How to sleep in a bed after shoulder surgery? This is a common question that most patients are faced with after they have undergone shoulder surgery.
Depending on the type of surgery, the patient may find it extremely difficult to sleep comfortably in their home or hospital bed. This uncomfortable position can lead to re-injury and pain.
While sleeping on a hard surface may be painful, there are some things that you can do to make your sleeping experience much more comfortable after your shoulder procedure.
This article will outline some helpful tips for getting back into bed without undue pain following surgery.”
Best 7 Tips on How To Sleep In A Bed After Shoulder Surgery?
Here are the best 7 tips for How To Sleep In A Bed After Shoulder Surgery:
1. Use A Pillow Prop:
A pillow prop is the number one item you should use to get on your back. The prop pillow should be placed at the end of your shoulder to help you maintain a neutral posture while lying flat on your back.
2. Use Surface Padding:
It may seem obvious, but placing a thin layer of soft padding over a hard mattress will make sleeping much more comfortable after surgery.
3. Create A Pillow Tuck:
To achieve the best sleeping position, you will want to use three pillows. The first should be placed in the middle of your back and support your mid-back.
The second pillow should be placed behind your shoulder, and the third should be placed under your neck.
4. Use A Body Pillow:
A body pillow is another great option for after shoulder surgery. While it may take some getting used to, it can help you maintain a neutral position without any pain or discomfort throughout the night.
5. Adjust The Height Of Your Bed:
An adjustable bed frame can be a helpful feature to help you get into your favored sleeping position. This can be done at home by purchasing a higher or lower frame, or it can be done by calling a hospital mattress provider.
6. Use Pillows In Your Arms:
When sleeping in the hospital, placing pillows directly underneath your arms helps lower your heart rate and blood pressure, reducing inflammation of the area following surgery.
7. Learn To Sleep On Your Side:
Learning to sleep just slightly on the side is helpful following surgery. While you should not try to force yourself into a position that you are not used to, maintaining some of your regular sleeping habits can help reduce soreness, swelling, and inflammation during recovery.
How To Sleep After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?
If you have just undergone an arthroscopic shoulder procedure, there are some steps that you should take to get back into your favorite sleeping position.
It is important to note that any positioning change – even the slightest movement – during the recovery process can create more pain during the healing period.
How To Sleep On A Wedge Pillow After Shoulder Surgery?
After shoulder surgery, you will want to start sleeping on your back as quickly as possible. By getting into the habit of sleeping on your back as soon as possible, you may find that you will have less pain and discomfort during the recovery process.
One way to help make this transition is by using a wedge pillow. The wedge pillow has one side higher than the other, so it helps prop your body up at an incline.
This is helpful because it helps relieve pressure from your shoulder by supporting your arms at a higher position.
How Long After Shoulder Surgery Can I Sleep On My Side?
Most doctors recommend sleeping on your back for the first few days after your shoulder surgery. After two or three days, you may be able to start trying other positions.
When it comes to sleeping on your side, most doctors recommend that you wait a couple of weeks before making the transition.
This is because your shoulder and surrounding muscles are still very tender and bruised from the surgery, and it can cause undue inflammation if you sleep in a position that puts undue pressure on your shoulder.
What Is The Ideal Sleep Support For Post Rotator Cuff Surgery?
If you’re recovering from shoulder surgery, a post-op pillow is a must-have accessory that can help make your entire recovery process much easier.
A post-op pillow can elevate your shoulder above the mattress for extra comfort and relief.
Here are some tips on how to choose the best post-op pillow for shoulder surgery:
1. Choose The Right Size:
It is important to pick out a post-op pillow that is slightly smaller than your normal pillow. The pillow will not be too big, and your shoulder will be supported at an optimal level.
2. Buy Extra Pillows:
When you pick out your post-op pillow, you should also pick up a few extra pillowcases so that you have a backup if your first pillowcase shows any signs of wearing down.
3. Consider A Water Pillow:
A water pillow is an entire pillow that has a removable sponge in it so that you can wash it, allowing it to dry overnight.
This kind of pillow is especially helpful for bed-bound people as it provides them with a change from their usual pillows.
4. Look For Extra Support:
When you go to buy a post-op pillow, you will notice that there are different levels of support and cushioning that you can choose from depending on what you feel your needs are.
However, if you are recovering from shoulder surgery, you will probably want to choose a comfortable but firm pillow. This way, you can add extra support to your shoulder as needed.
Should You Sleep With A Sling On After Dislocating Your Shoulder?
After you have dislocated your shoulder, it is good to sleep with a sling on for your shoulder to stay in a proper position.
If you don’t use a sling, it can be very easy to dislocate your shoulder during the healing process accidentally.
While sleeping, people often move their arms above their head or over their head, and this can cause the shoulder joint to pop out of place. If this does happen, it can lead to serious pain and possible problems with your shoulder joint.
Final Thoughts
Sleeping after shoulder surgery is different for everyone. However, by following the tips above, you may be able to adjust your sleeping position so that it is more comfortable and gives you the relief that you need during recovery.
If you are recovering from shoulder surgery, a post-op pillow is a must-have accessory that can help make your entire recovery process much easier.
FAQs
What Is The Best Position To Sleep In After Shoulder Surgery?
It is important to sleep on your back as soon as possible after shoulder surgery. By getting into the habit of sleeping on your back as soon as possible, you may find that you will have less pain and discomfort during the recovery process.
How Long After Shoulder Surgery Can I Sleep On My Side?
Most doctors recommend sleeping on your back for the first few days after your shoulder surgery. After two or three days, you may be able to start trying other positions.
How Long Before You Can Sleep In Bed After Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Using a recliner to sleep in after rotator cuff surgery is recommended. It is important not to lift or overwork your arm and avoid putting pressure on your shoulder. It would help if you also started sleeping on your back as soon as possible after surgery.
Can I Sleep Normally After A Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Suppose you have undergone a successful shoulder arthroscopy. In that case, you may be able to sleep normally, but it is usually recommended that you avoid sleeping on your side for the first few weeks after surgery.
Where Do You Put A Pillow After Shoulder Surgery?
Using a pillow wedge will help relieve pressure from your shoulder. A pillow wedge is a special pillow with one side higher than the other, so it helps prop your body up at an incline.
Do You Have To Sleep In A Sling After Shoulder Surgery?
Yes, it would help if you slept in a sling after surgery because this will help keep your arm in the proper position. Sleeping with the upper arm at the side of your body is a good way to relieve pressure from your rotator cuff.
How Long Do You Sleep In A Sling After Shoulder Surgery?
Depending on their situation, people usually have to sleep in a sling for between one week and three weeks after shoulder surgery. Sleeping on your back is an important part of recovery because it reduces pressure while helping your wound heal properly.
How Long After Shoulder Surgery Can I Drive?
It depends on the severity of your shoulder surgery, but most people find that they can return to work after four weeks. However, it is always best to check with your doctor before returning to work.
