Tips for Better Sleep With Your Prosthesis

As an amputee, you know the power of a good night’s sleep, but a third of Americans say they don’t get enough! While this can be remedied by practicing good sleep habits, as an amputee, you may need to take some additional measures. What you do during your sleep has a huge impact on the way your prosthesis fits the next day. BioAdvance Prosthetic Solutions is here to give you top tips on sleeping better with a prosthetic limb:

• If you are an above-the-knee amputee, avoid sleeping with a pillow between your legs. This can lengthen the inner thigh muscles while shortening the outer thigh muscles. Doing this results in a change in the way the limb lays when you stand the next day.
• Above-the-knee amputees should also avoid sleeping with a pillow under the limb, as this can cause a hip flexion contracture. You will not be able to completely straighten your hip the next day.
• Wake up at the same time every day of the week. This strengthens your circadian cycle and will help to establish regular sleep patterns.
• Amputees have also said that sleeping on the side where they lost a limb can make sleeping hard because it feels “off.” Try sleeping on your back, other side or stomach!
• Put your prosthesis on before sitting up from bed. This helps prevent blood from rushing down to your limb, causing it to swell and not fit properly into your prosthesis.
• Take your shower at night, instead of in the morning. Hot water can also cause your limb to swell. If it’s absolutely necessary to bathe in the morning, use cold water.
• Make sure you are active during the day. If you are a new amputee, it made be hard to get back into the swing of things. However, going for walks and stretching will help you fall asleep better, as your body will have used its energy during the day.
• Perform daily stretches to lengthen your leg and hip muscles. This can help ensure your muscles lie comfortably, whether you’re standing or lying down. If you’re unsure of how to do these stretches, make an appointment with us today to learn all about them!

BioAdvance Prosthetic Solutions encourages you to try these tips and embrace a good night’s sleep. Whether you’re a new amputee or have been wearing a prosthesis since childhood, we’re here to help you. Contact us today if you have questions about your prosthesis!