Recovering from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery often presents concerns regarding sleep positions. Achieving quality sleep after this procedure can be challenging due to pain, swelling, and discomfort, yet it is important for healing. Adequate rest supports tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and contributes to overall recovery. Proper sleep positioning can significantly improve comfort and aid a smoother recovery.
Initial Post-Surgery Sleeping Positions
Immediately following ACL surgery, healthcare providers recommend specific sleeping positions to support healing. The most common advice is to lie on your back with the operated leg elevated. This elevation should place the leg slightly above heart level, which helps reduce swelling by encouraging fluid drainage and improves blood circulation.
Keeping the knee straight in this supine position also minimizes pressure on the surgical site and prevents accidental movements that could strain the newly reconstructed ligament. A soft pillow or foam wedge placed under the calf, rather than directly under the knee, can help maintain this straight alignment and provide comfort. Some patients might also find sleeping in a reclining chair comfortable, as it allows for easy leg elevation.
When Side Sleeping Becomes Possible
The timeline for safely resuming side sleeping after ACL surgery varies for each individual, depending on healing progress and pain levels. Side sleeping may become an option a few weeks after surgery, once initial pain has subsided. It is important to wait until you can comfortably move your knee and have received specific guidance from your surgeon or physical therapist. The ability to sleep on your side depends on several factors, including knee stability and the reduction of post-operative swelling.
Techniques for Safe Side Sleeping
Once approved for side sleeping, specific techniques can help ensure the safety and comfort of the operated knee. When sleeping on your side, it is advised to lie on your non-operated side, with the operated knee positioned on top. Placing a firm pillow between your knees is a recommended practice, as it helps maintain proper alignment of the surgical leg with the hip and prevents the operated knee from twisting or bending excessively. You can also use additional pillows for support in front or behind the operated leg to prevent inadvertent rolling onto your stomach, a position that should be avoided. Ensuring the operated leg is slightly bent rather than fully extended can also contribute to comfort. The goal is to minimize any twisting movements while shifting positions and to keep the knee stable throughout the night, which supports the healing graft and reduces discomfort.