It’s important to follow these sleeping precautions for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery, depending on your health and personal recovery.
- The best sleeping position for your hip is to lie on your back with a pillow between your legs. This will ensure you won’t twist your body during sleep, which could put you at risk of your new hip popping out of its socket. Just make sure you don’t twist your feet outwards or cross your ankles; keep them naturally pointed towards the roof so you don’t put pressure on your recovering hip.
- If you prefer to sleep on your side, only lie on the side that does not have the recovering hip and make sure you line two pillows up between your legs. The pillows should prevent your top leg from moving forward across your body, which can cause pressure on your hip.
- Do not sleep on your stomach, as it is difficult to prevent your hip from twisting.
- Do not draw your knee up towards your stomach past a natural 90-degree angle.
- Avoid reaching to pull up the covers from a lying down position.
- While it can be difficult to get used to these new positions, it’s important that you do prioritise sleep. A good night of sleep will help your body heal naturally, boost your overall wellbeing, reduce stress and anxiety and help you to have the energy you need for your rehabilitation.
Your doctor will advise when you can return to your favourite sleeping positions again.
To help you through your hip replacement and ensure you know the ins and outs of your surgery and recovery, Dr Stuart MacKenzie, one of the top Orthopaedic Surgeons in Newcastle and the Hunter, has created a free e-guide on hip replacements.
