Plenty of sleep is very important after surgery. This gives your body a chance to recover. It is just as important to get enough sleep before your surgery too.
There are many reasons to try to improve the quality of your sleep before your surgery. When you’re less tired, it’s easier to make better exercise and food choices. Most sleep issues are linked to lifestyle.
Sleep and your surgery
Good quality sleep before and after your surgery is very important. This gives your body the chance to recover from the stress it’s been through.
It’s normal for people to worry before surgery. This can lead to you feeling anxious or stressed. This can lead to disturbed sleep or difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
We understand how important it is to provide the right support for people. We aim to help you maintain a healthy level of sleep leading up to your surgery. This will lead to a speedier recovery and a more positive experience overall.
Importance of sleep
There are four things crucial to being alive- eating, drinking, breathing and sleeping!
We spend around a 1/3 of our lives sleeping. Good quality sleep is important for our bodies to repair and regenerate. A lack of sleep can lead to a range of health issues. This includes, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Top tips for better sleep
- Stick to a regular sleep routine.
- Keep good habits and sleep hygiene (see above section).
- Ensure you have a comfortable bed and a dark, cool, and quiet room to sleep in.
- Sleep masks and earplugs can help!
- Try to exercise regularly.
- Cut down on caffeine, energy, and sugary drinks.
- Avoid smoking as nicotine is a stimulant.
- Avoid having too much food and/or alcohol.
- If things are playing on your mind from the day, try writing them down before getting into bed.
- Avoid daytime naps.
- If you can’t sleep, try to do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.
Where can I get help in my local area?
| Bradford & Craven
(BTHFT and Airedale NHS hospitals)
|
· Bradford local sleep offer: Bradford Local Offer | National Sleep Helpline |
| Calderdale | · Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College – 07717 867911 –
https://www.calderdalekirkleesrc.nhs.uk/courses/know-more/improving-your-sleep/ · Calderdale Council ‘How to get a good night sleep’ booklet – DOCLIB.DocLib_Search_Pkg.View_Doc (calderdale.gov.uk) |
| Kirklees (CHFT & MYTHT) | · Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College – 07717 867911 –
https://www.calderdalekirkleesrc.nhs.uk/courses/know-more/improving-your-sleep/ · MYTHT Trust Sleep Services – · Kirklees Talking Therapies – About Us | Kirklees Talking Therapies (kirklees-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk) |
| Wakefield | · Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust: Sleep Service | Mid Yorks |
| Harrogate | · No known local services |
More useful links
Your GP practice will be able to give you more information to improve your sleep.
In the event that there is a concern for an underlying sleep disorder (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea), you may need further assessment by your GP.
- NHS sleep: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/
- NHS top tips: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/10-tips-to-beat-insomnia/
- NHS Insomnia: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/
Sleep station: This is an NHS approved sleep improvement programme that is designed to help people beat insomnia. It works on a self-referral basis. You can simply fill in an online form to gain access. https://www.sleepstation.org.uk/nhs_options/
Learn more: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/how-to-fall-asleep-faster-and-sleep-better/