4 Great Tips For Sleeping After Shoulder Surgery

The shoulder contains one of the most flexible joints in your body. This joint ensures you are able to rotate and use your arm properly. There are many injuries that your shoulder can suffer. When this happens, you may lose mobility in your arm. Shoulder injuries can also cause extreme pain, inflammation, and discomfort.

“Shoulder surgery can leave you with discomfort and pain for a few weeks,” says Dr. Nayantara Santhi. “This can lead to disturbed sleep. One reason is that sleep and pain have a two-way relationship. Poor sleep can intensify the pain and conversely, pain can worsen sleep.”

“Research suggests that this happens because sleep deprivation impairs pain-inhibition pathways that are important for controlling pain perception. Therefore, making the sleeping environment, such as using a good mattress, one that is supportive and breathable is a step you can take to make sleep, post shoulder surgery, more comfortable.”

Treatment often includes physical therapyVerified Source Medline PlusOnline resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health.View source and anti-inflammatory drugs. When the initial treatments do not work, there are cases where shoulder surgery may be advised.

If a doctor recommends surgery, you may feel pain and discomfort for a few weeks after the procedure and you've been discharged.Verified Source Medline PlusOnline resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health.View source You need to get enough sleep to support the healing process. We share four important tips to help you sleep better after you had shoulder surgery.

Use A Shoulder Sling

When you sleep, stability in your arm and shoulder is crucial. Making an unexpected turn at night could cause problems. You may wake up with severe pain when you suddenly make a movement in your sleep. A shoulder slingVerified Source Medline PlusOnline resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health.View source can help to prevent this from happening. You can put the sling on before you get into bed.

The shoulder sling helps to ensure your arm is kept in a stable position while you are sleeping. The sling can also be used during the day, taken off for dressing and bathing. It helps to reduce discomfort and also ensures sudden movements will not interfere with your shoulder’s healing process.

SEE ALSO: Pain Between Shoulder Blades: Causes and Treatments

Consider A Reclined Sleeping Position

Many people move around at night. If you move to a position that puts pressure on your arm and shoulder, it may cause pain and, in some cases, even complications during the healing process. You should consider a reclined sleeping position. You can achieve this with an adjustable bed or with a reclining chair.

When learning how to sleep after shoulder surgery, tossing and turning at night is definitely something to avoid. Placing pillows behind you for a more reclined position when you sleep reduces the risk of turning at night. You can also look at body pillows, many of which wrap around the body and keep you in a stable position.

Make Sure You Have The Right Mattress

A lot of people do not realize how much of an effect their mattress has on their bodies. During the healing process after shoulder surgery, a comfortable mattress with appropriate support can help to reduce discomfort.

A mattress for shoulder pain also helps to bring your body into proper alignment, which reduces the risk of experiencing additional problems – such as lower back pain – while your shoulder is already experiencing pain symptoms. Many of these mattresses offer targeted support for gentle cushion in the shoulder area and support elsewhere.

Use Ice Packs On Your Shoulder

Ice packs are great for relieving pain and inflammation. These are often advised for acute scenarios – such as after suffering an injury in sports. Using an ice pack can also be helpful if you have had shoulder surgery. An ice pack on your shoulder before bed may help to relieve pain and inflammation.

SEE ALSO: Is Heat or Cold Therapy Better for Sciatica Pain?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my shoulder sling off to sleep?

No, you should wear your shoulder sling even while sleeping, and only take the sling off briefly for dressing and bathing. If you are having trouble sleeping with the sling, you should speak with your doctor. They may have tips for more comfortable sleeping, such as icing your shoulder before bed and sleeping with a pillow under your injured arm.

How long does the pain last after shoulder surgery?

Typically, you can expect the pain from your shoulder surgery to last up to 6 weeks. However, it takes around six months to fully recover from your shoulder surgery, with the 6 to 12-week period dedicated to limited movements and the remaining three months focusing on therapy and exercises for the affected arm. So you may still feel the occasional pain as your shoulder continues to heal and as you strengthen its muscles.

When can you sleep normally after shoulder surgery?

Generally speaking, you won’t be able to sleep normally until 4 to 6 weeks have passed after your surgery. Sleeping in a reclined position on your back is recommended for after-surgery recovery. This position reduces stress on the shoulder joint and its surrounding tissue.

Can I sleep on my side after surgery?

For shoulder surgery, it’s recommended you sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on your sides or stomach. Instead of sleeping flat on your back, it’s good to sleep at an angle for less stress on the body.

Sleepers may find it most comfortable to rest at an incline using a reclining chair, an adjustable bed, or even a simple wedge pillow. You may be able to consider another sleeping position after 4 weeks have passed, or your doctor may okay sleeping on the non-affected side if you struggle with back sleeping.

What is the fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery?

If you want to minimize your time spent in post-surgery recovery, it’s important to understand your limits throughout recovery. Aside from wearing your sling to minimize jarring movements and to take steps for better sleep. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when it comes to daily tasks, follow your doctor’s recommended therapy guidelines, and keep a sharp eye out for potential complications.

Conclusion

Shoulder surgery is an invasive procedure that can cause discomfort for a few weeks. This can make sleeping after shoulder surgery hard. There are a few strategies that you can use to improve your comfort and relieve pain symptoms after you had this type of surgery.