Posted on 3/1/2024 by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery
The pain, swelling, and medication that come with jaw surgery make it difficult for many people to sleep normally. However, getting adequate sleep after oral surgery has numerous benefits for proper healing. While you are asleep, your body is at rest, and this is the ideal time to heal.
While you are sleeping, the body heals and repairs itself faster. This is the first reason why surgeons recommend adequate rest of up to 14 hours a day after surgery. Also, adequate sleep after surgery limits your activity, minimizing strain on surgical sites as well as the risk of bleeding. Such interferences prolong the healing time.
Best Sleeping Position After Jaw Surgery
You should assume the most comfortable sleeping position. However, there are a few considerations that you have to make. First, it is important to ensure that your head is positioned above your heart level. When the head is above your heart level, the surgical wounds in your jaws receive less blood, and this creates a conducive environment for them to heal.
With reduced blood flow, there is also a reduced risk of swelling and bleeding. This elevated position also counters gravity, which reduces pressure and strain on your surgical wounds, relieving pain. This elevated sleeping position has numerous benefits for your healing process.
Secondly, do not sleep on the side of your surgical sites. This reduces pressure on the surgical sites as well as the risk of accidentally shifting or moving surgical hardware. In case your surgeon left a surgical gauze pad in your mouth to reduce bleeding, then remember to wake up every 2-3 hours to check on and readjust your pad.
How Can You Improve Sleep After Jaw Surgery
First, apply ice to your surgical sites to slow blood flow and reduce irritation. This will make it easier for you to fall asleep. Secondly, remember to take your pain medication as recommended. Finally, take adequate fluids to stay hydrated. This reduces the risk of headaches and can help minimize swelling.
Contact Us Today
The best sleeping position after jaw surgery is with the head and shoulders elevated above heart level. Also, avoid sleeping on the side with your surgical wounds. Contact us today for oral health-related issues.
