Sleep Post Scoliosis Surgery
01/03/2022
Good Quality Sleep Ensures Better Healing
Sleep is crucial for tissue repair following your surgery. When we are asleep our body goes into healing mode. Good quality sleep will also leave you feeling refreshed and so you will be able to do more activity each day after a good night's sleep.
Positioning
After surgery it may take time to get used to how your body feels. Positioning can help this. Often side lying using pillows for support is beneficial. Place a pillow between your legs with your knees bent. You can also place pillows behind you to give you support, between your knees, under your top arm and of course a good full pillow under your head. For some people pregnancy style pillows can be beneficial as they offer a lot of comfort and support.
Some people prefer to lay on their backs. If this is the case a pillow just at the crease of your buttocks can help tilt your pelvis to improve comfort in your lower back. Some patients also like a couple of pillows under their head and shoulders if in this position. Gradually in time you should reduce the support to being one light pillow under your head if laying on your back.
Ultimately comfort is most important and it is whatever works best for you.
Sleep Routine
Develop a good sleep routine. Patterns of behavior help your brain to learn when it is time to slow down and prepare to sleep. Do things that help you to relax and that decrease stimulation. Examples can include having a bath, completing some mindfulness or meditation and switching off electronic devices.
Pain Management
If pain is part of the issue, then ensure you are taking the pain medication you have been prescribed and at the right time. Other things that can help are specific exercises that your Physio can teach you. Using heat (covered hot water bottle or a heat pack) over the areas of discomfort can also help to relieve muscular tension. Ensure you use for short bouts of time to decrease any burn risk. Keep away from your back or scar site as the nerves will have been damaged and so your body won’t warn you if something is too hot!
In summary, find a good sleep routine that works for you, use your pain medication as advised and get as comfortable a position as you can using pillows for support as you need.