Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by theworldofsleepstaff
Getting a good night’s sleep can be challenging if you’ve had a thyroidectomy. The surgery can cause pain and discomfort, making it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In addition, the side effects of the surgery, such as fatigue and anxiety, can also contribute to insomnia. But we’re here to help.
This article will provide tips and positions on how to sleep comfortably after a thyroidectomy. However as always, make sure you consult your doctor first as they know your case.
But first: What Is A Thyroidectomy?
A thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. The surgery is done to treat thyroid cancer, goitres, and other thyroid conditions. The side effects of the surgery can include pain, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.
After the surgery, you will need to take thyroid hormone replacement pills for the rest of your life. The pills help to regulate your metabolism and keep your body functioning correctly.
The surgery can also cause neck pain and stiffness. You may need to wear a neck brace for several weeks after the surgery to help support your neck as it heals.
Sleep Positions After A Thyroidectomy
Sleeping On Your Back
The best sleep position after a thyroidectomy is typically on your back with a pillow under your head to keep it elevated, and another under your knees.
This position will help to take the pressure off of your neck and will also prevent you from rolling over onto your stomach, which can put pressure on your incision site and cause pain.
If you have difficulty breathing while lying on your back, you can try propping yourself up with pillows or sleeping in a recliner as having your head elevated is important according to this study.
When it comes to how to sleep comfortably after a thyroidectomy, getting the correct sleeping positions is important – always ask your doctor for their opinion as they know your case the best,
On Your Side
If you have trouble sleeping on your back, you can try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs. This position may help relieve any pressure on your neck and keep you from rolling over onto your stomach – but you must ask your doctor about it first as they know your case and will know whether sleeping on your side is OK for your case.
Finding a comfortable position that doesn’t pressure your neck or incision site is essential.
Sleeping On Your Stomach
Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended after a thyroidectomy as it can put pressure on your neck and cause pain. If you must sleep on your stomach, put a pillow under your hips to elevate them and take the pressure off your stomach. But really this sleeping position should be avoided.
Additionally, you may want to put a pillow under your head to keep your head and neck in alignment. If you want to sleep on your stomach make sure you get advice from your doctor first about.
Using Pillows
If you still have trouble sleeping, you can try sleeping in a recliner chair or propping yourself on pillows. These positions will help to take the pressure off of your neck and will also prevent you from rolling over onto your stomach.
If you are having trouble sleeping in a recliner chair, you can try putting a pillow under your knees. This position will help to take the pressure off of your back and will also keep you from rolling over onto your stomach.
Tips For How To Sleep Comfortably After A Thyroidectomy
1. Getting Out of Bed
If you have trouble sleeping, try getting out of bed and walking around for a few minutes. This will help to wake up your body and will also help to relieve any muscle tension that you may be experiencing.
You can also try taking a hot bath or using a heating pad on your neck. These methods can help to relax your muscles and will also help to ease any pain that you may be experiencing.
2. Making Lifestyle Changes
Still, having trouble sleeping? Then, you can try making some lifestyle changes. For example, you can try to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. You can also establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it.
In addition, you can try to create a relaxing bedtime routine. This may include reading a book or taking a bath. By doing these things, you will help to signal to your body that it is time for sleep.
Talk to your doctor about other options. For example, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you sleep or refer you to a sleep specialist.
3. Wear The Right Clothing
Try wearing the proper clothing to help you sleep comfortably. For example, you can try to wear loose-fitting clothing. You can also try to wear clothing that is made of breathable fabric.
It might also be good to wear a nightshirt or sleepshirt. These types of shirts can help to keep your body temperature regulated.
4. Adjusting Your Pillows
You can also try adjusting your pillows. For example, you can try using a pillow designed for neck pain. You can also try using a body pillow to help support your back and stomach. If you’re looking for how to sleep comfortably after a thyroidectomy, making sure you have the right pillow can help.
You can try using a memory foam pillow too. This type of pillow can help conform to your head and neck shape.
Finally, you can try using a pillow specifically designed for side sleepers. This type of pillow can help keep your head and neck aligned.
5. Essential Oils
You might be surprised about essential oils, but they can help to soothe your muscles and will also help to promote better sleep.
Essential oils can also help improve your mood and even help reduce stress levels.
Some of the best essential oils for sleep include lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood. You can either add these oils to your diffuser, or you can put them on your pillow.
You might want to try adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath. This can help to create a relaxing environment and can also help to improve your sleep.
You should also know that you can often find these oils at your local health food store or online.
6. Foot Massage
You can also try giving yourself a foot massage. This can help to relax your muscles and will also help to promote better circulation.
This process can also help to release any knots or tension you may be experiencing.
Another tip: you can try using a tennis ball or lacrosse ball to massage your feet. This can also help to relieve any pain that you may be experiencing.
7. Herbal Tea
If you are having trouble sleeping, you can try drinking herbal tea.
Herbal tea can help to relax your body and can also help to ease anxiety.
Chamomile tea is one of the best teas for sleep. This tea can help to calm your nerves and can also help to improve your sleep quality.
You can also try drinking passionflower tea or valerian root tea.
These teas can help to improve your sleep quality and can also help to reduce stress levels.
8. Get Some Exercise
It is essential to get some exercise, but you should avoid exercising close to bedtime.
Exercise can help to improve your sleep quality, but you should avoid exercising for at least three hours before bedtime.
You can also try doing some relaxation exercises before bedtime. These exercises can help to ease tension and can also help to improve your sleep.
9. Avoid Caffeine
It would help if you avoided caffeine close to bedtime too.
In fact caffeine can stay in your system for up to eight hours.
You should avoid drinking coffee, tea, or soda at least six hours before bedtime.
You should also avoid eating chocolate close to bedtime. Chocolate contains caffeine and can also contain sugar which can keep you awake.
Avoid caffeine and chocolate close to bedtime if you are having trouble sleeping.
10. Earplugs
Earplugs can help to block out noise and can also help to improve your sleep quality.
So if you live in a noisy environment, you might want to invest in a pair of earplugs.
You can also try using a white noise machine. This machine will generate sounds that can help to block out other noises.
If you are having trouble sleeping, you might want to invest in a pair of earplugs or a white noise machine.
11. Adjust The Temperature
The temperature of your room can also affect your sleep quality.
You should adjust the temperature of your room so that it is cool but not too cold.
You might also want to invest in a cooling mattress pad. This pad can help to regulate your body temperature and can also help to improve your sleep quality.
12. Socks
Have you tried wearing socks? This may seem like a strange tip, but it can help to keep your feet warm. This can, in turn, help to relax your whole body.
The reason is that raising your foot temperature can help to send a signal to your brain that it is time for sleep.
In addition, socks can help to keep your feet from slipping on your sheets. This can also help to prevent you from waking up in the middle of the night.
A quick tip: you can try using a heating pad on your feet. This will help to keep them warm and will also help to relieve any pain that you may be experiencing.
13. Stretching
You can also try stretching before bedtime. This can help to relieve any muscle tension that you may be experiencing.
It can also help to improve your flexibility and can also help to reduce stress levels.
You can either do some static stretches, or you can do some dynamic stretches. That being said, you should avoid stretching if you are feeling pain.
If you are not sure how to stretch, you must consult with a physical therapist.
14. Dark And Quiet Room
You should also make sure that your bedroom is dark and quiet.
You can try using blackout curtains or wear an eye mask.
You should also remove any electronics from your bedroom. This includes your television, your computer, and your phone.
15. Sleep Journal
Have you heard of a sleep journal?
A sleep journal can help you to track your sleep patterns.
It can also help you to identify any potential sleep problems that you might be having. A sleep journal can also help you find things causing you to wake up at night.
Some Of The Dos And Donts After A Thyroidectomy
Dos:
• Follow your doctor’s orders. This is the most important thing you can do after your surgery.
• Take your medication as prescribed.
• Get plenty of rest. You’ll need to take it easy for a week after surgery.
• Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid alcohol for at least a week after surgery.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking can slow down your healing process.
Dont’s:
• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least six weeks after surgery.
• Don’t do strenuous activity for at least six weeks after surgery. This includes jogging, running, or aerobics.
• Don’t drink caffeinated beverages for at least a week after surgery. This includes coffee, tea, and soda.
• Don’t eat spicy foods for at least a week after surgery. Spicy foods can cause indigestion and can also irritate your incision site.
• Don’t drink alcohol for at least a week after surgery. Alcohol can thin your blood and can also increase your risk of bleeding.
After Thyroidectomy: Watch Out For Risks
While a thyroidectomy is generally a safe surgery, there are always risks involved with any surgery.
Some of the potential risks after a thyroidectomy include the below. If you’re worried about any, make sure you contact your doctor straight away:
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Damage to the nerves that control your voice box
• Difficulty swallowing
• Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia)
• Damage to the parathyroid glands
• Scarring
• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy side effects
In most cases, the risks after thyroidectomy are minor and can be easily treated. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks so that you can watch out for them.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after your surgery, be sure to contact your doctor right away:
• Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Redness, swelling, or drainage from your incision site
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Rapid heart rate
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or fatigue
• Anxiety or depression
How to sleep comfortably after A thyroidectomy: Final Thoughts
A thyroidectomy is a relatively safe surgery with a low risk of complications. However, as with any surgery, there are always potential risks involved.
It’s not always easy to sleep comfortably after a thyroidectomy either, so we hope the tips above will help. Remember to consult your doctor about them.
It’s essential to be aware of the potential risks after thyroidectomy too, so that you can watch out for them. If you experience any side effects, be sure to contact your doctor right away.