Sleeplessness

Posted , 10 users are following.

I am into week 5 of my recovery from a TLHR. Recovery is slow but progressive. My dilemna is lack of sleep. I have had next to no sleep at night since returning from hospital. I am not in a lot of pain and have been off painkillers for a week. I find it to uncomfortable to sleep on either my Lt or Rt side [my prefered positions] so doze off in a sitting position, propped up by pillows. I had a TRHR 9 months ago and had the same problem then. I am 67, walking for 2@ 30mins a day and do the exercises prescribed. Anybody else with the same problem?

2 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Bill,

    lack of sleep seems to be a very common problem...I used to wake up three or four times every night...I used to wake up at 4.00a.m., unable to sleep any more. I used to read, t listen to music, t play with the computer. But after a while I started sleeping more and more during the night and less during the day.

    It will get better...in the meantime try to get some rest during the day.

    All the best 

    Ella 

  • Posted

    Hi,this is a normal thing don't give up the pain killers too soon you need them,you have to go through the process It's not easy but stick at it try and have a little nightcap ie,a glass or two of what you like,keep the exercises going that will help,good luck and god bless Love Michael.
  • Posted

    Hi Bill

    Yes that is a common problem....try to rest during the day.

    I was told I had to sleep on  my back for the first 6 weeks

    The aftet that I could only sleep on my operated hip {if thatwas possible} for another few weeks.

    Just hang in there......you'll eventually get some sleep

    Love

    Eileen

  • Posted

    It seems everyone goes through this, I was advised by one our nurse practitioner to take pain killers at night time it would help you have a good night's sleep, I had rthp and still have nights where I don't sleep or it sometimes takes me ages to drop off to sleep I take two cocodamol at night which helps but also what doesn't help is that I am type 2 diabetic and up constantly to go to the loo to get rid of excess sugar lol xx
  • Posted

    Hi Bill

    I also had problems with sleeping and had very restless legs which I am told is very common after an operation. My Specialist suggested trying Valerian Tablets. They are a herbal sleep aid available at Health stores or Chemists. I only took them for abour 2 weeks, it was just about enough to get me back into a good sleeping pattern. Jope this helps.   Gillian

  • Posted

    I'm probably using the wrong protocol to reply to the replies to my post re sleeplessness...my apologies..

    Thanks a lot peps for taking the time to respond to my query. It's comforting to know I'm not alone in this and there will be an endgame. All responses have useful information I am very grateful. Peace and Love. Bill67

  • Posted

    I have same problem, in 3.5 weeks since left THR and by night I'm so tired but can't get comfy, I'm in bed, then reclining in sun lounger in bedroom, reading : watching rubbish on iPad like a little owl. Can't wait to sleep on left side , so frustrating. I try to catch up by napping in pm on bed. Xx
  • Posted

    Hi Bill -

    so sorry to hear this ...

    how is your mattress? is it supporting your body ? is it uncomforatble because of the scars? 

    I bought one of those matress toppers - the thickest one - I don;t have my own bed (read: mattress) and didn't want to invest - it really made a difference ...

    I also use a body pillow I can hug ... 

    Welcome to our family !!!

    warm hug

    renee

  • Posted

    Hi bill,

    Unfortunately this is a common problem facing us hippies in the early weeks but most people manage to find something to help them with this issue.

    Last time around I simply could not sleep on my back and ended up for weeks just sleeping in an electric recliner as it was the only way I could get a few unbroken hours at a time. Maybe it's due to having to sleep on my back last time (albeit in a recliner) that has made it easier to sleep in bed this time around (I'm getting around 4-5 hours a night in bed). I have heard lots of people say that a memory foam mattress topper worked well for them and having had one myself in the past, I can certainly understand that being a good help in terms of comfort.

    This phase will pass though, trust me. It's not something you are stuck with for life now so if you do what you can for the moment to maximise the sleep you are getting then sleep will return to you in time. Maybe your GP could prescribe you something to help. I find that Amitriptylene are a godsend to me when I can't sleep for one reason or another.

    Good luck in finding a solution that works for you.

    Ali xx

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.