Sleeping can be an awkward process when you are recovering from pilonidal sinus surgery; making sure you give your body the necessary rest it needs is crucial to your healing journey.
From my personal experience of going through multiple pilonidal sinus surgeries, I learnt the best ways to sleep when it came to comfort, pain management, positioning and routine.
This help guide will provide the necessary advice to ensure you are sleeping well and helping your body recover optimally.
Advice For Sleeping With Pilonidal Sinus Wounds
Let’s break it down into sections for the different components of sleeping with a pilonidal sinus wound:
Choosing the Right Sleeping Position
When I came back from hospital after my first surgery, I found it extremely uncomfortable and difficult to sleep, so choosing the right position was essential.
I would avoid sleeping directly on your back due to the position of pilonidal sinus wounds – you want to avoid unnecessary pressure.
For me, I found that sleeping directly on my side was the most comfortable. It also allows you to, carefully, change from side to side throughout the night without adding pressure to the wound.
When sleeping on your side, try to avoid bringing your legs directly up to your body. This will, naturally, move apart the wound and cause tension in the area. Remember, your body knows best and you will be able to feel what is most comfortable for you.
Using Pillows for Support
If you are worried that you may roll onto your back during the night, you can put a pillow directly behind your back when on your side to prevent this from happening.
It also provides extra support behind you, which psychologically can help feel more comfortable when sleeping.
Pain Management Before Bed
Make sure to take over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief medication just before you go to sleep if needed!
I remember taking Ibuprofen for the first few nights when returning from hospital, but after that I did not need it.
Again, listen to your body. If the over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief medication is going to help you sleep and get the rest your body needs, then this could be a good option for you.
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
It seems silly, but this massively helped me!
Make sure your bedroom is a place that enhances relaxation. A routine can also help separate the day from the night, which will psychologically help you during recovery.
For me, I made sure that I stuck to a routine and created a sleep-friendly environment to help me get the rest my body required.
Night-time Hygiene and Wound Care Routine
This falls under the point above, but I would always make sure you go to sleep with a clean wound and bed!
It’s simple things like this that can make a massive difference, even mentally. If you know you are going to sleep with a clean wound, it helps put your mind to rest and get to sleep.
I do have a detailed guide on showering with a pilonidal sinus wound that could be helpful to know.
Managing Your Temperature
During the warmer months, it can make it even more difficult to get the rest and sleep your body needs.
It’s important you remain calm and maintain a cool body temperature when sleeping.
A few things that helped me include:
- Cool shower before getting into bed
- Using a cold flannel on my forehead before going to sleep
- Using a fan to cool down before going to sleep
There are likely many things you can do here, but the main point is to make sure your sleep is not disrupted by the warm weather!
Sleeping with a pilonidal sinus wound can be difficult to adjust to at first, but it does get easier as time goes on.
Make sure to listen to your body. Don’t apply unnecessary pressure to the wound when sleeping. Stay calm, relaxed and comfortable!