Can really understand about not getting comfortable on your back for sleep. Like you I am a side sleeper and getting comfortable after surgery was a bit of a problem. I found 3 pillows 2 at an angle 1 in the middle and the rolled up baby blanket I had for when I needed to cough or sneeze! Held to my chest with my arms wrapped round worked for me. Though the first time I could sleep on my side was heaven!
Like Pauline, it was 6 weeks for me to be able to sleep on my side... then only one way, but it improved bit by bit until at around 10 to 12 weeks it wasn't an issue any more.
Hi Claire, I had my surgery on 10/2/25 and had the the same problem so I completely sympathise with you, I am a front sleeper and found it impossible to rest for more than an hour or two, also purchased a recliner, raiser chair, did not help me with sleep personally, phycology helped me feel I had some alternative, by week three I just managed to sleep on my side hugging a pillow, such a releif, I am now week four and sleeping on my front, still only manage maximum of four hours sleep, then awake for a while, and back of to sleep, so we'll manageable , every day has been an improvement, so things will get much better, and very quickly for you, best of luck , Jeremy
While still in hospital I figured out that I could sleep 1/2 way over on my side. The trick was to put some pillows behind my butt to keep me stable in the 1/2 way position.
Me too, sleeping on my back was awful. I managed naps not a long stretch. I tried to organise pain meds so I took them before bed and let them knock me out. I also napped in the day. The first time I managed to to sleep on my side - about 5/6 weeks. Bliss
hi , absolutely agree with you ! Side sleeper as well , I used a triangle pillow and a pillow across it with one either side ! Sometimes a pillow under my knees helped , I do remember the 1st night I was able to sleep on my side got about 2 hours proper sleep ! Promise it will get better about 5/6 weeks , take care and wishing you a good recovery 🙂
hi Claire . I’m Jane,69 and had a quadruple bypass nearly 12 months ago . Completely understand the sleeping on your back thing. I bought new soft pillows from Next so that I sink into them more and started having a milky drink before bed which helped . As your ribs heal and you get more active the tiredness will zonk u out but I must admit sleeping on my side now is a joy . You will get there it just takes a little time xxx
Hi Claire, I found lack of sleep after OHS one of the worst parts of recovery. Like many people on the forum I used a wedge with pillows just to keep me more upright...not much luck with sleep and as a normal side sleeper, after a few weeks I wondered if I could prop one side of me up if that would work. I used a soft pillow long ways and put it from under my shoulder down to my waist so I wasn't right over on my side but tilted over slightly. This made enough difference for me to be able to get a few hours sleep at least. Not for everybody but anything is worth a try because the lack of sleep makes you feel less like doing things the next day like the exercise which is also a big part of recovery. Good luck and I hope you manage to get more shut eye. Take care xx
Hi Claire, likewise Southampton but last June, to be honest, I never got a god night's sleep until about week 4 or 5. No end of pillows in various positions worked. I awoke one day on my front with no idea how I got in that position and from then on I just slept however I was comfortable. I found the pace of general improvement really accelerated after week 4 but still choose not to drive until week 6. Hang in there, it will get much better over the next few weeks.
Hi. I had my ohs last september. It took me some time to sleep on my back with pillows. After a few weeks i could sleep on my right hand side but i still can not sleep on my left hand side. Revovery is a very slow process. Don't force yourself, be patient and you will get better. When invited join the cardiac rehab classes, which will make you tired then you'll be able to sleep better.Good luck.
Also a UHS patient, although in my case CABGx3 June last year. After a lifetime of sleeping on my side or front, I too could not get comfortable, though weirdly, my first night home from So'ton I had a great night's sleep! I found that by simply changing the mix of pillows helped as I had a thinner, firmer pillow on top due to my neck angle sleeping on my front. I changed it for a softer pillow and that helped, but like others, I also slept half on my side, i.e. with my shoulder at right angles to the mattress. I found it easier to sleep like that on my left side than right, although I naturally sleep on my right or front.
I also realised that I was concerned about what might happen to my chest wound if I lay on my side, but as I became more confident about that, I probably relaxed a bit more and that aided sleep as well.
It does get better fairly quickly and last night I got a 'superb sleep' rating from my sleep app and am probably sleeping better than I ever have. Hang in, you'll get there!
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6 Days post Triple Bypass Operation
Gavs bypass
Triple Bypass surgery
Triple Heart Bypass
