I had a hip replacement 3 weeks ago and since then every night I struggle sleeping. This probably has a lot to do with being told to sleep on my back . I haven’t seen the surgeon since leaving the hospital to ask their advice, and my appointment is not for another two weeks! Any suggestions?
Sleep on your side, if that is preferred, but prop your leg up with a pillow.
I slept on my opposite side with a knee pillow between my legs, I was not told to sleep only on my back.
I didn’t like sleeping on my back either so slept on a recliner for weeks after surgery. I didn’t raise the foot section but used a hassock (with pillows on it) instead.
Once I was feeling good about sleeping on the bed, I would fall asleep on my back, but preferred side (opposite of THR one) and used a pillow between my knees.
Thank you, Geff
Thank you, Kathleen
Diannesk I think I may need to stay downstairs on the recliner from now on because last night was the worst night ever! I moved from bedroom to bedroom trying to fall asleep. 1 lay on my side with a pillow between my legs but it felt uncomfortable!
I was suppose to go out with my brother this morning for a ride in the car and a little walk, but I feel too defeated and worn out.
I have had very little sleep in 3 weeks and it is now having a negative effect! Even a sleeping tablet didn’t work?
i think it depends who who and where did your surgery as advice from professions seems to differ greatly. I had a THR which which was done with the posterior approach and robotically assisted during surgery. i have physio since week 2. sleeping has been horrendous also as biggest stipulation as i was given was to sleep on my back for 6 weeks. as i am not in pain from the hip ive not taken pain killers after first week post op so not even having a ‘drugged’ sleep. it was really getting to me until my teenager solved the problem…white noise… headphones in with the radio playing very very quietly. tv also worked but that keeps my husband awake so radio is less instrusive. have slept better for past couple of nights for doing this, woke up 1 last night. sleep tight tonight 
Thanks for your advice Mrs Hoppy I will putting some music on tonight. I am already dreading tonight!
i think i must be a rarity as i had my THR 2 years ago and was told to sleep on my back.
i actually got so used to it that i now prefer it and it feels strange if i sleep on my side!!
i had problems as well as I hated sleeping on my back, and couldn’t cope with the pillow between my legs on the side. i found it much easier when I put one pillow under my knees, and another higher one under my feet. Don’t know whether it was recommended, but worked for me! Good luck.
I wish I could get use to sleeping on my back because it’s very good for my hair. I get out of bed with my hair looking presentable which means I don’t have to wash it every day!
Wish I had found this forum earlier as it is such a blessing to speak to such encouraging people X
Thank you, Yvonne X
I feel so much better because of all the encouragement from this group! So grateful X
Hi Carol I had TLHR posterior approach last March and sleeping on my back for 6 weeks was horrendous i used to go downstairs and sleep on my recliner.
I asked my consultant why I had to do this and he said if you sleep on your side your muscles are so relaxed your hip could dislocate, it all depends on what procedure your surgeon did so just be careful and follow his guidelines, good luck on your recovery.
Hi Carol,
I was told twelve weeks precautions and dreaded lying on my back, even tried to practice before op but, looking after the hip was my main concern. I packed pillows down each side and one between the legs, I normally had 2- 3 hours at a time, not great but as I said the hip was more important. I started sleeping on operated side at eight weeks when it felt more comfortable. We were told at joint school recliners were not recommended as they did not hold the hip in the correct position. After going through it and looking back, it seems to have gone quickly, don’t forget we have all been there and it is possible, uncomfortable at times but, something you can get through. Good luck with the rest of your recovery.
Thank you, Philip, I better be safe and stay on my back. It looks like it’s the recliner for the next 3 weeks as the bed is not helping X
Hiya Carol…
I had my RTHR last October and like most folks couldn’t do sleeping on side, even with pillows etc, so first day back home from hospital, my wife putt some pillows and a rolled up blanket behind me in bed. I found i could sleep laying slightly upright very well, i also used headphones with very low level sounds, this again worked out very well. I was getting some good 7 / 8 hours every night..
All the best with your recovery, hope you have a very sound sleep tonight..
Stay Safe & Stay Happy..
Pete..
I too hated sleeping on my back. I used to get to sleep ok, and then I’d wake up and think, great, I’ve slept through the night, and then realise that it was only midnight! Then I used to prowl around on my slightly squeaky crutches… At 3 weeks you are half way through, hang on in there… Now, weirdly I often end up my back. All the best, Judith
wow Judith very encouraging. This morning when I initiated this conversation I was at my lowest ready to cave in, now I have hope!
I have just woke from a well needed hour nap on my recliner. Onwards upwards X