Sleeping - Dealing With Insomnia After Hysterectomy - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Sleeping - Dealing With Insomnia After Hysterectomy

Sleeping - Dealing With Insomnia After Hysterectomy

From the Post-Op Hysterectomy Articles List

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Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

I can't seem to fall asleep and stay asleep since my surgery. What is wrong with me? What can I do to get back to my normal sleep pattern?

Having difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep, is common among hysterectomy patients, particularly during the early post-op weeks. The trauma of surgery combined with hormonal disruption (even if you retained your ovaries) can throw your body completely “out of whack.” Even if you have never been plagued by sleep problems before, after you return home from the hospital you may find yourself lying in bed wide awake for most of the night. For most women, this problem gradually goes away as they continue to heal and recover from the surgery. For temporary aid, many of the Hyster Sisters have found these remedies effective in promoting a good night’s sleep:

Drink a cup of Ovaltine at bedtime, a mug of hot milk, or “Sleepytime” or other herbal or de-caf tea.
Have a few slices of turkey on crackers as a bedtime snack.
If your doctor has cleared you to take baths, take a warm bath (whirlpool if you have one) before bed. Light a scented candle and play some relaxing music to enhance the soothing atmosphere.
Take extra steps to make your sore and hurting body more comfortable in bed, such as using extra pillows.
When you are sufficiently recovered and physically able to do so, start getting outdoors everyday for fresh air and a brisk walk. Exercise during the day helps us sleep at night!
During the late afternoon and evening, avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine.
If you indulge in alcoholic beverages, do so sparingly.

Some women take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol PM, Sominex, or herbal products, and say these help combat their insomnia. Please check with your doctor before taking anything of this nature. Just because products are sold without a prescription, doesn’t mean that they are safe and appropriate for everyone to use in all situations.

If you start taking HRT after your hysterectomy, the hormones “should” help alleviate your insomnia. However, bear in mind that it may take up to three months for HRT to reach its full effectiveness. With or without HRT, if your insomnia persists, it is important that you see your doctor about this issue. Chronic lack of sleep is unhealthy and can be dangerous. Sleep deprivation can contribute to the likelihood of being in auto accidents and other mishaps. And, it certainly compromises your feeling of well-being and jeopardizes your overall quality of life. It is a medical fact that insomnia is caused by an underlying condition. Your doctor can work with you to uncover that condition and treat it with the appropriate therapy. If the underlying condition is successfully treated, the insomnia will go away. So, if you find that you don’t start getting “quality shut-eye” soon, do see your doctor so that you can be helped. After all, you deserve to be the best “you” that you can be, and getting sufficient sleep is part of the formula.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery

The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:

The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy. "Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."

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Find A Doctor Near You

Jon Nielsen, M.D. 9825 Hospital Dr. Suite 205 Maple Grove MN 55369 763-587-7050	Jennifer Fuson, M.D. 1720 Nicholasville Road Suite 702 Lexington KY 40503 859-264-8811	James Kondrup, M.D. 161 Riverside Drive Suite 109 Binghamton NY 13905 607-770-7074
Steven McCarus, M.D. 400 Celebration Place Suite310 Celebration FL 34747 4073034190	Susan D. Hunter, M.D. 626 Ed Carey Dr Harlingen TX 78550 956-428-4868	Amie Napier, M.D. Medical City Hospital 7777 Forest Lane Suite A331 Dallas TX 75230 9725667760
Sherry L Neyman, M.D. Renaissance Women's Group 12201 Renfert Way Ste 200 Austin TX 78758 512-425-3875	Francisco Garcini, M.D. 1870 Silver Cross Blvd Suite 210 New Lenox IL 60451 815-463-3000	Kym Boyman, M.D. 1775 Williston Rd., Ste. 110 South Burlington VT 05403 802-735-1252

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