Gallbladder surgery is fairly common, but any surgery is a big deal. So, don’t feel complacent after the surgery and give all due attention to postoperative care. It’s relevant when awake and as important while sleeping. So, how to sleep after gallbladder surgery?
While awake, you can consciously make efforts to avoid problems. When asleep, a bit of care can go a long way in aiding recovery from the surgery. Just a few precautions can make things more comfortable and reduce pain for someone recovering from gallbladder surgery.
How Gallbladder Surgery Can Disrupt Your Sleep
There are several reasons ranging from environmental to medical that can affect sleep after gallbladder surgery. Though it is quite common, gallbladder surgery or Cholecystectomy is still a traumatic event for the body. The body will bounce back, but the initial days after surgery can be problematic, including your sleep.
Here are a few factors after gallbladder surgery that can disrupt sleep:
- The patient may feel pain following the procedure.
- Drugs and medicines used after surgery may affect sleep.
- There could be some lingering effects of anesthesia that can interfere with sleep for a few days.
- The hospital stay may have disrupted or negatively affected your sleep.
- Stress after the surgery can make it troublesome to sleep. Other psychological factors might be at work too.
- The patient might not be able to sleep in their preferred sleep position after surgery.
- Presence of other, pre-existing sleep issues like sleep apnea.
A good sleep is essential after surgery and a great help to the healing process. So it is worth spending some time learning how to sleep after gallbladder surgery. It shouldn’t be very troublesome, but there are pitfalls to avoid.
Getting A Good Sleep After Surgery – Some Points To Know
Working On Your Sleeping Position
Generally, incisions for the gallbladder surgery are placed on the right side of the belly. Patients that had the surgery through the Laparoscopic method will have 3-4 small incisions. Those who underwent surgery through the traditional method may have a single incision measuring 4-6 inches.
Given the position of the incisions, the sleep position becomes important. Sleeping on the stomach and the right side is out of the question. So, those who prefer to sleep in these positions will have greater discomfort.
You should sleep on your back or to the left side. While good after surgery, these sleep positions are inherently better than sleeping on the stomach or your right side.
A firm or medium firm mattress is generally preferable for this condition. However, unless you have a very plush mattress, it shouldn’t be a big problem.
Talk To Your Doctor And Ask About Meds
The best person to talk about your health, including sleep needs? Your doctor or physician.
They can help with pain management, prescribe the right medicine, and give insights to the best paths for recovery.
Some medications might affect sleep after surgery. In this case, talking to the doctor may help with getting suitable medicines or changing prescriptions. Never self-medicate or change medicines without consulting the doctor first.
Some of the medicines prescribed will likely be anti-inflammatories and painkillers. These are important to help with quick recovery and comfort. Should you struggle with sleep after these medicines, discussing the problem with your doctor will be helpful. Where necessary, the doctor may change the prescription to a better-suited medicine.
Use Support Pillows While Sleeping
Many of us have the habit of turning during the night. Consider putting a few pillows around you to discourage movement. At the very least, this should provide a cushion if you turn and end up putting weight on the wrong side.
Using support pillows is most useful for keeping the spine aligned and supporting body parts like knees, ankles, stomach, and head. Plenty of options are available for support pillows, but memory foam pillows are usually the most recommended.
A pillow supporting the stomach can help reduce the pressure on the wound (incision). This could keep you more comfortable during the night.
Good Practices For Sleeping Better
Even after surgery, keep in mind the general good practices for better sleep. Get some sunlight during the day. It soothes the body and helps get the circadian rhythm stay on track. It’s a simple way towards a better night’s sleep.
Before going to sleep, practice some gentle deep breathing to help the body relax. Another common suggestion is to avoid the use of electronic devices (like mobile phones) at least an hour before you sleep. The blue light from these devices can disrupt sleep and mess with the circadian rhythm.
You can also consider other calming methods like drinking chamomile tea, meditation, or listening to calming music.
Also, avoid large or heavy meals near your time to sleep. Skip any caffeine or alcohol intake beyond the afternoon, or at least try to avoid it.
In any case, one of the most important habits for a better sleep is keeping a schedule. It helps after a surgery, but it’s a good habit to inculcate and keep forever. Try to sleep and get up at a fixed time and adhere to this schedule as closely as possible.
What Side Do You Lay On For Gallbladder Pain
Yet to have surgery and find yourself dealing with gallbladder pain? Laying on your left side can help manage the pain caused by gallstones that block the bile duct.
The best approach still is to see your doctor and discuss ways that can help with this problem medically. While home remedies or having the right sleeping position can help, they make only a small difference and your best bet for pain relief as well as better health is to get medical attention.
Managing Pain And Sleep After Gallbladder Surgery
Even though gallbladder surgeries are common, it doesn’t change the fact that any surgery is a traumatic event for the body. A good sleep and careful post-operative care are necessary for a quick and healthy recovery.
Some people may find it difficult to sleep well after this. So, learning how to sleep after gallbladder surgery is helpful.
The best sleep positions are sleeping on the back or the left side. You should also consider relaxing and breathing exercises before sleep to calm the mind for a better sleep. In case medications after surgery are interfering with sleep, consult your doctor for the best course of action.