Getting quality sleep after jaw surgery is challenging. Knowing the timeline and reasons for sleep position limits helps ensure safe recovery and proper healing. Here, our Langley orthodontists answer the question, 'When can you sleep on your side after jaw surgery?' and share more information about recovery.
Recovery After Jaw Surgery
If you've recently had jaw surgery or are getting ready for the procedure, you probably have many questions about recovery. One common question is about sleep positions: 'When can I finally sleep on my side again?'
It's completely understandable to worry about this. Most of us have our go-to sleep positions that keep us comfortable and rested. But after jaw surgery, your usual habits need to take a backseat to proper healing. The good news is that with the right approach and timeline, you'll be able to return to your favourite sleep position while supporting your recovery every step of the way.
Why Your Sleep Position Matters More Than You Think
Getting rest after jaw surgery is crucial for healing. While you sleep, your body repairs tissues and reduces inflammation, but your position can either help or hurt this process.
After jaw surgery, bones and soft tissues need to settle into their new positions without extra stress. While back sleeping isn't comfortable for everyone, it's important to avoid side sleeping while you recover.
Side sleeping puts direct pressure on your healing jaw, straining bone structures and surgical hardware. It also causes uneven swelling that can slow recovery and potentially impact your jaw alignment or bite.
Proper alignment during these early weeks of healing is essential for achieving the best long-term results from your surgery.
Sleeping After Surgery
For the first few weeks after your jaw surgery, it's important to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated.
When you sleep with your head raised at a 30 to 45-degree angle, several benefits occur. For one, gravity helps reduce swelling by draining fluids away from your face and surgical site. Also, you won't put direct pressure on your jaw, allowing the healing tissues to remain undisturbed. This position also helps keep your airways clear, which is especially important if you're dealing with swelling or breathing issues.
For comfort, think about using multiple pillows to create a gentle slope, or try a foam wedge cushion made for post-surgical recovery. Many patients find that sleeping in a comfortable recliner chair works well for the first week or two. The goal is to find a setup that keeps you comfortable while maintaining the necessary elevation.
When can you sleep on your side again?
The timeline for returning to side sleeping varies from patient to patient, but here's what we typically see:
- Weeks 1 - 2: During the first one to two weeks after surgery, avoid sleeping on your side entirely. This is when your tissues are most vulnerable, and swelling is usually at its highest. Sticking to sleeping on your back with your head elevated during this time is essential for proper healing.
- Weeks 2 - 4: After about two to four weeks, some patients may start to cautiously try sleeping on their side, but only with their surgeon's explicit approval. This doesn't mean going straight to sleeping on their side; instead, it might involve tilting slightly to one side while still keeping a lot of elevation.
- 6 + Weeks: Most patients are cleared to resume side sleeping around the six-week mark, though this can differ depending on individual healing progress, the complexity of the surgery, and how well you've followed post-operative instructions.
It's important to remember that these are general timelines. Your oral surgeon understands your specific situation and healing process better than anyone, so their personalized instructions should always take precedence over general guidelines.
Making the Transition to Side Sleeping
When your orthodontic surgeon approves side sleeping, do so gradually. Begin by gently tilting to one side instead of lying fully on your side. Use plenty of supportive pillows to cushion your face and reduce any direct pressure on your jaw.
Monitor your body's responses closely. If you notice increased swelling, discomfort, or any changes in how your jaw feels or functions, return to sleeping elevated on your back immediately and contact your surgeon's office.
Some patients find that placing a soft pillow between their face and the regular pillow helps reduce pressure. Others prefer to continue using elevation even when side sleeping by propping pillows behind their back to maintain a semi-upright position.
Other Important Sleep Considerations
Aside from positioning, there are other factors that can enhance your sleep quality during recovery. Applying cold compresses for 15 to 20 minutes before bedtime can help reduce swelling and make you more comfortable. Keeping your bedroom cool and dark is also important, as a suitable sleep environment promotes healing.
If you're struggling with restricted breathing due to swelling or if your elastics make mouth breathing tough, talk to your surgical team. They may have some specific suggestions or adjustments that can help.
One position that should stay off-limits throughout your entire recovery is sleeping on your stomach. This position applies even more direct pressure to your jaw than sleeping on your side and can significantly hinder proper healing.
Your Path to Comfortable Sleep & Complete Recovery
Going back to sleeping on your side after jaw surgery takes time, but with the right approach and timing, it's definitely achievable. The main thing to remember is that those first few weeks of sleeping on your back with your head elevated are an important part of achieving long-term results and ensuring your overall healing is successful.
Every patient heals at their own pace, and your individual recovery timeline might differ from others. The most important thing is to follow your surgeon's specific post-operative instructions and communicate openly about any concerns or questions you have along the way.
At Langley Orthodontics, we're committed to supporting you through every phase of your jaw surgery recovery. If you have questions about sleep positioning or any other part of your healing journey, feel free to contact our team. Remember, focusing on correct sleep positioning now leads to better results and more comfortable nights ahead.