I had total shoulder replacement surgery on February 13. Since March 1 I have only had two nights of maybe 6 hours week. Otherwise I have only like 2 hours sleep. Many nights I may not fall asleep till after 4 or 5 am. I usually go to bed around 11:30 pm. I do not have the tv on. I just close my eyes and try to fall asleep. Between having this sling on my arm and having to sleep on my back is causing these sleepless nights. I am a side sleeper by the way. I tried melatonin, magnesium and chamomile tea with no help. I asked the doctor for a sleeping pill. It only worked twice after using it for about a week. I feel like by sleep rhythm is seriously messed up. Can anyone offer any advice for me? I have never been in a situation like this before and not sleeping really scares me for my health and healing process.
Hi! I’m so sorry you’re going through this—sleep is so important, especially for healing. While I’m not a medical professional and this isn’t medical advice, here are some things we’ve learned through experience that might be worth trying:
It sounds like your disrupted sleep is tied to both the discomfort from recovery and a shift in your sleep rhythm (also known as your circadian rhythm). Since you’re naturally a side sleeper, being forced to sleep on your back could be a major factor. You might consider using extra pillows or a wedge system to create a more supported, slightly side-leaning position—some people find relief this way even while in a sling.
For the sleep schedule itself, you may want to gently try resetting your circadian rhythm by exposing yourself to natural light in the morning (even just sitting near a window) and keeping lights dim in the evening. Avoiding phone screens close to bedtime might also help.
If you’re still struggling, you might want to ask your doctor about a referral to a sleep specialist or occupational therapist—they may be able to help with both sleep positioning and rhythm regulation.
You’re definitely not alone—many people struggle with sleep after major surgery. Be patient with yourself, and keep reaching out for support 