A knee replacement can leave you in pain for weeks.It could be difficult to sleep because of the pain and discomfort.After knee replacement surgery, it's important to find the right sleeping position to speed your recovery.Taking your pain medication an hour before bed will help you sleep.To get a good night's sleep, use relaxation techniques.
Step 1: Put a pillow under your knees and calves to sleep on.
It is best to sleep on your back after surgery.To keep blood flowing to your surgery site, your leg should stay as straight as possible with proper support.Put a pillow under your knee and calf when you sleep.This keeps your leg straight.If the first pillow is too flat, use a second one.If you place the pillow under your foot, it will put stress on your knee and will probably be painful.The weight is distributed better if you place the pillow under your knee and calf.
Step 2: If you sleep with pillows under your legs, you will sleep better.
Doctors may suggest a foam wedge for surgery patients.While you sleep on your back, it's designed to elevate your legs.If you use one, put a few more pillows on top of the wedge to keep your leg straight.It's bad for your recovery if the wedge keeps your knee bent.Rather than sleeping all night, this is a better position for a short rest or nap.Your leg could fall off if you shift at some point during the night.
Step 3: If you sleep on your side, put a pillow between your legs.
If you are more comfortable sleeping on your side, lie down.To cushion your knee, place a pillow between your legs.Adding a second pillow to your knee will give you more support.It may be too painful to sleep on your side after surgery.It does not keep your leg straight enough.Keeping your knee straight isn't as important as having less pain.It is safer to sleep on your side.If you do sleep on your side, remember to only sleep non-operatively.Sleeping on your surgery site puts a lot of pressure on it.
Step 4: Don't sleep on your stomach.
It won't be possible if you prefer sleeping on your stomach.It will be too painful to fall asleep if you lay on your stomach.Sleeping on your side is the same as sleeping on the other side.For the duration of your recovery, sleep on your back or non-operative side.It can take several months for a knee replacement to heal completely.If you can walk well enough after 3 weeks, you will be able to resume most of your daily activities.If certain sleeping positions don't cause you any pain, you can sleep normally again.
Step 5: Take your pain medication before you go to sleep.
You will be prescribed medication to manage the pain after your surgery.You should take 1 every 4 to 6 hours.Your last dose should be 1 hour before you go to sleep.You will still feel pain if you take your medication before bed.Falling asleep will be difficult because of this.You can get into bed without pain if you take your medication 1 hour before bed.If you can't remember to take your medication, try setting an alarm to remind you.
Step 6: If you wake up in pain, you should leave another dose of medicine next to your bed.
Pain medications can last up to 6 hours.One dose may not last the whole night.Leave a glass of water next to your bed to prepare for this possibility.It is easy to take more medication if you wake up in pain.Don't leave the whole bottle near your bed.If you leave the whole bottle next to you, you could accidentally take more than you are supposed to.Make sure to check the directions on your pain medication.Don't leave another near your bed if it says to only take 1 every 8 hours.
Step 7: Don't take sleep aids without consulting your doctor.
You may be tempted to take sleep aids if you can't sleep through the night after trying different techniques.Don't do this without consulting your doctor.Sleep aids can cause adverse health effects.Unless your doctor says it's safe, don't mix them with your painkillers.If you are on pain medication, your doctor may recommend a sleep aid that does not interact with it.They can change your pain prescription to one with less side effects.
Step 8: You can ice your knee before you go to bed.
Icing your knee can help it feel numb while you're in recovery.To protect your skin, drape a towel over your knee.An ice pack should be applied to your knee before bed.You should not fall asleep with the ice pack on your knee.It can damage your skin.
Step 9: The room should be dark and cool.
Light can wake you up, so it's easier to fall asleep in a dark room.60 to 67 F (16 to 19C) is ideal for sleeping, as it will help you sleep easier.If you want to block out the light from your windows, use curtains.Turn down the air conditioning or use a fan to cool off.You can stay comfortable without getting too warm by picking pajamas and bedding.The temperature that feels most comfortable for you is the one you choose.
Step 10: Don't sleep throughout the day.
Taking a midday nap sounds great if you haven't been sleeping well.This can ruin your sleeping schedule even worse.Falling asleep will take longer if you are tired at night.Don't take a nap.Go to bed earlier.Limit your sleeping time if you have to take a nap.If you want to sleep, set an alarm for an hour.
Step 11: If you have been in pain take a few days off from physical activity.
Physical activity is important for your recovery, but you may be overdoing it.If you have been in recovery for a while and are still having trouble sleeping, you could be pushing your knee too hard.Take a few days off from physical therapy or other activities.This could help you with your injury and nighttime pain.If you feel too much pain, talk to your physical therapist.Physical therapy shouldn't cause damage.If you are experiencing lasting pain, your therapist can adjust the routine.
Step 12: The wind should be down.
If you have been having trouble sleeping, it is important to relax before bed.Eliminating stimulating activities and calming yourself will make you sleepy at night.It signals to your brain that it is time to sleep.Don't look at your phone, computer, or TV.Bright lights from electronic devices make it harder to sleep.Try a more relaxing activity like reading.If you want to get relaxed for bed, you can listen to soft music, meditate, or do an herbal remedy.It's a good idea to be consistent with your sleep routine.It is time to sleep when you do the same activities every night.
Step 13: If you can't sleep within 30 minutes, do an activity.
If you can't sleep after 30 minutes, lie in bed.If you want to get your mind in a more relaxed state, turn a light on and do a quiet activity.Reading or knitting in bed can help you relax.Don't turn the TV on or look at your phone.These activities make it harder to sleep.You should get out of bed and go to another room to do your activity according to this advice.This may not be possible if you are recovering from surgery.It is possible to turn on a lamp and read in bed.
Step 14: If you use stimulants after noon, don't use them at all.
Coffee, soda, and tea may keep you awake at night.It is okay to have a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, but not at noon.You might have trouble falling asleep if you don't.If you like your afternoon cup of coffee or soda, you might switch to decaf.
Step 15: Don't drink during your recovery.
Alcohol can be harmful to your recovery.It can interact with your pain medication, which can cause side effects.Alcohol can make you have poor sleep.Don't drink if you want to sleep better.Before you start drinking again, check with your doctor.