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Physio v Sleep

Posted , 11 users are following.

MichaelTN1UK
MichaelTN1UK

We are advised not to sleep on our sides. My hip is 4 weeks old today, and so I am trying to increase my exercises. I started to do the clam (aka clam shell) and a thought occurred to me: If I can lie on my side to do this, why can I not sleep on my side (either with or without a pillow)?

Perhaps I am being a little dense and the answer is obvious, but I would appreciate your thoughts. 

Michael

1 like, 25 replies

25 Replies

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  • alice85142
    alice85142 MichaelTN1UK

    Posted

    Michael..I asked my physio about this sleeping thing..also I was told, but many are told the reverse, when you eventually sleep on your side to do so ON the operated side.  This physio told me last week that this was to keep the new hip firmly in position while it 'settled'. If you sleep on the 'good' side' there is a risk that you would cross your bad side over the 90 degree rule ( in your sleep..)..Its is odd how many diff bits of advice are given out.  Some are told to sleep as they wish..hey ho..I am glad those decisions are now over for me.

    Ali

    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK alice85142

      Posted

      That is an extremely good point. Thank you. I shall try it before going to sleep. 

      Michael

  • DawnHU5-UK
    DawnHU5-UK MichaelTN1UK

    Posted

    Hi Michael,

    Even at 6 weeks I still can't sleep for long on my non-operated side. Perhaps half hour tops and then I'm itching to get back on my back. I have always been a side sleeper, so this is disturbing to me! I hope over time it will become more comfortable but I do need to have a pillow between my legs otherwise I feel my hip pulling.

    I also tried my operated side this morning. That was a big no-no. Felt uncomfortable the minute I turned, so I'm clearly not ready for that, sadly.

    I am optimistic that it will all balance out eventually and as I'm sleeping better than expected on my back, I'll have to be patient!

    I know you struggle with sleeping on your back so I hope when you try it, it works for you.

    Dawn x

    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK DawnHU5-UK

      Posted

      Hi dawn

      Thank you. Considering sleep is such an important element of healing, it is a wonder that it is so hard to come by. I shall try small steps and see how it goes.

      Michael x

    • david73016
      david73016 DawnHU5-UK

      Posted

      I have the same effects as you Dawn when I try to sleep on my side and I am at the 5 week point.
  • debbiex63
    debbiex63 MichaelTN1UK

    Posted

    Hi my Phsio told me I could sleep on my side with a pillow between my legs, I did this on day 3 post op and sleep very well. smile
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