Key Takeaways
- High-quality sleep is vital to the knee replacement recovery process since it promotes healing by releasing growth hormones and pain-relieving endorphins.
- The ideal sleeping positions for most patients are on their backs with elevation, on their sides with a pillow between their legs, or on their stomachs if comfortable.
- You should avoid sleeping on the operated side or in a fetal position because these positions can strain the knee joint and hinder your recovery.
- If sleep discomfort persists or impacts your recovery progress, consult your doctor or physical therapist for medical advice that is tailored to your unique situation.
Learning the Best Sleeping Positions After a Knee Replacement
Finding the most suitable sleeping positions after total knee replacement surgery can lead to a smoother recovery. Sleep plays a vital role in healing the body by releasing essential growth hormones and pain-relieving endorphins. Nevertheless, many patients face challenges finding comfortable and safe sleeping positions after knee replacements, potentially contributing to restless nights and hindered recoveries.
Ideal sleeping positions for knee replacement patients may include lying on their backs with their legs elevated, on their sides with a pillow between their knees, or on their stomachs if they find it comfortable. However, they should avoid sleeping on the operated side or in a curled-up position, as these can strain the knee joint and slow recovery.
In addition to selecting the best sleeping position after knee replacement surgery, you should build a comfortable sleeping environment, practice proper sleep hygiene, and implement pain management techniques. Reading through the considerations below and consulting a joint specialist is the best way to learn how to sleep better post-surgery.
Why Sleeping Comfortably Matters After Knee Replacement
A knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which damaged knee joint components are replaced with prosthetics. Even after minimally invasive knee surgery, the human body must undergo significant healing and adaptation as it acclimates to the artificial joint. Swelling, stiffness, and discomfort are common during recovery, particularly in the first few weeks. However, every post-surgery healing process is unique. For example, knee replacement recovery time for elderly patients may be longer than recovery time for a young adult.
Regardless of factors like age, quality sleep is an integral part of the recovery process because it allows the body to naturally release growth hormones that improve tissue regeneration. Restful sleep can also increase the production of pain-relieving endorphins, enhancing the patient’s overall quality of life. You should find the best sleeping position after knee replacement surgery and study the tips below to get the most health benefits possible.
General Tips for Better Sleep After Knee Replacement
Consider the following strategies to ensure your nights are as restful as they can be.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Be sure to use a supportive mattress that evenly distributes your weight. Then, strategically place pillows for added comfort and knee support to tailor your sleeping area to your new biomechanics. Maintaining a cool, quiet, and dark environment in your bedroom can further promote relaxation.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
The habits leading up to bedtime are just as important as your chosen environment and sleeping positions. So, you should establish a consistent bedtime routine to regulate your sleep cycle. To reduce stress, incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Additionally, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and electronic devices for several hours before bed, as their use may keep your body awake longer than desired.
Minimize Pain and Discomfort
Follow your doctor’s instructions to manage discomfort. Take prescribed pain medications as directed before bedtime, and feel free to use over-the-counter sleep aids if your healthcare provider recommends doing so. If inflammation and tightness are the source of your discomfort, elevate your knee and apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend knee replacement exercises to try after surgery. Performing low-impact workouts and stretches throughout the day can enhance your flexibility and indirectly make more sleep positions feel comfortable.
Ideal Sleeping Positions for Knee Replacement Recovery
Unfortunately, recovery is not smooth for everyone. The temporary decrease in movement and possible lack of sleep turns some people off of knee replacement surgery altogether. However, the dangers of delaying knee replacement surgery tend to outweigh the potential recovery complications. There are ways to work around recovery-related obstacles. For example, you can find the best sleeping position after knee replacement by attempting the three options below.
1. Sleeping on Your Back with Elevation
Lying flat on your back and elevating the affected knee can help promote proper blood flow, making it one of the best ways to reduce swelling after knee surgery. To make this sleeping position as comfortable and effective as possible, wedge a pillow under your calf and ankle, keeping the knee slightly bent for optimal support.
2. Sleeping on Your Side with a Pillow Between Your Legs
Serving as another popular choice for knee-replacement patients, sleeping on your side with a firm pillow between your legs can minimize strain on the operated knee by aligning your hips and spine. The pillow also prevents your knees from touching, minimizing your risk of joint complications like dislocations.
3. Sleeping on Your Stomach (If Comfortable)
Although it is less common than the two options above, some knee replacement patients enjoy sleeping on their stomachs. If you find this position natural for you, place a thin pillow under your hips to avoid excessive pressure on the knee.
Although the post-surgery sleeping positions above are widely considered safe, getting clearance from your medical provider before sleeping in them is always best.
Positions To Avoid
When choosing how you would like to sleep, it is dire to avoid setups that can lead to pain or additional injuries like dislocations. Some unsafe sleeping positions after knee replacement surgery may include:
- Sleeping on the operated side – Lying on the operated side can generate unnecessary pressure, which can cause discomfort or impede your recovery. Instead, consider sleeping on the unaffected side with proper pillow support.
- Sleeping in a fetal position – Curling your legs too tightly can restrict blood flow and strain the knee joint, potentially dislocating it. To adopt a similar, yet safer, position, extend your legs slightly and use a pillow for support.
If you are naturally drawn to sleep in the unapproved positions above, your doctor may be able to help you adapt the positions to protect your joints.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you are experiencing persistent discomfort, disrupted sleep, or swelling that doesn’t improve, consult your doctor or physical therapist as soon as possible. They can provide tailored guidance on adjusting your sleeping positions. They may be able to recommend other solutions, like PEMF therapy, that can improve your comfort and support your recovery, indirectly leading to better sleep.
Find Quick Recovery From Knee Replacement Surgery
Choosing the right sleeping positions after total knee replacement surgery is one of the keys to a comfortable and effective recovery. To balance comfort and support, try sleeping on your back with elevation, on your side with a pillow between your legs, or on your stomach if that feels right for you. Still, you should avoid sleeping on the operated side or in a fetal position to avoid joint complications. After finding the best sleeping position after knee replacement, cultivate a comfortable environment in your bedroom, manage your pain, and practice good sleep hygiene to achieve the most ideal results.
At the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, we provide exceptional post-op care tailored to each patient’s needs. From generalized recovery tips to recommended sleeping positions after knee replacement surgery, we ensure you’re well-prepared for a successful recovery. If you have not received surgery yet, we can also help you identify signs that you are ready for a knee replacement.
Call the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale for an initial consultation that pinpoints what treatment option will work best for your individualized situation.
