Ask anyone who has had shoulder surgery and he will most likely tell you that the pain he experienced caused difficulty sleeping. Some shoulder surgeries, like a repair to the rotator cuff, can be much more painful than a more simple procedure like a bone spur removal. The bottom line is that it's difficult to get comfortable and sleep after surgery.
Pain Control
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One of the simplest things to do to help you sleep is to manage your pain. Ice used for 20 minutes prior to sleep will help to alleviate pain and discomfort. Your physician will usually prescribe pain and anti-inflammatory medication after surgery, which also assist in helping you sleep better.
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Sleep Sitting Up
Patients who have had shoulder surgery often find it most comfortable to sleep sitting up in a semi-reclined position. A recliner or a comfortable chair with an arm rest can help position the arm and shoulder to alleviate pain and allow you to sleep better. Using pillows, blankets and other props to position the arm and shoulder in a pain-free position while seated will help to encourage a comfortable position for sleep.
Sleeping in Bed
Seeping in bed on your side or back after shoulder surgery can be very painful. Side sleepers should lay on their unaffected arm and use pillows to prop the surgery side in a comfortable position. Back sleepers often find it easier to sleep in bed after shoulder surgery, but may still need pillows or towels to prop the arm in a comfortable position.
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.