How to Sleep After Shoulder Surgery: Best Practices

As anyone who has had to undergo shoulder surgery has learned for themselves, sleep is often one of the hardest parts of recovering from a surgical procedure. For those who have had shoulder surgery of any kind, rest rarely comes easily in the early days after the procedure. 

People living with untreated shoulder problems can have affected sleep as a result of pain and discomfort. When corrective surgical procedures are finally completed, it is completely normal and understandable that patients seek all available avenues to get that much needed rest. 

Rest assured, normal sleep eventually returns post-operation. A 2022 study found that a majority of patients reported resolution of their preoperative sleep problems within six months of rotator cuff repair, but the early period can be restless and painful (Chalmers et al., 2022).

At Ortho Westmount, our orthopedic surgeons understand how challenging sleep can be both while living with chronic pain and after shoulder surgery. This article shares practical advice for how to sleep after shoulder surgery to help patients have a more comfortable and effective recovery.

Sleep Matters

Good sleep helps every aspect of the healing process. The body’s ability to restore itself each night is what drives recovery. This is when the work done during the surgery can truly take hold. Sleep is how you recharge both mentally and physically, which allows you to achieve the best results in physical therapy. 

While sleep is very important post-surgery, the shoulder joint is vulnerable to stiffness and pain when healing. After shoulder surgery, swelling, bandaging, and limited mobility make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. The surgical site can be sensitive to even small shifts in weight or changes in position. 

Sleeping After Shoulder Surgery: Practical Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

Finding the Right Sleeping Position

The most common question shoulder surgery patients usually have is how to position themselves at night so that they can sleep comfortably and avoid aggravating their operated shoulder. 

Lying flat can cause pain or tension in the injured shoulder, so a semi-inclined position works better for most people. A wedge pillow or an adjustable bed that lifts the upper body 30 to 45 degrees can relieve strain. Some patients rest more easily in a recliner chair until they can return to a regular bed.

Body pillow systems or firm pillows placed under the injured arm can keep the shoulder supported while you sleep. Moreover, positioning another pillow as a prop  between your torso and arm can prevent rolling forward or twisting during sleep. It is important to avoid lying on the operated side until your surgeon confirms that healing has progressed enough for that pressure.

Sleeping with a Sling

Another common question we get is if it is okay to remove your sling at night? For most patients, we advise not to remove the sling at night at first because the sling keeps the affected shoulder stable during the early healing stage. 

Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to remove the sling during sleep. If the sling feels tight or awkward, try resting your forearm on a soft pillow to ease pressure on the injured arm. 

Managing Pain and Temperature

We recognize that pain post-surgery interrupts sleep more than anything else. Schedule taking your anti-inflammatory and/or pain relief medicine about 30 minutes before bed in order to help ease discomfort before it becomes overwhelming. Keeping a regular medicine schedule prevents spikes in severe pain that can wake you during the night.

Cold therapy also helps relieve pain and swelling at the end of the day. Apply an ice pack to the shoulder for about 15 to 20 minutes before bedtime to calm swelling. But moderation matters. Prolonged icing reduces circulation and can irritate the skin. A pattern of 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off is recommended. Always use a thin cloth between the ice and skin.

Setting Up the Sleep Environment

Your surroundings should support recovery. A cool, quiet, dark room helps the body relax. Soft pillows around the neck and upper body can steady your position while protecting the injured shoulder. Some patients find that placing an extra pillow behind their back prevents turning during the night.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime since both undermine sleep quality. If sleep continues to be poor after several weeks, speak with your surgeon or physiotherapist. Sometimes small adjustments to medication or routine can make a difference.

Progressing Back to Normal Sleep

As mobility improves through physical therapy, the ability to rest naturally follows. Pain decreases, and stiffness fades. Gradually, you’ll be able to sleep flatter and move more freely. Most people notice improvement by the third or fourth week. By six months, the majority report steady, restful sleep again.

Healing after rotator cuff surgery or shoulder replacement surgery takes time. Let your comfort guide your progress, and avoid forcing your body into positions that cause pain. Recovery works best when patience meets consistency.

Get Expert Care at Ortho Westmount

Recovering from shoulder surgery is a process that extends beyond the operating room. Every aspect—pain medications, rehabilitation, and even learning how to rest—benefits from knowledgeable guidance. 

At Ortho Westmount, our team provides complete care for patients dealing with shoulder injuries and post-surgical recovery.

We treat a broad range of conditions, from rotator cuff tears and shoulder instability to advanced shoulder replacement procedures. 

If shoulder pain is affecting your sleep, daily function, or peace of mind, start by learning what’s possible. Contact us to schedule a consultation. An informed conversation is often the first step toward feeling like yourself again.

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References

• Chalmers, P. N., Granger, E., Nelson, R., Yoo, M., Chamberlain, A. M., & Keener, J. D. (2022). Majority of patients find sleep patterns return to normal 6 months following rotator cuff repair. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 31(5), 998–1006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35219845/
• Mount Sinai Health System. (n.d.). Using your shoulder after surgery. Retrieved from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/selfcare-instructions/using-your-shoulder-after-surgery
• Indiana University Health. (2024). Tips for recovery and rehabilitation after shoulder replacement surgery. Retrieved from https://iuhealth.org/thrive/tips-for-recovery-and-rehabilitation-after-shoulder-replacement-surgery
• Oh, J. H., et al. (2017). The effect of sleep disturbance on functional outcomes after rotator cuff repair. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(5), 963–970. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28298063/

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