How To Sleep After ACL Surgery?

Rest during recovery is vital after any surgery. Sleep disturbances after ACL reconstruction surgery are common and vary from person to person. The initial phases of recovery post-surgery can be challenging due to the pain and discomfort and inability to rest the knee in a suitable position during sleep.

ACL reconstruction surgery is a procedure that involves the removal of torn or damaged ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and its replacement with a new ligament known as a ‘graft.’ The graft is either taken from your own body (autograft) or a deceased donor (allograft). Surgery is recommended for grade III (complete tear) ACL injuries, mostly caused due to twisting, rotating, or cutting movements during high-impact sports and activities like football, soccer, rugby, skiing, and gymnastics. 

Read on about various sleeping positions after ACL surgery for a peaceful sleep that promotes quick recovery.

How to Sleep After ACL Surgery?

Lack of sleep can prolong your recovery period and put you at risk of developing other ailments. Finding a good sleep rhythm and comfortable position are important as sound sleep promotes faster healing. Understanding how to sleep after ACL reconstruction surgery is about ensuring your sleeping position is best with minimal or no pain and discomfort. 

• Equipment for ease

The initial weeks after ACL surgery are crucial since your body is vulnerable to pain, swelling and discomfort. This can make sleeping peacefully very challenging. It is advisable not to move around with a swollen knee for unnecessary chores and activities. You must use the below equipment to avoid straining the operated leg.

• Step stool with handle- This is essential equipment that helps you get in and out of your bed if the bed is too high to climb.
• Bed rail- This will provide support to hold on and move in and out of the bed if the bed is too low.
• Side tables- These can be placed near your bed to keep your basic things like phones, medicines, etc. so they are easily reachable.
• Best sleeping position after surgery
  • Sleeping on your back
    • This is the most preferred sleeping position after ACL surgery.
    • You can elevate your operated leg to reduce swelling while sleeping on your back.
    • To lie down, follow the steps:
      • Sit on the edge of your bed
      • Slowly lift your leg up
      • Slightly rotate your body to lie down
    • Straighten your operated leg as much as possible. Do not over-stretch it
    • Place a thin pillow below your head to support your neck and shoulders.
    • Place a pillow along the length of your operated leg below your calf to prevent swelling and for easing the pain.

• Elevating your leg
  • Elevating your leg is important to reduce the swelling around your operated knee.
  • Place extra pillows below your foot and elevate the leg slightly above the level of your heart.
  • Do not elevate your leg too much since it may cause discomfort and pain.
  • You may also use a wedge-shaped foam block to elevate the leg.

• Sleeping on your side
  • This is the second most preferred sleeping position.
  • Sit on the bed, lift your operated leg up, and place it on your bed.
  • Slightly rotate on your side such that your operated knee should be the closest to your bed.
  • Place a thick pillow under your head to support your neck and shoulders.
  • Always place a soft pillow between both legs, and never place your normal leg over your operated leg.
  • Place your normal leg, preferably a little forward or behind to avoid all the load over the operated knee.
  • Use an extra pillow to support yourself from rolling onto your stomach at night.

• Sleeping with a knee brace
  • Most orthopedic surgeons may recommend using a knee brace that aids in protecting your knee from re-injury.
  • It is important to wear them, especially at night, since we are unaware of the knee movements during sleep. If the brace is not worn, we may twist or extend the knee during sleep which may cause re-injury to the joint. However, a knee brace may also be hot and uncomfortable for some. It is best to consult your doctor before using one during sleep.

Tips for Sleeping After ACL Surgery

Follow certain tips at home for a peaceful and undisturbed sleep.

1. Pain after ACL surgery is the most disturbing factor that compromises your sleep quality. You may take pain medications your surgeon has prescribed right before bed for a peaceful sleep.
2. Swelling may make your knee heavy which causes discomfort and disturbed sleep. Apply ice packs over your operated knee to reduce swelling. You may also use compression wraps to reduce swelling and prevent blood clots.
3. Avoid having any caffeine drinks just before you go to bed. This alters the quality of your sleep.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol before bed because this may alter your sleep cycle.
5. Reduce irregular and long daytime naps.
6. Do not eat late in the evening.
7. You may use dim lights in the room.
8. Go to bed with a fresh and clean wound dressing to avoid any post-surgical infection.
9. Cut off any external noise or distractions as they may hamper your sleep.

Overall, you should try to find your most comfortable sleeping position and follow your doctor’s instructions. Some even prefer a reclining chair if they cannot find comfort while sleeping in a bed after ACL reconstruction.

Note that good sleep during recovery will give you several benefits. Some of these are a stronger immune system, greater energy levels, extra support for tissue growth and regeneration and protection from several other conditions.

Takeaway

During your recovery, your body is working hard to heal. Following ACL surgery, if you do not get enough sleep, your immune system may become compromised, which can delay healing and put you at risk of developing infections. Finding the right sleeping position with minimal pain and discomfort is very important for faster recovery.

We at Medfin are dedicated to the well-being of our patients and helping them with quick recovery. We provide physical therapy and other therapeutic services that help in early rehabilitation.

Also Read:

The Best Orthopaedic Surgeons in Bangalore

Cost of ACL repair surgery in Bangalore

What To Expect After ACL Surgery?

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Disclaimer: The content on this site is the copyright of Medfin and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered a substitute for medical and surgical expertise. Results from any treatments or surgeries are subjective to an individual patient and the type of procedure/surgery performed. Please seek professional help regarding any medical concerns. Medfin will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.

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