When Can I Sleep on My Side After Hip Replacement?

Sleeping is one of the most vital components of recovery after hip replacement surgery. It’s easy to overlook the importance of your sleeping position until you face that first night after surgery. This blog will discuss how long to wait before sleeping on your side after hip replacement, provide tips for sleeping to support optimal healing, and discuss how to get in and out of bed.

Table of Contents

• Robotic Total Hip Replacement
• When Can I Sleep on My Side After Hip Replacement Surgery?
• How to Sleep After Hip Replacement Surgery
• Tips for Better Sleep After Hip Replacement
• How to Get in and Out of Bed After Hip Replacement

Robotic Total Hip Replacement

Dr. Snibbe offers robotic total hip replacement, an approach to hip replacement surgery that uses the assistance of a robotic arm to enhance precision. This technique often involves a faster recovery, which means you can return to your favorite sleeping position before you know it.

Still, it’s best to sleep on your back or your non-operated side for a few weeks after surgery to allow your body to heal. The guidelines in this article apply to patients who have undergone robotic hip replacement, but are especially salient for those who received a more traditional, manual technique.

When Can I Sleep on My Side After Hip Replacement Surgery?

It is generally recommended to wait at least six weeks before attempting to sleep on your operated side after hip replacement surgery. This provides adequate time for your body to heal and, importantly, prevents unnecessary stress on the new hip joint. However, most of Dr. Jason Snibbe’s patients can sleep on their non-operated side immediately after surgery and transition to their operated side as soon as it feels comfortable. 

The key is to monitor pain levels throughout recovery. If you try sleeping in a certain position and feel uncomfortable, don’t push it—carefully reposition yourself onto your back or into a more comfortable arrangement.  

That said, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions—they’ll provide more specific guidelines for recovery based on your individual situation. At Dr. Snibbe’s office in Los Angeles, we provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your surgical plan and keep many of them available online in PDF format for the convenience of our patients.

How to Sleep After Hip Replacement Surgery

Difficulty sleeping after total hip replacement is a common complaint. Have patience—optimal healing is worth a few weeks of discomfort. If you’re accustomed to sleeping on your side or stomach, it can feel uncomfortable to sleep on your back. Thankfully, you can sleep on your un-operated side immediately after surgery with pillows between your legs. When doing so, it is important to use a pillow that is dense enough to adequately support the surgical side, so as not to cause strain or pain. The level of density you want is similar to that of a couch throw pillow, not a regular pillow. 

You can sleep on your operative side as soon as it feels comfortable to do so. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always ask Dr. Snibbe for guidance. 

For optimal recovery, avoid:

• Putting pillows under your knees, as doing so can put strain on your hips.
• Sleeping on your operated side or on your stomach.
• Crossing your legs or feet.

Tips for Better Sleep After Hip Replacement

There are some adjustments you can try to make the weeks following surgery more comfortable.

• Take prescribed pain medication, and apply ice before bed to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Perform some gentle stretching before bed to prevent stiffness.
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet (or use an app or white noise machine if you prefer some background noise). Optimizing your sleep environment promotes deeper, more restful sleep.

How to Get In and Out of Bed After Hip Replacement

To make sure you don’t cause displacement or injury to your hip, exercise caution when you’re getting into and out of bed. It can be helpful to use a walking aid and have someone else help you, especially during the first few tries.

Getting Into Bed

Get into bed, leading with your un-operated leg. Keep your toes pointed up toward the ceiling as you move your operated leg across your bed.

1. Back up until you can feel your bed behind you.
2. Keep your operated leg extended as you carefully sit on the edge of your bed.
3. Support yourself with your arms and scoot backwards, bringing one leg at a time onto the bed.
4. Get into a comfortable and safe sleeping position.

Getting Out of Bed

Get out of bed leading with your operated leg, but use your un-operated leg and arms to do the work.

1. Remove sheets and pillows from around your body and carefully sit up to a comfortable position. 
2. Bend your non-operated leg and put your foot flat on the bed (this leg should be further from the side of the bed you’re getting out of). Use your hands to support yourself from behind. Keep your knees pointed toward the ceiling and your legs apart.
3. Inch over in this position until you’re close to the edge of the bed.
4. Allow the foot of your straight, operated leg to gently move off the edge of the bed, followed by your un-operated leg, until you’re in a seated position, with your arms providing support behind you.
5. Extend the operated leg, and use your stronger leg for support as you stand. If necessary, use a walker or cane for support.

Learn More About Hip Replacement Surgery in Los Angeles, CA

Hip replacement surgery is a truly life-changing procedure that can restore your mobility and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Jason Snibbe is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist who offers advanced robotic techniques and patient-centered care in Los Angeles.

To learn more about this procedure and explore your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Snibbe by calling (310) 860-3048 or using our online form.