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 Tips
to help you sleep after heart surgery
Many people complain of having trouble sleeping for some time after heart surgery. You may experience insomnia (an inability to sleep) because of:
- The affects of anesthesia
- Discomfort related to healing
- Changes in your daily routine
- Stress from personal concerns
If you cannot sleep following heart surgery,
try these tips:
- If you have pain,
take your pain medication about ½ hour before bedtime.
- Arrange the pillows
so you can maintain a comfortable position and decrease muscle strain.
- Avoid napping too
much during the day.
- Remember to balance
activity with rest during recovery from open heart surgery.
- If you feel nervous
or anxious, talk to your spouse, partner or a trusted friend. Get
your troubles off your mind.
- Avoid caffeine
in the evenings (such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and colas).
- Listen to relaxing
music or a guided imagery audio program.
- Get in a comfortable
position. Tense and relax muscles. Begin with your feet and work your
way up to your shoulders.
- Ask your partner
to give you a back rub.
- Take a relaxing
shower.
- Get into a bedtime
routine. Follow the same rituals to let your body know it is time to
relax and get to sleep.
If these steps do not help you sleep, don’t lose hope.
Your normal sleep patterns will return within a few months following heart surgery. Call your
doctor if:
- You notice a change in your behavior.
-
A lack of sleep is causing problems in your life.
- Normal sleeping
patterns do not return within two or three weeks.
For more information on insomnia
© Copyright
2006 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved. Reviewed 9/06
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