Sleeping in a recliner after surgery could have negative effects if precautions are not taken. This article outlines how to sleep after shoulder surgery in your recliner.
When you’re injured or have done surgery, sleeping in a recliner could be the best bet for you. But how do you sleep without causing any adverse effects on your body?
Stick around to learn how to sleep after shoulder surgery in your recliner.
Benefits of sleeping in a recliner after shoulder surgery
First off, let’s analyze the benefits of sleeping in a recliner. After having shoulder surgery, one can get some of the following benefits from sleeping in a recliner:
Sleeping on a recliner helps alleviate shoulder pain by distributing weight evenly across the body. Sleeping in the reclined position alleviates the pressure on your shoulder joint when lying flat.
Healing after surgery is aided by increased blood flow, which is one of the benefits of a recliner. Blood clots can be prevented, and healing is aided by positioning yourself so your legs are elevated over your heart while your upper body reclines.
If you have trouble breathing due to pain, sleeping in a reclined position may help. It improves your health and well-being by ensuring you breathe adequate oxygen when you sleep.
You won’t have to get up as often during the nighttime to use the restroom or switch positions, reducing your chance of falling. Recliners give a solid and supporting surface, making it safer to sleep in one and reducing the likelihood of falls.
Recliners are remarkable for their convenience. The chair can make for a more comfortable night’s sleep than a bed, where you may have to fiddle with pillows and blankets. It makes it easy to kick back and relax without constantly readjusting your pillows and blankets.
Sleeping in a recliner after shoulder surgery has several benefits. Recliners allow you to sleep in an incline, unlike beds. You can speed up recovery and enhance your quality of life by sleeping in them.Â
Positioning yourself for optimal sleep in a reclinerÂ
The appropriate recliner resting posture after shoulder surgery can ease discomfort, speed recovery, and guarantee a restful night’s rest. Consider these suggestions if you plan on sleeping in the chair after shoulder surgery.
If you want to rest your head and neck in a relaxed and comfortable position, try using a pillow or cushion beneath your head. You want a pillow that keeps your head from rolling forward or backward while providing adequate support.
Raising your shoulder to alleviate strain and speed recovery is crucial when sleeping in a chair. A cushion beneath the affected arm or shoulder can help, as can a shoulder pillow explicitly made for use after surgical procedures.
Keep your legs propped up on a small stool or cushion when you sleep in a recliner to facilitate blood flow and lessen the likelihood of developing a blood clot.Â
When sleeping following shoulder surgery, avoiding putting extra strain on your shoulder by twisting or bending your torso is crucial. As you sleep, your body must remain in a state of alignment and support.
You may need to move around in your chair a few times at night to find a position right for you, so be sure you’re comfortable. Try it from several vantage points to see what works best.
Do not hesitate to consult your doctor for any questions or concerns about your post-operative sleep posture or experience.
How to adjust your recliner for optimal comfort after surgery
After shoulder surgery, you can ease discomfort by adjusting your recliner to your ideal position. Following these suggestions, you can quickly get the most out of your chair, even if you’re a senior.
Change the angle: The angle of your chair is crucial in deciding your comfort level. If your recliner has several reclining angles, try different positions to discover the best one. An angle of 45 degrees is generally considered the sweet spot for chair comfort and support.
Adding cushions to your chair will provide you with the extra support you need and make it more comfortable. To alleviate the strain on your back, try propping up your arm with a pillow or tucking one between your knees.
Keeping your feet above your heart helps improve blood circulation and lessen swelling in your lower extremities. Raise your feet and legs off the ground with an ottoman or footstool.
Use a neck pillow: A neck pillow can help offer additional support for your head and neck while you recline. Choose a neck cushion that gently curves around your neck for optimal support.
If you have problems getting in and out of your chair after shoulder surgery, purchase a lift recliner. With this recliner, you can easily prevent shoulder and back pain and get out of your recliner easily.
The following table outlines how to sleep in your recliner after surgery:
Step | Description |
|---|---|
1 | Position the recliner in a room that is quiet, dark, and comfortable. |
2 | Use pillows or cushions to support your back, head, and neck in a comfortable position. |
3 | Sit in the recliner with your feet up and your back slightly reclined. |
4 | Use a pillow or cushion to support your arm and shoulder comfortably, such as across your chest or on a pillow next to your body. |
5 | Use an ice pack or heat pad to help manage pain and swelling if your doctor recommends. |
6 | Use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help promote relaxation and reduce stress. |
7 | Adjust the recliner to find a comfortable sleeping position, such as slightly reclined with your feet up or fully reclined with your head slightly elevated. |
8 | Use pillows or cushions to support your back, neck, and head in a comfortable position. |
9 | Use a body pillow or other supports to help keep your arm and shoulder comfortable. |
10 | Stay in the recliner until you are fully awake and alert before getting up to avoid falling or injuring yourself. |
Sleeping aids to consider when sleeping after shoulder surgery
If you’re used to sleeping on a bed, adjusting to a recliner following shoulder surgery can be challenging. While sleeping in a chair may seem uncomfortable initially, you can improve your comfort and quality of rest by using sleeping aids and accessories.Â
Consider these aids when sleeping:
You can prop your upper body on a wedge pillow, supporting your back, head, and shoulders. Try to get a wedge cushion whose shape mimics the curve of your spine as it creates good lumbar support.
If you plan on sleeping in a recliner, a body pillow can assist in keeping your whole body comfortable. If you prefer to sleep on your side, you should get a body pillow to mold your shape.
After shoulder surgery, you can ease the pain and suffering using heat or cold therapy. When you get into bed or wake up at night, use a heating pad or cold pack to provide some therapeutic heat or cold to your shoulder.
Also, you can use a sleep mask. A sleep mask can keep out light and aid in falling asleep in a recliner. Try to get a mask with an adjustable strap that won’t pinch or irritate your skin while sleeping.
When resting in a recliner, a white noise machine is a great way to block out ambient sounds and ease into a restful slumber. Choose a machine with white noise, natural sounds, and ambient noise for maximum relaxation.
After shoulder surgery, sleeping in a chair might be uncomfortable, but with the right sleeping accessories, you can get a good night’s rest.Â
How to gradually transition back to sleeping in a bedÂ
Returning to bed after sleeping in your recliner for so long may be challenging. Here’s how to ease back into sleeping in a bed:
To alleviate pain and pressure on your shoulder, try resting on your back with a pillow under your arm and your shoulder. Also, place a cushion between your knees and your side to support your shoulder while you sleep.
If you have a reclining bed, keep your shoulders reclined to alleviate pain. When your shoulder recovers, you can gradually reduce the bed slant to a more relaxed position.
Increase the number of positions you sleep in as your shoulder heals, and choose the position that suits you. Try sleeping on your back first, and if it doesn’t help, turn to your side, resting your injured shoulder up.Â
If you have trouble sleeping because your shoulder is awkward, prop it up with cushions or support. Your arm and shoulder can rest comfortably on a body cushion, and your upper body can be propped up with a wedge pillow.
If you’ve recently had shoulder surgery, remember that getting used to sleeping in a bed again can take some time. Follow your body’s cues, move, and sleep as it tells you to.
With these guidelines, you can ease back into sleeping on your shoulder after surgery.Â
Exercises to do before bed when sleeping after shoulder surgery
Post-operative shoulder care focuses on keeping the shoulder flexible after surgery. If you want to sleep in a chair following shoulder surgery, here are some stretches and exercises to try before bed.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together while sitting up straight in your chair with your arms at your sides. For 5-10 seconds, squeeze your shoulder blades tightly before you relax. Repeat the same sequence ten times.
Also, put your fingers in an interlaced pattern behind your back as you sit up straight in a recliner to perform a shoulder flexion stretch. Slowly raise your arms so they are outstretched in front of you and then back until you notice a tightening in your shoulders. Ten to fifteen seconds is a good holding time.
Another exercise you can try is to sit up straight in the recliner and rest your injured shoulder to perform the shoulder abduction stretch. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, try gently pushing your injured arm away from your body with your other hand.
Doing these stretches and exercises before bed will help you sleep more comfortably after shoulder surgery while promoting mobility.Â
Tips for managing discomfort when sleeping after surgery
After shoulder surgery, pain and discomfort are typical, but sleeping in a recliner can help ease some of these issues. While sleeping after shoulder surgery might be uncomfortable, there are ways to minimize the pain.Â
After shoulder surgery, your doctor may recommend taking pain medication. You should take your prescription exactly as prescribed, and if you have other questions or concerns, you should talk to your doctor.
Applying ice or heat to your shoulder can alleviate discomfort and swelling. For 20-30 minutes, you may apply a cold compress or ice pack to increase blood flow or use a heat pack or warm towel to relax the muscles.
Reducing stress and tension in the body through deep relaxation and breathing exercises can promote pain management. And speed up the healing process. Before getting a good night’s rest, try breathing deeply and slowly for a few minutes.
Also, you can help lessen pain in your shoulder by wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Whenever possible, you should avoid clothes with straps or sleeves that are too tight and could cause irritation.
After surgery, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy body temperature and fluid balance by drinking enough water. Keep a glass of water next to you as you rest in your recliner to ensure that you get enough fluids throughout the day.
When you need help getting comfortable or dealing with pain and discomfort, don’t hesitate to ask for it from loved ones or a professional caregiver.
FAQS
When can I stop sleeping in a recliner after shoulder surgery?
Your recovery time from shoulder surgery depends on the type of surgery and your recovery pace. It is common to have to sleep in a recliner for a couple of days to a few weeks following surgery instead of a bed until your doctor or physical therapist gives you the all-clear. To avoid any discomfort or difficulties, it is crucial to carefully adhere to the advice of your surgeon and get used to sleeping in a bed as gradually as possible.
How do you sleep in a recliner sling?
Getting comfortable sleeping in a recliner sling may be difficult after shoulder surgery, but doing so is essential for a full recovery. Recline using the recline mechanism and support your neck and upper body with cushions or a blanket. Reclining the chair to a more advantageous angle could help you relax and keep you comfortable while in the sling.Â
Can I take my sling off to sleep?
After shoulder surgery, removing the sling during sleep is usually not advised since it can slow the healing process and increase the risk of problems. When your shoulder mends, the sling provides much-needed support and stability. The sling should be worn constantly; however, if your doctor gives you the go-ahead you can remove it. Â
What is the best sleeping position after rotator cuff surgery?
After rotator cuff surgery, you should sleep on your back with a pillow or cushion under your arm for support. You can prevent further shoulder damage or discomfort by maintaining a firm stance. If you want your injured shoulder to recover quickly, you shouldn’t sleep on the side that has it or on your stomach.Â
Before You Go…
Now you know how to sleep in a recliner after surgery. Read this buying guide to learn the best recliners for sleeping that you can add to your cart!
Top 12 Best Recliners For Sleeping
Related Articles:Â
