Tips To Help You Sleep After Heart Surgery

Often patients complain that they are finding it difficult to fall asleep after heart surgery. This can add to their stress as sleep is a vital medicine when it comes to recovering.

The patients are tired and they want to sleep, but could not do so due to reasons such as lingering effects of anaesthesia, pain, discomfort, disrupted daily routine or stress and concern stemming from surgery or any other issues related to life.

Whatever might be the reason, it is important to sleep properly for a better recovery. While physical issues can be tackled with pain management techniques, patients would slowly get accustomed to their routine changes, which would help improve their sleep cycle. And if it does not get better, here are a few tips to help you out.

Pain Management
Heart issues might be caused due to mitral regurgitation or several other issues, but once the surgery is done, the associated pain and discomfort should go away. But in case you still feel it, then it is essential to talk to your doctor. They would help you with pain management techniques so that you can get the maximum benefits before bedtime. Also, do not overdo any physical activity during the day that might cause discomfort during sleep time.

Routine
To sleep better, you should create a routine and adhere to it after heart surgery. The routine would synchronize with your biological clock, and you will feel sleepy when the resting time comes. To make a routine and follow it, you should:

Take medicines on time
Avoid long naps and for the strategic, short ones.
Incorporate light activities slowly and balance them with ample rest. Whether your heart issues were due to mitral regurgitation or any other problem, starting to work immediately after might trigger the root cause.
You can create a relaxing bedtime routine with things that make your mind feel at peace, like lighting up some scented candles.
Make sure that you do not take in any caffeine post afternoon.

Asking Out For Help
You might feel vulnerable and stressed out after the surgery, this is quite natural and hence you must seek out help. Talk to someone whenever you feel anxious and listen to relaxing music or guided meditation to have a better sleep. You can also do a shoulder rub and rearrange the position of your pillow to let out the stress levels.

Be kind to your body and listen to what it is telling you. Sometimes, something as basic as taking a hot shower can relax your mind and body. You can also take your favourite blanket and read books that you love. Do not think about things that might worry you or cause disruption in your sleep.