Tips for sleeping on your back - its ... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

49,266 members31,181 posts

Tips for sleeping on your back - its a nightmare

haciendaplaya profile image
13 Replies

Into my 5th week after my quadruple heart bypass and seeking any top tips to help me sleep from anyone. Anyone taking additional sleeping tablets?

Thanks so much for responding - Suzanne

Written by
haciendaplaya profile image
haciendaplaya
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
13 Replies

Hi, when I was 5 weeks post op sleeping was a real issue (am 10 weeks post op now and it's still an issue but getting easier). I used to take a couple of codiene/paracetamol before going to bed and I use a triangular wedge pillow on top of which I put two normal pillows to be as upright as possible as lying flat is uncomfortable. Also find sleeping on the couch more comfortable than my bed as it's more upright.

haciendaplaya profile image
haciendaplaya in reply to

Will try that. The problem is waking up with ur neck and shoulder in a spasm!!

080311 profile image
080311

Hi, my normal sleeping position is on my side so after my op sleeping on my back was a problem, a V shaped pillow helped also I had a rolled up baby blanket that I use to wrap my arms around, for some reason it made me feel more secure! That blanket use to be with me all day it helped if I needed to cough or sneeze! (Family christened it Mums Teddy!) Remember vividly the first time I managed to get on my side to sleep bliss! Hope you can get a good nights sleep soon, remember things do improve as your sternum starts to heal.

Stay safe best wishes Pauline

haciendaplaya profile image
haciendaplaya in reply to 080311

Thks will give it a go. I can actually turn on my side and would be able to sleep on it but my surgeon has told me for the 1st six weeks NOT to so will just have to grim and hear it 😀

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

I used an adjustable backrest:

NRS Healthcare L98229 Healthcare Adjustable Angle Back Rest (Eligible for VAT Relief in The UK) amazon.co.uk/dp/B003LPUWEK/...

which I gradually lowered over the weeks. Because of breastbone pain I took a reducing dose of Tramadol for the first month. When I was on one a day I took it before bed. Some people use a Vee-pillow.

haciendaplaya profile image
haciendaplaya in reply to MichaelJH

Tramadol makes me go loopy!! So won’t be able to take them !!

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to haciendaplaya

I was on eight a day when I broke my femur! But then we all react differently..

080311 profile image
080311 in reply to MichaelJH

My goodness Michael you don’t do things by half do you! Stay safe Pauline

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to 080311

It's all plated and screwed!

080311 profile image
080311 in reply to MichaelJH

Woo,

husband broke his knee cap on board ship had his done in Singapore bone graft and screws! Hope everything is ok now with you.

Supernanu profile image
Supernanu

Hello Suzanne

I had a v shaped pillow on top of another normal pillow. And then had one more on each side so it felt as if I was in a cocoon.

My back also used to hurt by the morning but I would then sit in my recliner armchair and it would ease.

Now at 8 weeks post op I am able to sleep on my side, but sad to say that sometimes hurts my breastbone!!

So I alternate from back to side.

And I still wear my bra at night because it gives extra support.

But be assured it does get better and I am now sleeping fairly well.

Hope you soon feel better.

Nicole 😊💤😊

haciendaplaya profile image
haciendaplaya in reply to Supernanu

Good to hear it gets better that’s for sure 😀

NyMets profile image
NyMets

hi, we bought a memory foam “triangle” to help with sleeping upright to help the healing … worked for me, now on pillows.

You may also like...

Sleeping on back for at least 8 weeks

Hi, in week 7 post cabg and rehab physio told me to sleep on back until end week 8 to all sternum to

Nightmares

to suffer nightmares but I woke up after basically re living my heart attack, I woke up panicking...

Nightmare

update on my hubby was due to have bypass on Wednesday after a week in hospital and sat waiting for...

Sleep

Is anyone else having problems sleeping the last couple of weeks I'm struggling to sleep and it's...

Sleep Disturbance Bisoprolol?

feeling. If anyone has a similar sleep disruption it would be good to hear from you. Many Thanks.