Recovering Sleep After Anesthesia: Tips & Strategies

Sleep disturbances after anesthesia and surgery are a common occurrence. The more complex the surgery, the more likely it is that you will have problems sleeping for a few days afterward. Lack of sleep can delay your body's natural healing process and increase your level of pain. Several factors may contribute to the lack of good sleep at normal times following any type of surgery, including pain, stress and a disruption of your normal schedule. If you are hospitalized after surgery, the noise, bustle and frequent visits by the nursing staff can affect your ability to sleep.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a recommendation from your doctor regarding pain control after your surgery. Pain control is essential to regaining a normal sleep pattern.

• 2

  Establish a comfortable atmosphere for sleep. Before your surgery date, prepare your bedroom with extra pillows for support and cushioning and have other comfort items at hand, such as bottled water, tissues and snacks.

• 3

  Set an approximate schedule for your naps and bedtime. Sleeping too much during the daylight hours will affect your ability to sleep at night.

• 4

  Exercise nonmedical treatments for insomnia. Relaxation techniques and environmental control, such as keeping your bedroom quiet, cool and dark, will help restore your natural sleep habits.