Cannot sleep after CABG

[stevetheadi]

I've always found it difficult to sleep. Over the last few years I've only ever had 3/4 hours sleep per night.

Like all insomniacs I've tried everything, from medication, supplements to CBT-i but nothing really helped. In the end I accepted it and functioned happily enough from day to day.

Since I had a triple bypass last Tuesday (25th June) I seem to have lost the ability to sleep completely.

In the hospital that's not so surprising but I've been home for three days and all I do at night is move from bed to chair, chair to bed. Uncomfortable, itchy, tired but never sleepy.

Also, my tinnitus has got worse since the op so I need to play masking sounds at night.

If anyone has any tips that they can share, I'd be grateful. I'm a bit worried about the effect 'no sleep' will have on my recovery.

Thanks.

[Snowflake01]

It will get better! I'm 3 weeks post CABG and sleep has just started to improved greatly, feels like I'm turning a corner. The first week post CABG was very broken and disturbed sleep (trying to find comfortable positions, aches/pains, leg itchiness etc). The second week was a gradual improvement for me, but slow.

Some of the things that made it easier for me: Paracetamol helped to dull any aches/pains; pillows and v-pillow to support the body (mainly lying on the back or at a slight tilt to the left or right); making sure I was tired enough when going to bed.

The first week was the worst for me by far - it has got a lot better, time is the healer 🙂

[stevetheadi in reply to Snowflake01]

Thanks!

It's been pretty horrible not sleeping, can't get comfortable, aches/pains, worrying.

Everything seems a lot worse at 3am!

Good to know it will get better I just need to be patient.

[Snowflake01 in reply to stevetheadi]

Just take it easy and get sleep where you can. I took my Paracetamols around 10pm and then 2-3am to try and improve the sleep (kept the 24 hour dose within the guidelines, just more spaced out in the day). The tourment of itchy legs does ease as well (nobody warned me about that one as the hairs grow back!).

[stevetheadi in reply to Snowflake01]

Thanks

I don't seem to feel sleepy like I used to. I'm always alert.

I'll try some meditation tonight, see if that helps.

[Jedi14]

My heart goes out to you! My mrs had exactly the same condition as well as being a diabetic. Lack of sleep and ichyness she struggled hard. In later stages, kidney failure. Could not find satisfactory answers, sorry.

[Barry883]

I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this. Recovering from a major surgery like a triple bypass is tough enough without adding sleep issues into the mix. It’s great that you’re reaching out for advice.

Here are a few tips that might help:

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Try to establish a consistent routine that signals to your body it’s time to wind down. This could include a warm bath, gentle stretching, reading a book, or listening to calming music.=

Control Your Environment: Make your bedroom as comfortable as possible. Use blackout curtains, keep the room cool, and try earplugs or an eye mask if you’re sensitive to noise and light.

Sound Masking: Since your tinnitus has worsened, continue using masking sounds that help you. Apps like White Noise, Relax Melodies, or even a white noise machine might be useful.

Avoid Stimulants: Steer clear of caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals close to bedtime. Instead, opt for a light snack if you're hungry.

Stay Active: Gentle exercise during the day can help tire your body out, but avoid vigorous activity close to bedtime. A short walk or light stretching can be beneficial.

Limit Naps: While it might be tempting to nap during the day, try to keep them short (20-30 minutes) and earlier in the day to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to fall asleep. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer guided sessions.

Pain and Itch Management: Speak to your doctor about any pain or itchiness you're experiencing. They might be able to adjust your medication or suggest alternatives that can help you feel more comfortable.

Professional Help: If sleep continues to be elusive, consider consulting a sleep specialist who can offer more personalized advice and treatment options.

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Recovery takes time, and it’s natural for your body to need a bit of adjustment post-surgery. Be gentle with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.

Try to avoid using mobile or any electronic device before going to bed for 30 minutes prior to sleeping, you can do something else like journaling, reading books, and meditation.

Hope this will help you to get good sleep.

[stevetheadi in reply to Barry883]

Thank you.

Lots of very good advice there.

I saw my GP yesterday and he suggested that the disruptive effect of hospital wards on sleep (beeping, lights, taking my obs every hour etc) will take a few weeks to get out of my system.

If my sleep hasn't improved in a month or so he will prescribe something but hopefully that won't be required.