4 Tips To Sleep Comfortably After Shoulder Surgery

Updated 3 Days Ago
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Sleeping with a shoulder injury can be tricky. No matter what position you find yourself in, comfort may be elusive. Typically, sleeping in an upright position, using a pillow for support, wearing a sling, and remembering to take your medicine lets you enjoy a bit of healing shut-eye.

Tip #1: Sleep in an upright position

Sleeping in an upright position can provide comfort when sleeping after shoulder surgery. By remaining upright while you sleep, your shoulder doesn't experience any pressure. This particular method is especially useful when combined with a sling.

To stay upright while you sleep, you can employ the help of several aids.

A few examples are:

  • A recliner
  • A reading pillow
  • An adjustable bed

The best part is you can get most of these items fairly easily and with minimal expense. Meaning you'll sleep better and heal faster.

The adjustable bed is a pricey option compared to the other items on the list. But the added benefit is you can use it long after your shoulder has healed. Additionally, you may find that it improves your sleep long after the injury is healed as well.

Tip #2: Use a pillow for support

Using extra pillows for support is another way to get sleep after shoulder surgery. In addition to sleeping better, you'll also promote better blood flow. This helps your injury heal at the quickest pace possible.

To use a pillow for support, you'll want to find one that's fluffy, instead of flat and worn out. Then wedge the pillow between your arm and your body. You should instantly feel relief as the pillow provides support, which reduces pressure on your shoulder.

Tip #3: Wear a sling while you sleep

Sleeping with a sling after shoulder surgery is a great tip when used in tandem with the other tips on the list. The constrained mobility of the sling ensures no incidental aggravation while you're asleep. Without a sling to hold your arm in place, you risk getting into an awkward position while sleeping, leading to discomfort.

Tip #4: Don't forget to take your medicine

Finally, the last tip for sleeping in comfort after your shoulder surgery is to take your meds. If you consider the shoulder from an anatomical perspective, it's a vital joint in almost every movement. Despite your best attempts to keep it stationary, it's going to move a bit throughout the day.

You'll notice the compounding impact of these small movements most at night when trying to sleep. To avoid this, and give yourself the best chance of comfortable sleep, you cannot skip taking your medicine.

The top mattresses to help you rest

Competitor #1 - The Solaire Mattress

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Competitor #2 - The MemoryLux

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Competitor #3 - AS2 by Amerisleep

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Where can I find a great, affordable mattress (in 2024)?

If you're searching for an affordable mattress that offers a wide range of comfort and pressure relief, we've compiled a list of mattresses for you to consider:

  1. Saatva Mattress - fantastic for all sleep positions, and is rated our Best Mattress of 2024.
  2. Puffy - feels like you're sleeping on a cool cloud (at a good price).
  3. Cocoon - amazing pressure relief at an affordable price.
  4. Ghostbed - beautiful, plush cover w/ aerated latex and healthy spinal alignment.
  5. Winkbeds - 3-stage back relief with free shipping and returns.

Read our short, well-researched 10 Best Mattresses of 2024, here. Our ultimate goal is to help you pick your perfect mattress online, today!

Limited Time Offer - Get $500 Off

Saatva is our top pick for the #1 mattress in 2024! They're a luxury mattress shipped with FREE white-glove delivery & setup (different than regular bed in a box brands put on your doorstep). They have over 50,000 reviews.

Check Price →
Limited Time Offer - Get $500 Off