Post op sleeping STINKS!

Ugh.... stinks huh?  I think we're probably a lot alike since I'm doing the same thing.  I'm sleeping in the bed a few hours and then moving to the recliner (or vice versa) for a few hours.  Oh well, I guess I should be happy to get some sleep at all!!

Sleepless in Florida (LOL),
Ginger

P.S. Good luck in the future!!

Sleep issues abound with post ops.  I took sleeping pills preop and slept well most nights. Postop, I have sleep issues, even with the sleeping pills.  Here are a few things I found work for me, but you may have differnt results, so they are not guaranteed to resolve your issue.  Even when you are a few weeks post op, sleeping on your stomach may not allow a good night's sleep.  I've used Tryptophan or Melatonin to help sleep.  These are OTC supplements.  These work most nights. I've also used those noise suppresson headsets, like you see used on gun ranges.  These will moderate noises, but not all sounds.  They may be uncomfortable, but they may be a solution. I've also tried those ear wax "wads" used at gun ranges too. These also help reduce noises that may wake you up.  Lastly, there are noise generators that work via a small speaker or ear buds. These offer white noise, surf sounds, birds chirping, beach wave sounds, etc. that may be soothing to help you sleep. I've used these for an hour or so when I've taken headache meds during the day, offering a hours "timeout" to resolve my headache.  But also be aware, that some sleep meds (Ambien seems to be one noted here) that may offer other issues--like eating during the night, with no recollection of this the next day--only mention by family members or "evidence" on your kitchen countertop.  Good luck. DAVE

Thanks so much for all your help!! I'll give a few suggestions a try.  Im desperate!

Ginger

Ginger,
 I'm sorry you're having trouble sleeping! For me, I slept pretty much all the time for the first week. My pain meds were wonderful with helping me get rest. I don't really have any good advice, but just know that after a week or two it gets much better! 
Steph

I can't wait for this to pass .. just so I can sleep again! lol  I'm such a crabby grouch without sleep!!
I hate the way the painkillers make me feel during the day so I haven't taken them then but I did take them last night to help me drift off..... it worked!!

Ginger

 I slept in the recliner the first couple of weeks too.  I still have trouble, but it's getting better at 5 weeks post-op.

Here is what I did - 

I bought 2 body pillows.  I had hubby put on behind me right under my back, the other one under my belly.  Put a pillow in between my knees and slept comfortably all cacooned in, plus it kept me from accidentally rolling on to my stomach.  

Oooooo body pillows!! I'm gonna have to stop tomorrow and get some!! Thanks for the idea!!!! 

Ginger

It gets better I promise!! IT did for me finally the last 48 hours omg... like heaven.

So, here's a little tangent to this particular question... Since so many of us have had some insomnia issues post-op, does the weight loss itself ever help fix the insomnia?  For me I am thinking that as I drop my sleep apnea should improve, and at the same time my insomnia should improve.  Anyone else find themselves in the same situation where the weight loss actually helped contribute to better sleeping?