Ask anyone who has been through surgery what surprised them most, and many will say it was how hard it was to sleep. Pain, swelling, drains, incisions and new positions all get in the way, and good rest is one of the things your body needs most to heal. The right position depends on where your surgery was, so here is a simple guide to talk through with your care team.
Three basics for almost everyone
- Start on your back, slightly raised. For many procedures, sleeping on your back with your upper body raised keeps pressure off incisions and can help with swelling and breathing.
- Use pillows to hold you in place. Pillows beside you, under your knees or between your legs can keep you from rolling into a position that hurts during the night.
- Make getting up easy. Keep water, medication, your phone and a light within reach so you aren't twisting or stretching at 2 a.m.
Positions by procedure
- Tummy tuck, hysterectomy and C-section: On your back with your head and shoulders raised and a pillow under your knees, so your belly isn't stretched. A small pillow to hug can help when you cough or shift. Some surgeons want tummy tuck patients slightly bent at the waist for the first weeks.
- Mastectomy and breast surgery: On your back, raised, with small pillows supporting your arms. Side and stomach sleeping are often off limits for several weeks.
- BBL: The goal is to keep pressure off the buttocks, so stomach or side sleeping is common, often with a face-down pillow or supportive cushions. Your surgeon will tell you how long.
- Knee replacement and knee surgery: On your back with the leg straight. Many surgeons advise against a pillow directly under the knee after knee replacement, because it can make it harder to get the leg fully straight. Ask how to elevate safely.
- Hip replacement: Often on your back at first. If side sleeping is allowed, a firm pillow between your knees helps keep the hip in a safe position. Rules vary by surgical approach.
- Back and spine surgery: On your back with pillows under your knees, or on your side with a pillow between your knees, keeping your spine straight.
- Heart surgery: Usually on your back, raised, to protect the breastbone. Ask when side sleeping is OK.
Tip of the week: test your setup before surgery
Spend one night, or even one nap, in your recovery position before your surgery date. You'll find out which pillows you need, whether a recliner works better than your bed, and what needs to be moved within reach while you still feel like doing it.
Myth vs. fact
Myth: If you can't sleep well after surgery, something must be wrong.
Fact: Broken sleep is common in the first weeks. Anesthesia, pain, medications and a new routine can all play a part, and sleep usually improves as you heal. If it isn't getting better, or you have pain, fever or breathing trouble that keeps you up, call your care team.
Get ready before surgery
A few helpers make it easier to stay in the right position all night. The adjustable Wedge Recovery Pillow gives you upper-body elevation in your own bed. For breast surgery, the Mastectomy Recovery & Protection Pillow cushions your chest; after abdominal surgery, the Hysterectomy Pillow is there to hug when you cough or shift; and for BBL recovery, the Facedown BBL Recovery Pillow keeps pressure where it belongs. Add the Recovery Bed Tray with Organizer to keep essentials within reach, and Disposable Underpads to protect your mattress or recliner.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Sleep positions and restrictions vary by procedure and surgeon. Always follow your surgeon's instructions.
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