Posted , 8 users are following.
Dont know if it's discomfort of sleep position or just age related but would like to know how others coping with sleep post op.I am getting up and eating all the time sometimes ravenous. I eat well and get plenty nutrition during the day. I am 59 yrs. Any sleep tips!!!!
1 like, 5 replies
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AnnieK Guest
Posted
Hi, Frank. Most of us have big problems sleeping post-op. I was 68 when I had my THR, and I had to sleep sitting up propped with pillows in bed for the six weeks afterwards, since I wasn't allowed to sleep on my side. My sleep apnea prevents me from back sleeping, hence the sleeping sitting up. I caught naps whenever I could get them throughout the 24 hours of the day, maybe 4 or 5 a day for an hour or so each time. Couldn't sleep longer than 1 1/2 hours at a stretch for 6 wees.
As soon as I was able to sleep on my side, I got back to my usual sleeping patterns. There are so mahy reasons: pain making us more likely to wake up fully when moving, meds, disruption of routines, being dependent on the help of others, not being allowed to sleep in usual position and on and on.
Others will chime in with their solutions. There are many threads here about this!
tracey31027 Guest
Posted
Hello Franka
I had my hip replacement four and half weeks ago. I am so exhausted every day making me feel awful.I have tried everything - medication, mindfulness app, eye mask and ear plugs,etc but still battling with sleeping on my back. Am lucky to get about four hours each night if that.
I asked my physiotherapy dept if I could sleep on my side but told to wait till 8 weeks when I see my surgeon.
I believe this is a massive problem for so many of us "hippies ".
Hopefully in a few weeks time when restrictions over we will actually be able to sleep properly again.
I hope to return to work in few weeks but while this tired don't think could do my job properly.
Take care
Tracey x
Chloeparrot Guest
Posted
Hi Franka - the answer to your sleep problem is, unfortunately, the same as for all other side sleepers - there isn't one. Sorry about that.
There is no point in fretting about not sleeping - that is a sure-fire way of making sure that you don't sleep.
I know, it really is a bit much, you hurt because of the op, you have to wear those ridiculously uncomfortable sock AND you can't sleep on side! Life can be such a trial at times.
My solution was to accept that I was going to be awake between 3am and 6am most days and simply cat-nap through out the day. It helped that in the early days I was so tired that I found staying awake a real effort any way.
I can only add that it does get better, honest.
paul74928 Guest
Posted
I had my surgery 5 days ago and, e crept the first night, have slept pretty well. Take paracetamol x2 just before and a glass of water. Up in the night a couple of times but back to sleep easily. Suggest being active within your ability through the day so you are tired at night. I'm up from about 7am till 10.30pm with short pm nap. Some discomfort but ok. My 2nd THR.
Rocketman_SG6UK Guest
Posted
Sleep is a real ************
I am now 9 months post-op but can vividly remember the sleepless nights.
I changed to sleeping in the spare bedroom to let my wife get some sleep, and found the harder mattress was better for me. I used my iPod with soothing music most nights, or just sat up and read a book (couldn't have done that in the main bedroom).
It sure is an unpleasant time, but it does pass.
Then I had it all again 10 weeks later with my revision operation !
Best wishes
Graham