If you have broken ribs, it can be hard to sleep in your normal position.To make it easier to sleep with broken ribs, you need to adjust your sleep position and find ways to reduce your pain before you go to bed.If you are having trouble sleeping because of your rib pain, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Step 1: Pick the best position for you.
When you have broken ribs, you may find that sleeping on your back is the most comfortable position.If you have broken ribs, you should use one of the sleep positions.Sleeping on your back will make breathing easier.Try different positions to find the right one.Try to sleep on the injured side.If your broken ribs are only on one side, some physicians recommend that you sleep on the injured side because it restricts the movement of your injured ribs and allows you to breathe more deeply on your uninjured side.Do not try to sleep on your injured side if this position is painful for you.Try sleeping in a recliner.Sleeping in a recliner is more comfortable for people with broken ribs.
Step 2: You can increase your comfort by using pillows.
It can be painful to roll over in the night and pillows and cushions can help to prevent that.Put a pillow under your arms to keep you from rolling onto your sides if you are sleeping on your back.Some of the strain on your back can be alleviated by placing a couple of pillows under your knees.
Step 3: Practice breathing.
The pain associated with moving your chest too much can cause you to take shallow breaths.It is a good idea to do some deep breathing right before bed for this reason.It is possible to relax and get plenty of oxygen by practicing deep breathing.Lying on your back or sitting in a chair will help you practice deep breathing.As you take in the breath, slowly exhale as you count down from five.Pull the air out of your belly as you breathe.
Step 4: Limit your movement while you sleep.
You will need to limit coughing, twisting, turning, and stretching during the first few days.It might be harder to remember at night.If you keep in mind that your ribs are connected to many parts of your upper body, movement can increase your pain.If you need to cough during the night, you might want to keep an extra pillow handy.Wrap your ribs to avoid movement.Your risk of collapsed lungs and lung infections increases if you wrap your ribs.
Step 5: Pain medications can be taken as directed by your doctor.
Taking your medication 30 minutes before you go to bed can help control your pain.Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions for how to use your medication and ask your physician if you have any questions.Pain medications can make it hard to sleep, so keep that in mind.Opioid drugs can cause you to stop breathing and wake you up at night.
Step 6: You can try over-the-counter pain killers.
You can use over-the-counter pain killers.If you don't have prescription pain medicine for your broken ribs, you can take an over-the-counter medicine.Check with your doctor for a recommendation on how much to take.Do not exceed the recommended dose.If you have ever had a heart attack, high blood pressure, or other health issues, ask your doctor if you can take one of these medications.
Step 7: Ice can be applied to your ribs.
Ice can help to numb the pain and reduce the swelling.During the first two days after your injury, you may be able to use a covered or wrapped ice pack.You can use the ice pack for up to 20 minutes after the first couple of days.Try applying an ice pack before you go to sleep.If there is swelling, don't use heat on broken ribs.Blood flow to the area of application can be affected by heat.
Step 8: .
Make sure you get lots of rest because sleep is important for your body's healing processes.If you feel tired, try to sleep for at least eight hours a night and take a nap during the day.Going to sleep at the same time every night is one of the best ways to make it easier to fall asleep.
Step 9: Move during the day.
It's not a good idea to stay in bed all day when you have broken ribs.You should get up and walk around during the day.This will allow you to get more oxygen and clear mucus from your lungs.Try to walk around your home at least once every two hours.
Step 10: If you have to cough, cough.
Lung infections can be caused by not coughing when you need to.When you have broken ribs, it's important to cough.To make it less painful, hold a blanket or pillow against your chest.
Step 11: It's a good idea to eat healthy foods.
Your body needs adequate nutrition to heal.As you recover, make sure you get a balanced diet.Fruits, such as apples, oranges, grapes, and bananas should be included in your diet.
Step 12: You can quit smoking.
Smoking cessation may speed up your recovery.It is a good time to stop smoking.Smoking cessation programs may make it easier for you to quit if you talk to your doctor.