Tips for Sleeping When You Use a Prosthesis
- As an amputee, you know the power of a good night’s sleep, but 40 percent 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 in the way your prostheses fits the next day. Floyd Brace is here to give you top tips on sleeping when you use 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. The result is 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.
- Put your prosthesis on before sitting up from bed. This helps to prevent 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.
- Perform daily stretches to lengthen your leg and hip muscles. This can help ensure your limb 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.
Floyd Brace 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.
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