6 Best Positions to Sleep After Surgery

Getting comfortable in bed can be harder than you expect after surgery.

You might be exhausted, but the moment you lie down, you notice the pulling around your incision, pressure in a swollen area, or an ache that wasn't there before. You shift to your usual sleeping position, only to realize that it doesn't feel right anymore.

This is very common during recovery.

The best sleeping position after surgery depends on the type of procedure you had, where your incision is and what your surgeon has told you to avoid. There isn't one position that works for everyone. In many cases, though, a few simple positions and some well-placed pillows can make nighttime much more comfortable.

What Are the Best Sleeping Positions After Surgery

1. Sleep on Your Back

For many people, sleeping on their back is the easiest position to start with after surgery.

It keeps your weight off the sides of your body and can make it easier to protect an incision. You can also use pillows to support areas that feel sore or swollen.

Make back sleeping more comfortable:

• Place a supportive pillow under your head and neck
• If appropriate for your procedure, place a pillow under your knees or lower legs
• Keep your body relatively straight instead of twisting toward one side
• If your surgeon recommends elevation, raise your upper body with pillows or a wedge

You don't have to get the setup perfect on the first night. You may need to move the pillows around until you find a comfortable position that doesn't put pressure on the surgical area.

2. Sleep on Your Back With Your Upper Body Elevated

Lying completely flat isn't comfortable for everyone after surgery.

If you've been advised to keep your upper body elevated, sleeping at a gentle incline can make resting easier. This can be done with a wedge pillow, an adjustable bed, or another setup recommended by your care team.

Elevation is sometimes recommended after procedures where swelling or pressure can be an issue. Your surgeon may also give you specific instructions about how high to elevate yourself and how long to continue doing it.

3. Sleep on Your Side With a Pillow Between Your Knees

You don't necessarily have to give up your favorite position throughout surgical recovery.

A pillow between your knees can make side sleeping much more comfortable. It gives your legs something to rest against and can help prevent your upper leg from pulling your hips out of alignment (1)

Try to keep your head, shoulders, hips and legs reasonably aligned instead of twisting your body forward.

You should also pay attention to which side you're sleeping on. If one side has an incision, significant swelling, or another restriction, your surgeon may tell you to avoid putting pressure on it.

After some knee procedures, for example, side sleeping with a pillow between the knees may be recommended as part of postoperative positioning.

So if you're a lifelong side sleeper, ask your surgeon when you can safely return to it rather than assuming you have to avoid it for your entire recovery.

4. Sleep on Your Side With Extra Pillows for Support

Sometimes a single pillow between your knees isn't enough. If you tend to move around while sleeping, additional pillows can help keep you from accidentally rolling onto a sensitive area.

Depending on your surgery and your surgeon's instructions, you might use:

• A pillow between your knees
• A pillow behind your back
• A pillow supporting an arm
• A pillow under or alongside an operated leg

The goal is simply to create enough support that your body can relax without constantly shifting to find a comfortable position.

Side sleeping can also be useful when back sleeping isn't comfortable. Cleveland Clinic notes that a pillow between the legs can help maintain alignment while side sleeping (2).

5. Try a Semi-Reclined Position

If getting completely flat is uncomfortable, a semi-reclined position may be worth trying if your surgeon allows it.

You can set up a semi-reclined sleeping position by following these simple steps:

1) Use a recliner, adjustable bed, or wedge pillow to raise your upper body slightly

2) Keep your head, neck, shoulders and back comfortably supported

3) Make sure your body isn't sliding down toward the foot of the bed

4) Use a pillow under your knees if it helps reduce pressure on your lower back

5) Adjust the angle until you feel supported without putting pressure on your surgical area

6. Sleep With Your Legs Elevated

If you've had surgery on your knee, ankle, or foot, elevating your legs while resting may help manage swelling when your healthcare team recommends it.

To get into this position comfortably, follow these steps:

• Lie on your back in a comfortable position
• Place pillows under your lower leg to support the operated area
• Position your leg at the height recommended by your surgeon
• Avoid placing direct pressure on your incision or any sensitive areas
• Adjust the pillows if you notice discomfort or increased pressure

Keep in mind that the recommended position and amount of elevation depend on the procedure. 

Tip: Give Your Body a Little Extra Support at Night

If you're having trouble settling down at night during recovery, take HealFast Max Sleep. This sleep recovery supplement is formulated with 10 mg of melatonin, along with calming ingredients such as chamomile, lemon balm, hops, goji berry, ashwagandha, GABA, 5-HTP, magnesium, L-tryptophan and L-theanine.

Its plant-based, non-habit-forming formula provides an alternative to traditional sleep medications.

How to Sleep Comfortably After Surgery 

Before settling into bed, think about three things:

• What surgical procedure did you have?
• Where is the surgical area?
• What has your surgeon told you to avoid?
• What position allows your body to relax?

Your sleeping position is only part of the problem. The little things around bedtime can matter too.

• Set up your bed before surgery
• Use pillows strategically
• Don't sleep directly on a painful area
• Get out of bed slowly (3)

Related Articles:

Post-Surgery Fatigue: Causes, Recovery Tips, and When to Worry

Can a Scar Reopen After Years

How to Shower Safely After Surgery Without Delaying Healing

FAQs

Can I move around in my sleep after surgery?

It's normal to change positions while you're asleep. If you wake up in a position you're not supposed to be in, don't panic. Gently move back into a position your surgeon has approved. If you're worried about rolling onto a sensitive area, pillows can provide some extra support.

What should I wear while sleeping after surgery?

Choose loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't rub against your incision or put pressure on the area that's healing. Depending on your procedure, your surgeon may also ask you to wear a compression garment, surgical bra, brace, or another type of support while you sleep.

Can sleeping on an incision make it open?

Putting pressure or strain on a healing incision may not be appropriate after some surgeries. If your incision opens, starts bleeding, or you notice unusual drainage, contact your surgical team.

References:

1. Next Level Regenerative Physical Therapy. (2022, August 14). Best sleep positions after TKR. https://nextlevelpthouston.com/best-sleep-positions-after-tkr/
   
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 19). What’s the best way to sleep after meniscus surgery? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sleeping-after-meniscus-surgery
3. . MedlinePlus. (2024, September 30). Getting out of bed after surgery. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000174.htm