In general, many people tend to experience sleeping difficulties after being hospitalized, for example, due to surgery. And, even though getting quality sleep and rest is essential for healing and recovery, disturbed sleep after hospitalization is considered normal.
Namely, insomnia gets triggered either by pain and anxiety or due to a disrupted daily routine or certain medications that cause sleep disturbances as a side effect. So, why does it happen, and how can you fix it? Continue reading below to find out.
What Causes Insomnia after Hospitalization?
A great variety of factors can contribute to developing insomnia after hospitalization, and especially after surgery, which can last anywhere from days to weeks. Here are some common causes of insomnia after hospitalization:
We can all agree that the hospital isn’t quite a comfortable place to relax in. Therefore, the environment itself is making it difficult to get quality sleep. Also, many patients have heart monitor probes, IV lines, or drainage tubes, which makes it even more challenging to sleep. And there’s also the medical staff who must check the patient regularly and thus disrupt their sleep.
After undergoing surgery, the body’s natural response is to respond with inflammation. It is actually a natural process for any type of injury. And, when it comes to surgery, an extensive inflammation can be triggered sometimes, which affects the whole body. As a result, this exaggerated response can negatively affect a patient’s ability to sleep well.
The truth is, pain is a major factor contributing to insomnia, even without some serious health issues or surgeries. It increases sleep latency (the time it takes a person to fall asleep), reduces the deep sleep stage, and increases nighttime awakenings. What’s more, disrupted sleep increases the pain sensitivity and reduces the pain threshold.
Furthermore, some medications required during or after surgery, or for treating certain conditions, can cause insomnia as a side effect. For example, general anesthesia is a major contributor to disturbed sleep, particularly in older adults.
Anxiety, worry, and even depression are commonplace during hospitalization and the days after. Many people find the entire experience stressful and frightening. They are constantly worrying about their recovery, health, and well-being in the future. In turn, hospitalized people find it difficult to relax and get enough quality sleep.
How to Eliminate Insomnia after Hospitalization?
Luckily, various tips and tricks can help you improve sleep during and after hospitalization.
For example, while being in the hospital you can:
- ensure your bed is comfortable for sleep.
- try an eye mask and earplugs to block out light and noise.
- consult your doctor about pain management and sleep aids
- ask whether the medications you are taking are affecting your sleep and discuss alternatives.
Finally, here are some changes you can make to improve sleep at home after hospitalization:
- sleep in a dark, cool, and noise-free room
- use extra pillows to get in a comfy position
- avoid large and heavy dinners
- follow a strict sleep schedule
However, if you continue to experience sleep disruptions, ensure you discuss it with your doctor, who can help you find a way to get the sleep and rest you need.