Post-surgical care is essential for a successful recovery after any type of surgery. In the case of umbilical hernia surgery, patients must be particularly mindful of their sleeping position. You might wonder why this aspect is so crucial.
The answer lies in the fact that sleep habits are your gateway to a faster recovery. Proper sleep positions can significantly reduce pain, prevent complications, and promote healing, ensuring a smoother and quicker return to normal activities.
An umbilical hernia occurs when a section of the intestine or other abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the belly button, forming a bulge or pouch.
This condition can affect both young children and adults. Surgery is required when the hernia is painful, increases in size, or becomes strangulated.
Why is Sleep Important after Umbilical Hernia Surgery?
Good sleep habits are important for faster recovery after the surgery. Poor sleep habits can not only increase post-operative pain but also add more complications.
Once discharged from the hospital, it’s essential for patients to reassess their sleep routines and make any necessary changes to facilitate restful sleep, which plays a crucial role in supporting the body’s healing process.
Did you know that sleep positions can help you expedite your road to recovery after an umbilical repair surgery? Dr Amita Jain one of the leading hernia specialist doctors and laparoscopic surgeons in India emphasizes this point in her article. Given the sensitivity and delicacy of the umbilical hernia repair site, patients must exercise caution to avoid placing excessive stress on the incision area.
Elevation: Sleeping flat on your back post-umbilical hernia surgery can pose challenges, increasing abdominal pressure and causing discomfort. Elevating the upper body by 30-45 degrees alleviates strain on the abdomen and promotes better breathing. This positioning reduces pain and stiffness, enhancing overall comfort during rest. Utilizing a memory foam-topped wedge pillow, ideally 10 to 12 inches in height, facilitates easier entry and exit from the bed while providing adequate support. Combining the wedge pillow with a regular neck pillow enhances comfort further, promoting a more restful sleep experience.
Positioning Your Legs: Doctors recommend sleeping with your legs elevated on a knee wedge pillow for various reasons. Elevating your legs not only helps in maintaining your upper body position but also alleviates pressure on the spine, preventing stiffness upon waking up. Additionally, it aids in improving circulation throughout the body, contributing to overall comfort and health during sleep.
Getting into the bed: After umbilical hernia surgery, it’s important to adopt a specific technique for getting into bed to avoid straining the surgical site. Begin by sitting in the middle of the mattress with both feet firmly on the ground, ensuring your knees are at a 90-degree angle.
If needed, use a stool or rail for support. Slowly lower onto one side while simultaneously lifting your legs onto the bed, then roll onto your back while supporting your legs. Once on your back, gently stretch out your legs and body until you find a comfortable position for sleep. Avoid sleeping on your sides to prevent any potential issues with drainage from the hernia repair site.
Getting out of bed: In order to safely rise from bed following umbilical hernia surgery, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and minimize strain on the abdominal muscles. Begin by rolling onto one side and extending the legs towards the floor. Slowly elevate the upper torso using your arms and elbows until sitting upright.
Utilize your arms to support your body as you gradually transition to a standing position, ensuring your legs are steady enough to bear your full weight before standing fully upright. By avoiding excessive use of the abdominal muscles, you can minimize discomfort and support their healing process effectively.
Is it safe to sleep on your side after umbilical hernia surgery?
Yes, it can be, provided there’s minimal or no pain. However, proper support is crucial. Ensure your spine, abdomen, and hips are supported adequately.
If sleeping on your back proves difficult, try this: place a pillow under the side of your hip to create a slight incline, mimicking the side sleeping position without discomfort. Adjust until comfortable.
In addition to the above tips, maintaining a room temperature of 60-67°F, accompanied by soothing music or soundscapes, aids relaxation post-umbilical hernia surgery.
Engaging in calm activities like reading fosters mental tranquility, supporting the body’s healing process. Prioritizing 8-9 hours of sleep nightly optimizes recovery, enhancing overall well-being.
These tips offer invaluable guidance for optimal sleeping positions after umbilical hernia surgery, ensuring a smoother recovery journey. By elevating the upper body, positioning the legs correctly, and adopting careful techniques for getting in and out of bed, patients can minimize discomfort and promote healing, facilitating a restful and speedy recovery.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi