Sleeping problems

[SRDS]

Another problem that my husband has at the moment, is sleeping. As I said before, he had a quadruple bypass. He is not able to find a position to sleep uninterrupted. Every time he finds one position, he is sleeping at an angle at the moment, it gets uncomfortable.l, even painful. I don't know how to help him to sleep better. I will be grateful for any advice please.

[Heather1957]

For the first few weeks I slept in a recliner, it was the only way I could stay on my back. In bed I tend to naturally lay on my side.

[SRDS in reply to Heather1957]

Yes he has been on the recliner. Same problem though. Cannot sit in one position. I suppose it is a pain management issue? And thanks for your reply. Appreciate it.

[Heather1957 in reply to SRDS]

recovery was an awful time, I was released from ICU after 4 days because they needed my bed, TBF I was glad to come home. I was taking co-codomol and as I could only take 8 a day spaced them out so I was taking 2 just as I was going to go to sleep. I didn't find it a brilliant pain killer but they did make me tired.I hope he manages to get some sleep soon as it is so important. I have to admit my sleep lately is awful, I had medication changes since my stents in October and wake up more tired than when I go to bed.

[SRDS in reply to Heather1957]

Yes I agree. Skeep us so important right now. Will ask the gp if it does not improve. Thanks again Heather1957. Maybe the change in your medications need an adjusting time? How long has it been since the medications changed?

[Heather1957 in reply to SRDS]

October last, I think it is the new thinners I am on , they leave me panting (I know that sounds strange), I wake up with a totally dry mouth several times a night which means I am not getting into a good sleep. I should go back onto Clopidogrel in October but I don't think I can last.

I wish us all a very good night sleep!!

[SRDS in reply to Heather1957]

Thank you Heather1957

[Gail1967]

Hi for my 1st few weeks I had a pillow under either shoulder so that I was at an angle - it is difficult though but does get better. I still remember the 1st night I was able to sleep in my “normal position”- felt I’d really achieved something!!

[SRDS in reply to Gail1967]

Thank you Gail 1967

[Mart25]

Shaivi, Sleeping is definitely a challenge after a bypass. I think your husband just needs to sleep wherever and whenever he can - it all adds up! I couldn't sleep much longer than 2 hours at a time at night, so I would get up and go downstairs for a cup of tea. Sometimes I would try the bed again and sometimes I could get another couple of hours. Sometimes I'd mangage to sleep in a comfy chair in the lounge. I had cushions and a blanket there all ready for use if needed. I had headphones and music, and a good book available too. During the day I would get tired and as soon as I felt sleepy I would try to grab a half hour snooze in a chair a couple of times a day. It's tough, but it DOES get better slowly.

[SRDS in reply to Mart25]

Thanks Mart25. Your description of how it was for you seems to be exactly like my husband's current experience. Yes I will tell him to nap whenever he can. It is true. It all adds up. I hope that you are all better now. Thanks again.

[Mart25 in reply to SRDS]

Shaivi, Thanks. My bypass was done in October 2020 and my wife and I went through all the things you and your husband are experiencing. It's a shock and everything is new and worrying. This wonderful forum will help.

[SRDS in reply to Mart25]

Yes the forum does help. Thank you again.

[MountainGoat52]

I slept on my own in the spare room, lying on my back, propped up on pillows for the first 6 weeks after my operation. Sleep was erratic and I woke every hour or two. Occasionally I used the recliner in the lounge, often finding something interesting on TV to take my mind off how unsettled I was. I didn't get to sleep on my right side until 8 weeks and it was another month before I could sleep on my left side.

I can certainly sympathise with you and your husband. When I got back to sleeping in my usual bed it wasn't easy as my breathing had changed and was much louder when I exhaled which disturbed my wife. It was months before that settled down.

[SRDS in reply to MountainGoat52]

Thank you. It is comforting to see that it gets better. Hope you doing well now. Take care.

[ChoochSiesta]

I had the same problem, just 1 position possible. However, after a week things gradually got easier and still do, it's such a slow process this recovery thing though!

[SRDS in reply to ChoochSiesta]

Yes you said it. If it is normal and it is part of the recovery process, it is okay. We will be patient. Thank you ChoochSiesta

[XmasEve24]

Yes that’s one of the worst things in the first few weeks of recovery. All of the above good recommendations. I slept (or tried to) alone on 4 pillows with another two propping up the sides. It all seems endless but everyday you are getting a little better and soon you will be comfortable and sleeping normally again. Good luck.

[SRDS in reply to XmasEve24]

Thanks XmasEve24. Trying the pillows too. It is good to hear that it gets better.

[Jazz100]

I bought my hubby a large V shaped pillow. It was really supportive and kept him just at the right angle. He had two ordinary pillows under it. He also used in the day time as it really helped.He also was on a short course of mild sleeping tablets as he sleep pattern was so bad. He is 8 months on from his bypass now and still getting back to normal, but things are generally much improved.

[SRDS in reply to Jazz100]

Thanks Jazz100. I saw the V pillow online. Will check it out