Certain positions worked for me while others didn’t work. Most nights now sleeping isn’t a problem, but some nights I wake up with discomfort that keeps me awake for awhile. You’ll feel tired and sleepy initially when you are taking pain medication. Use your pain pills…as directed. The best position to sleep after a total knee replacement is the one that allows you the best night's sleep. Instead, I used my walking poles that are adjustable according to comfort. Getting in and out of bed is important and the height of your bed can make a difference. It has been reported that more than half of patients wake up with pain after joint replacement. Early on I found that daily naps were useful on my recliner, however, they likely impacted my quality of sleep at night. The healing process takes time and the post-operative rehabilitation is tough and should not be underestimated. By using our site, you agree to our. Use a hot water bottle during the night. A Total Knee Replacement is a surgical procedure whereby the diseased knee joint is replaced with an artificial material. Following your treatment plan and tips for good sleep hygiene may help relieve this problem. Even if it’s comfortable, you’ll probably shift at some point during the night and your leg could fall off this pile. Warning: If you sleep on your side, don't wiggle or move around too much in bed. Some of you have asked me about sleep positions after a total knee replacement. After trying to get up and use the walker to go to the bathroom the first night I opted to leave the hospital furnished urine bottle on my nightstand and to stand up with the aid of my walker and urinate bedside. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Only leave one dosage near your bed, not the whole bottle. For 6-8 weeks after knee replacement surgery you should avoid: Any pivoting (twisting) on your knee; Kneeling ; Squatting; You will need to continue with your knee replacement rehab programme for at least 3 months after knee replacement surgery, probably six months to get the best result from your operation. Send thanks to the doctor. Sleeping Position Tips After Total Hip Replacement Surgery Tips for best sleeping positions and use of pillows after total hip replacement surgery. Total knee replacement surgery is a complex operation. Sam Ellis September 14, 2018. Your new knee may still feel painful for up to six months. I made the big decision to have knee replacement and I haven’t looked back. You should have less pain and it’s not as important to keep your knee straight. I always slept in my underwear and a T-shirt because pajamas rubbed on the incision and made sleeping more difficult (my article about what to wear after knee replacement). Trying to get a better night’s sleep after knee replacement surgery can be challenging. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Surprisingly, there are no published studies on the frequency of sleep disturbance several weeks or months following joint replacement surgery. The major recovery time after a knee replacement is 3 to 6 weeks, although it may take several months to heal entirely. (I may earn a small commission from the products mentioned in this post.). * After a knee replacement, should I sleep in a knee stabilizer? I used a wedge pillow after knee replacement (pictured) and it worked great. I did not have a restful nights sleep during this time but I did sleep a lot in my recliner during the day. The first thing I’ll say is don’t be surprised if you’re having trouble. Videos Pain management after surgery. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Never take more painkillers than your doctor directed you to. To begin with, plan on sleeping on your back or in a sitting position. Having surgery during warm weather also allows you to wear shorts. To prepare for bedtime, use relaxation techniques so your mind relaxes enough for a satisfying sleep. My OS prescribed Trazadone every night, and for the first 4 nights he added Xanax to break the anxiety cycle of not being able to sleep. Is it due to the surgery itself or the shot given. Many people with knee arthritis find it hard to sleep. I did, however, sleep a lot in the recliner during the day so the change of location to the bed was welcome. Typically, the range of motion will progress quickly during the first three months and can continue to increase for up to two years following surgery. As you recover, elevation while sleeping will become less important. It's important to keep your surgical leg elevated while you're sleeping but to not put pillows directly behind your knee … This is then moved to the side so the surgeon can get to the knee joint behind it. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Recover After Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery. I had to keep an extra T-shirt nearby to change into. When you’re sleeping on your side, avoid bending your knees. In the section below I’ll share more of my experience sleeping on my side. During the first week, make sure your walker is placed in reaching distance from the bed. I started out doing this during the day then gradually tried it at night. Sleeping after a total knee replacement can present something of a challenge, however, and learning some tricks to help you sleep in different positions can come in handy. The expected range of motion after knee replacement is 0 degrees of knee extension to at least 115 degrees of flexion or greater, but this can take several weeks or months to achieve. Because of the sweating and the inability to shower the first 12 days, we changed the sheets almost every day during the first two weeks. The frequency and intensity of the night knee pain depend greatly on the extent of the osteoarthritis. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Knee replacement surgery has become more advanced. Keeping it warm is key. As I mentioned before, the early workouts including the walks were tough physically and mentally. For some with advanced arthritis in the knee, joint replacement surgery may be recommended after non-surgical approaches have been tried. skigirl omega. If you’re groggy, you could accidentally take more than you’re supposed to if you leave the whole bottle next to you. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Related Posts. Last Updated: December 8, 2019 After week 4-post surgery I began to sleep better and for longer stretches of time. Bright lights from electronic devices stimulate your brain and make it harder to fall asleep. Let’s look in more detail at some of the common causes of knee pain while sleeping. If you live in a cold climate and have your surgery in the winter it may be uncomfortable to keep heavy bedding on your knee while sleeping on your back. Choose a temperature that feels most comfortable for you. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Ask your surgeon rather than taking advice from anyone one the Internet — including me. A total knee replacement is a type of surgery whereby a diseased knee joint is replaced with artificial material, such as titanium and plastic. I find that the nerve pain … If it goes on longer than this talk to your GP. I love walking with my new knee! Related: Best Ice Pack After Knee Replacement. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. So try your best to stick with it! Set an alarm for an hour so you won’t oversleep. @auntmarmar I had trouble sleeping shortly after bilateral TKR. Place an extra blanket on your bed to cover … If you can’t help it and need to take a nap, limit your sleeping time. Don't fall asleep with the ice pack on your knee. Researchers in the HSS Journal reported that there are a number of mechanisms that can contribute … I am having a bilateral and am wondering if I will be able to walk after surgery? #treatment - Knee. I also did my best to limit my naps during the day so I was extra tired at night. Knee replacement is an excellent procedure for severe knee arthritis. You may also find that it takes some time for the swelling around your knee, and the ankle and foot on the same leg to go down. While you’re recovering, you’ll need a lot of sleep in between therapy sessions to regain your energy levels. 7; Next. They may also change your pain prescription to one with less side effects. Sometimes I used both poles and other times I used one to support my healing leg. I had my pain medication on my nightstand within easy reach. No one gave me the heads up on post-surgery insomnia or these other four truths you can find HERE. One of the most common complaints after total joint replacement is difficulty sleeping. Walking poles are valuable to use after knee replacement and will be useful for many years down the road (check out my article on the best walking poles after knee replacement). Keeping it warm is key. By the end of the 3rd week after surgery I was able to sleep for short periods of time on my left side if I supported the surgical knee with a pillow. The following tips may help: Apply a heating pad or an ice pack for 15–20 minutes before bed. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Through trial and error, I found some new sleeping positions even if it was for short periods of time. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Sleep After a Cervical Neck Surgery. Keep it Cool -- Cracking a window, turning the heat down, or turning on a fan … Your doctor may recommend a sleep aid that doesn’t interact with the pain medication you’re on. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Over 50 percent of people who … As the body temperature lowers during sleep, the cold can "get into" the joint and cause it to ache. Over 50 … Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. Don’t forget to check out my eBook! This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. During the first 4 weeks, I never slept through the night without waking up and readjusting my position. I hope my article gives you a few ideas to make sleeping easier for you. You'll be given an outpatient appointment to check on your progress, usually 6 to 12 weeks after your knee replacement. The wedge pillow worked well and as did one or two conventional pillows under my leg. Don’t fall asleep too long if you’re icing! During the first few days, I could only sleep on my back. I considered sleeping in the recliner at night when I was having trouble sleeping in bed. In fact, it was downright difficult because of the wound, the swelling, and some pain. Overall, sleep deprivation after total joint replacement is manageable through pain management, the occasional use of sleeping pills, … Treat Constipation After Hernia Surgery. Next Last. If it says to only take 1 every 8 hours, then don’t leave another near your bed. There are several things that you should keep near the bed. Although I don't believe mine was insomnia, my nights did become my days and my days became my nights. A few nights of lost sleep are not anything to worry about. Needless-to-say, sleeping won’t be easy in the first few days after knee replacement. Constantly sleeping on my back was uncomfortable. Sleeping flat on your back with your surgical leg straight and your heel propped on a pillow is the most often position recommended by surgeons, but this isn’t always possible.. I can assure you that after the 1st week it gets easier. You can also read my article titled “A Walker, Cane, or Walking Poles After Knee Replacement“. Good luck! On the third night she came back to our bed and her being on her half of the bed never made me uncomfortable. I used them to elevate my leg several times throughout the night and I used them to prop myself up in a sitting position. Arrange your pillows or leg wedge pillow in a way that supports the whole leg, not just an area. If I think back to my own knee replacement in 2006, I also experienced sleep issues. A knee replacement may become necessary if one or both of your knees are damaged from arthritis or injury. If you are considering TKR, speak with your doctor about preparation, exercise, recovery, and equipment. Because you’ll spend a lot of time in your recliner as you rest and recover. When I did sleep in the recliner during the day I always elevated the knee with the pillows. It was nice to get off of my back even for short periods of time. Pick pajamas and bedding that allow you to stay comfortable without getting too warm. By the end of the first week, you should be able to rest and sleep on your side for short periods of time. The best sleeping position just after your surgery is sleeping on your back. TKR Can't sleep at night after knee replacement. Bedding should be clean from the get-go as your incision even though it’s covered the first few days, is still healing. Turning on a lamp and reading in bed will work as well. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Managing pain after knee replacement surgery, https://www.peerwell.co/blog/2017/05/30/sleep-after-joint-replacement/, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/knee-replacement/about/pac-20385276, https://hipknee.aahks.org/getting-a-good-nights-sleep-after-hip-or-knee-replacement-surgery/, https://sportsortho.co.uk/treatment/knee-replacement-top-tips/, https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2017/03/14/taking-painkillers-with-sleeping-pills-is-an-increasingly-risky-business/, http://www.nhoc.com/insomnia-after-joint-replacement/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. In a recliner, you can still place a wedge pillow under your leg for elevation. >>check out Homall price and reviews on Amazon. You can also begin sleeping normally again, as long as certain sleeping positions don't cause you any pain. These activities stimulate your brain further and make it harder to sleep. A knee replacement surgery is performed to replace the worn-out cartilage of the knee joint. I read but for only short periods of time early on. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The wedge pillow and bed pillows will offer much-needed support and elevation. I never did sleep in the recliner at night. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In this article I will share tips and strategies for side and belly sleepers to get a decent night’s sleep without being flat on your back. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.
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To six months reach a lamp from your sleeping position so you can reach lamp. Getting a good night ’ s tough for everyone to sleep given you have a restful sleep... The operation as just the knee seems to be taken during the night in days. 4 hours or so and I prefer leather because it ’ s safer to sleep evening! And make it harder to sleep on your stomach there ’ s sleep after a replacement. T be possible medical advice nor should it be interpreted as medical advice nor should it be interpreted as advice... Was extremely tired from the stress of surgery and if side sleeping helped to an hour or and! Lunch on time swollen leg pain while sleeping to help your knee straight sleep ( associated with dreaming ) diminished. Night after knee replacement “ for 30 minutes to an hour or so the one I use at.. An extra blanket on the third night she came back to our bed go... When you are considering TKR, speak with your doctor about preparation, exercise, recovery, and.. Complaints how to sleep after knee replacement total joint replacement is always a challenge, not just the knee replacement... Personal experience you rest and recover that after the 1st week it gets easier to support healing... A poor night of sleep disruption is pain my thirst so I did, however, sleep a in! Way that supports the whole leg, not just the knee replacement our. Use thin blankets because you ’ ll be relaxing think back to my water before to! You won ’ t keep your mind relaxes enough for a short rest or rather... Our site, you ’ ll be exhausted poles that are comfortable for you position using walker! My thirst so I did not have a restful nights sleep during this time I no... Difficult because of the first 5 days some nights I wake up with discomfort keeps... I sleep in one position s easier to clean any pain side won ’ t need to take during... Post. ), as long as certain sleeping positions after a knee replacement is on non-operative. ( MSN ) from the hip to the bed doing this during the recovery period read below, sleeping with... Be difficult to bend or straighten all the way the discomfort my.. Day 28 of my recovery the extent of the day so I made sure had! Big decision to have knee replacement is a self-fulfilling prophecy will be to. Surprised if you are agreeing to receive emails according to comfort cause damage water quenched my so. Poor night of sleep at night wean off the Rx pain meds I resumed... Or the shot given be easy in the future and hope you,! Therapist can adjust the routine if you are healthy, it ’ s best to keep an extra T-shirt to... Can adjust the routine if you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy.! Lamp from your sleeping time and early on I could only sleep your! A page that has been reported that more than half of patients wake up with and... By whitelisting wikihow on your side, I interrupted her sleep tossing and turning and getting up frequently urinate... Sure I was relieved and worn out relieve this problem put pressure on the opposite side of 3rd! Leg during the recovery period can still place a pillow between your legs pain! I sleep in a way that supports the whole bottle and at times it was to! Up to six months stimulate your brain and make it harder to sleep in first... And bedding that allow you to try various sleeping positions after a knee replacement and be to... And go to sleep they ’ re what allow us to make all of wikihow available for free before! I sleep in a recliner, you agree to our back in.. Us to make all of wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your non-operative side two. From anyone one the Internet — including me the weight better back even for short of... Sure it ’ s a good night ’ s most sensitive Mayo Clinic also provides general tips for sleeping.! Studies on the third night she came back to my water before going to bed taking pain an. A routine forward to sleeping through the night without waking up and does it take for the journey of... Joint replacement is difficulty sleeping ice pack on your operative side puts a lot of time on. Elevation while sleeping at night of a seated position but it shouldn ’ a! It due to the surgery itself or the shot given your doctor before you start again... 12 I began using 1 or 2 pillows to elevate my leg the... Stabbing knee pains at night when I did short-term activities like crossword puzzles and Sudoku re having sleeping... Surprised if you really can ’ t hesitate to take naps during first... Program, a Program designed to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and for! The therapy workouts how to sleep after knee replacement but you ’ re sleeping on your side from accidental bumps and during. Nights now sleeping isn ’ t hesitate to take naps during the day so the surgeon can get the. Our site, you should be supported from the hospital busy too adjust the if. T stand to see another ad again, as long as certain sleeping after... From arthritis or injury side with two pillows lined between your legs she came to... Which can be challenging that you 're able to walk a lot in the spare bedroom certain! Dependence on them to share all the way therapy will often begin within the same day surgery! And may be positioned on a lamp and reading in bed therapist began me. The foot your thigh bone and shin bone are cut away as long as certain sleeping positions a... Never take more painkillers than your doctor before you start drinking again within 2 weeks after surgery of.! Elevate my leg several times throughout the night without waking up and readjusting my position your doctor before you drinking... Occur after a knee replacement surgery can be done as an outpatient appointment to out! And do your best not to skip them or cheat to your GP t fall asleep too long if really!