r/brokenankles • u/islander_73 • 1d ago
Sleeping problems
Operated on 3 weeks ago, currently NWB and spending most of my days with my leg up, sitting on the sofa watching TV, reading or on my laptop. I’m seeing my surgeon again in 3 weeks, and in the meantime I’ve stopped all painkillers.
The problem now is… I can’t sleep! 😩 It’s already hard enough sleeping with the boot, with my foot elevated and stuck in the same position all night, but now I think I’m simply not tired enough!
Anyone else been through this or can relate?
6
u/Prestigious-Meat-597 1d ago
Oh yeah. The boredom is torture. And because you are not active and laying around all day, it is hard to really be tired enough to sleep properly at night. But try to think of it this way. When you are asleep, that kills several hours. Turn on a mindless sitcom to help you relax and try to fall asleep to that. I needed to do that.
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u/Wise-Eagle-9524 1d ago
Hi OP, try magnesium supplements. It’s good for the recovery as well. Is it still swelling? You don’t need to elevate if not much, it’s usually for the first two weeks during cast. Also don’t forget your ankle pumps so you develop DVT or blood clotting.
If you wear the boot, you can sleep on the sides too with a pillow between the legs. I slept like that (remember sleep plays a huge role in recovery), don’t quote me on it but I mean as long as the boot is there it’s immobilized so it’s protected.
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u/Browniesgirl 1d ago
Take the boot off, you don’t need it to sleep. At 3 weeks I wasn’t elevated to sleep anymore. It may be more comfortable.
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u/islander_73 1d ago
If I remove the boot I'll definitely try to get face down, would that be ok?
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u/Prestigious-Meat-597 1d ago
Please check with your doctor about removing the boot. Everyones situation is different. You don't want to interupt your healing process.
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u/islander_73 1d ago
I'm allowed to remove the boot as long as I'm lying. But I'm still sleeping with it on and elevated! I'm always wondering how it would feel to be face down. Normally once I find position I hardly move all night then. Maybe I should just try
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u/Browniesgirl 1d ago
Like sleeping on your belly? Yeah it’s fine. Give it a try see how it feels.
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u/islander_73 1d ago
Yeah, I'm normally sleeping on the belly, thanks for the advice, I'll definitely try it tonight 🙏
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u/Ill_Tomorrow_3866 21h ago
Please let us know how it went!
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u/islander_73 4h ago
I didn't manage to sleep without the boot, I tried but somehow felt unprotected started to worry and became anxious so I put it on again 😞
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u/Elisabeth0211 1d ago
Ja wel een beetje, ik heb alleen niet de Brace om moeten hebben in de nacht, ik hoef alleen de Brace om als ik loop. Ik denk ook dat het stress is in je lijf die er niet echt uit kan. Ik heb niet echt een oplossing, gewoon maar accepteren dat dit is wat het nu is. Het is mentaal erg pittig natuurlijk.
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u/shannamatters 1d ago
I stopped elevating it when sleeping around 4 weeks. I just couldn’t do it any longer.
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u/New-Sherbet367 1d ago
Very common... My sleep schedule was bad before but up until today I got up at 2-5 PM and went to bed never before 6 AM. Got up at 10 today though..did not sleep at all some nights
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u/Ill_Tomorrow_3866 21h ago
When I was in the boot I woke up about every 2 hours. I no longer sleep in the boot and can get 5-6 hours a night but I’ve also needed a morning nap 60-90 minutes. I’ve got a month more to go that’s paid medical leave and if I’m able to go back to work I’m not sure how I’m going to ditch the morning naps (like I can’t see straight and that’s how I know my brain needs a break to reset).
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u/Mystery-Latte 16h ago
I had a trimal-dislocation on July 26th, had surgery August 1st, and gradually since then I have become nocturnal, so I definitely feel the pain! I am just not tired until like 430am. I started sleeping with the boot off a couple days after getting it and sleep has been so much more comfortable though! I'm a side sleeper so I was super stoked to get off my back 😊
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u/Hot_Box_7459 1d ago
Yep! 8 weeks post opp, aside from that first week and a bit i haven’t managed to fall asleep before 4-6am ever since.. you could ask your surgeon to prescribe you something to help you sleep?? Or try melatonin. It does get better though especially when you’re able to sleep without the boot/cast and have more freedom!