An elderly man laying in a hospital bed.

Getting good quality sleep isn’t always easy after surgery. Discomfort, anxiety and medication side effects all contribute to an unsettled night’s sleep – and disruption can also play a major factor. Hospitals are often bright, busy and noisy, which can make it hard to get to sleep and stay asleep.

In our blog we explore the most common aspects of post-surgery insomnia and offer some tips that may help to manage this through your recovery.

Why is sleep important after surgery?

Sleep helps our body to recover, restore damage to cells and help with cognitive function. Our body naturally does this when we sleep every night but after surgery it is even more important to enable the healing process, to keep our immune system working and help to decrease the risk of infection.

What causes insomnia after surgery?

Sleep disruption following surgery is usually temporary and a short-term response to stressors like pain. How long this will last after surgery varies from person to person but can last from a few days to several weeks. As mentioned above, if you are spending time in hospital post-surgery then this can be especially disruptive. This is especially the case for those who are admitted to the intensive care unit, or those who must stay in hospital for a longer period following major surgery.

For a small number of individuals, this post-surgery insomnia can last longer and become a more long-term issue if they have developed poor sleep habits after their operation.

doctor with patient in hospitaldoctor with patient in hospital

What are the most common causes of post-surgery insomnia?

Pain: This is the most common cause of sleep disruption after surgery. Pain can keep you awake and nearly all surgeries cause some level of discomfort.

Inflammatory Response: Our bodies automatically respond to surgery as it would to any other injury. The immune system triggers an inflammatory response to help protect the body and prevent infection. Major surgeries can increase this response and can contribute to sleep disturbances.

Medication side effects: General anaesthesia allows your surgeon to control pain and ensure you stay still, calm and unaware during your operation. It can, however, affect your normal sleep patterns. There is evidence that older adults are more susceptible to this and, for some, it can even result in short term memory impairment and confusion for a time afterwards. Other types of medication that can disrupt your sleep patterns include some antibiotics, as well as steroids and sedatives. Beta blockers have also been known to impact on the sleep of some individuals as they can affect production of the ‘sleep hormone’ – Melatonin.

Anxiety: Worrying about surgical procedures is normal but when it becomes intensified (known as acute procedural anxiety), this can lead to sleep disturbances before and after surgery and can also intensify perceptions of pain. If it continues over any length of time, it can push disrupted sleep into sleep deprivation.

Environmental disruptions: Hospital staff talking, telephones, bleeps and sounds from medical monitors and loud equipment (such as ventilators) are all commonly a part of the hospital environment - and can create significant noise. These levels can often be louder than the World Health Organisation suggests for good sleep. Also, whilst in hospital, you are likely to be woken for blood pressure tests and being given medication. In addition, you are stuck indoors so will be lacking sun exposure during the day yet getting too much light at night from the hospital lights and equipment. All this this can lead to a disruption in your natural circadian rhythm.

girl sleeping in eye maskgirl sleeping in eye mask

Eight tips for better sleep after surgery

Your health care provider may need to address some factors, including those where pain or anxiety need to be managed. However, there are also some lifestyle tweaks that you can make when you are home.

1. Pain management 

Keep in touch with your GP or Outpatient Department to manage post-operative pain effectively. This could involve medication, physical therapy or other treatments. If you are prescribed pain medication, make sure you understand the potential sleep-related side effects.

2. Natural bedding

Opt for natural bedding that is breathable and can help with temperature regulation. Wool is a great choice as it is especially efficient at helping to keep your core body temperature balanced, as well as being moisture wicking and dust mite resistant. For more information about natural 100% wool bedding visit our website. If you are undergoing surgery for breast cancer, then our not-for-profit Heart Shaped Comfort Cushion can help provide support as well as cushioning tender areas.

heart shaped comfort cushionheart shaped comfort cushion

3. Sleep position

Experiment with different sleep positions to find which one helps to alleviate any discomfort.

4. Sleep environment 

Keep your bedroom cool and dark. Use ear plugs or a sleep mask if needed. These could also help whilst you are still in hospital.

5. Limit screen time

Switch off TVs and devices an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted from these can disrupt the production of Melatonin - and so make it more difficult to fall asleep. Try reading a book instead if you need a little extra help getting to sleep.

6. Relaxation techniques

Meditation or breathing exercises can help with stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep. Whilst meditating, try the Cherish Nature lavender filled eye pillow to help you to relax. This lovely eye pillow is part of the Cherish Nature range of gorgeous, handcrafted, products made in Devon, using 100% natural ingredients and essential oils.

7. Establish a routine

As soon as you can, try and establish a consistent daily routine, as this will help to reset your body clock.

8. Naps

Short naps for about 20 minutes will help to boost your energy during the day but try not to have them too close to bedtime or nap for too long.

When should I talk to my doctor?

If you are continuing to struggle with sleep after an operation, then talk with your doctor about your symptoms. They may be able to adjust any medication you are taking. Also, talking to your doctor about any concerns you may have prior to your surgery may help to reduce the worry and therefore any sleep problems after the surgery.

 

Ref: Sleep Foundation, Big Health UK

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. While we’ve drawn on reputable sources, we are not medical professionals. If you are experiencing persistent sleep problems or have concerns about your health, please consult your GP or qualified healthcare provider.