Since rhinoplasty is a facial surgery, it will affect the way you sleep during recovery. Sleeping is very important to making a good recovery, but with the tenderness and swelling that follows rhinoplasty, you may find getting a good night’s sleep more difficult than usual. Here are some ways your sleep may be affected, and some solutions to help you increase your comfort:
Elevate
Surgeons recommend that you sleep with your head elevated following rhinoplasty. Using extra pillows to keep your head higher than your heart with minimize swelling, and make you more comfortable. Prepare in advance by buying extra (comfy!) pillows.
While elevation is recommended to reduce swelling, if the position is too uncomfortable for you, there should be any harm done by lying flat on your back. The most important thing is you getting a good night’s sleep, and if elevating your head is stopping that from happening, you don’t need to do it.
On Your Back
Lying on your back protects your nose from being squished or bumped. Some patients place sandbags or orthopedic pillows on either side of them to keep them on their backs. While this position is best for recovery, don’t let it make you anxious. If you roll over in your sleep, the facial cast should keep your nose protected.
Skip the Caffeine
Coffee, or caffeinated drinks like tea and coke, is a big part of many people’s lives. However, during recovery, cutting out caffeine can help you get a restful, rejuvenating sleep. Consider replacing coffee with herbal tea, or decaf.
Check your Meds
Your surgeon will prescribe you pain medication, and/or antibiotics for you to take immediately following your procedure. Make sure you fill these prescriptions prior to your rhinoplasty, and have them on hand. Follow your surgeon’s instructions, and the labels. Pain will definitely make it harder for you to sleep, so these medications can really help you get your rest.
Full rhinoplasty recovery can take about a year, however most of the bruising and swelling should be gone by the end of the second week, meaning you will feel more comfortable and sleep shouldn’t be an issue. Make sure to ask your surgeon any other questions you have about your recovery, and call them if you are concerned about the pain and swelling.
Being well-rested is a very important part of your recovery. During sleep the body heals itself, which leads to a quicker recovery time, and a happier, healthier, you!