of quality sleep when you’re recovering after shoulder surgery, and if you’re dealing with any sleep difficulties, reach out to your treating physician or Dr. Holloway. For more information, or for help with a different shoulder issue, connect with Dr. Holloway’s office today at (865) 410-7887.
