How to Sleep After Shoulder Arthroscopy

One of the most common complaints following shoulder arthroscopy—whether for a rotator cuff repair, labrum repair, or decompression—is difficulty sleeping. Night pain is a hallmark of shoulder issues, and surgery temporarily disrupts your normal sleeping habits.

Here are 5 pro tips from our Upper Extremity team to help you sleep comfortably and safely during your recovery.

1. Sleep in a Reclined Position

Lying flat on your back pulls the arm backward, stretching the newly repaired tissues in the front of your shoulder.

• The Fix: Sleep in a recliner chair for the first 2-4 weeks, or use a wedge pillow in bed to keep your torso propped up at a 45-degree angle.

2. Support the Elbow

Even in a sling, your elbow can drop backward when you sleep, causing severe pain.

• The Fix: Place a small folded towel or cushion directly behind your elbow. This prevents the arm from extending backward and takes the tension off your rotator cuff.

3. Wear Your Sling

Unless specifically instructed otherwise by your surgeon, you must wear your sling at night.

• Why? When you are asleep, you lose conscious control of your arm. The sling prevents sudden, reflexive movements that could tear your surgical anchors.

4. Ice Before Bed

Inflammation peaks at night. Applying a cold therapy unit or ice pack to the shoulder for 20 minutes right before you try to sleep can significantly numb the area and reduce throbbing.

5. Strategic Medication Timing

If you were prescribed pain medication, take a dose approximately 30 minutes before bed. Do not try to “tough it out” through the night during the first week, as severe pain will prevent the deep sleep necessary for biological healing.

If your night pain is worsening rather than improving after the first two weeks, contact our coordination team for an evaluation.