How to get a good nights sleep after an ACL surgery

There are many ways surgery can help change someone’s life after an ACL tear. While the surgery can help get you moving again, the healing and rehabilitation process takes time.

Sleep is an important part of your recovery; however, it is common that those who are recovering from a knee reconstruction find it difficult to sleep at night. The pain and the immobility of your knee as it heals can affect your ability to get a good night’s rest.

If you’re recovering from an ACL injury, try these five tips to catch a night of quality z’s.

1. Ice your knee before bed for 20 minutes. This can help numb your joint so you can have a good night’s sleep.
2. Sleep in a recliner if you are struggling to get comfortable in bed. A recliner will give you the ability to raise your legs if they are causing you discomfort.
3. Talk to your doctor about sleep aids if you need them. You will likely take pain medication during the initial phase of your recovery, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about sleep aids you can take that won’t be affected by your medication.
4. Take your pain medication just before bed. It is also a good idea to take your pain medication in the hour just before bed to ease any aches. Keep pain killers beside your bed in case your knee causes you issues when you wake.
5. Sleep with a pillow between your knees. If you like to sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to pad your injured joint.

Getting a good night of sleep will help support your body’s natural healing process, reduce your stress and anxiety, give you the energy you need for your daily rehabilitation exercises, and boost your overall health and wellbeing.

One of the best ways you can support your ACL recovery is to get a full understanding of how the treatment and rehabilitation process works. Dr Stuart MacKenzie, one of the top Orthopaedic Surgeons in Newcastle and the Hunter, has created a free e-guide on knee replacement surgery to help you through the process.