There are two appropriate sleeping positions for post-hysterectomy treatment. These assisted sleeping positions mentioned below have also been found to help mature adults with lower back or neck discomfort.

The two optimal sleeping positions are as follows:

Supine supported (on your back) –

Step 1. Place a pillow under your knees. When used properly, the pillow relieves strain on your lower back and enables you to do your daily calf pump circulation exercises.

Step 2. Use one pillow of acceptable size to maintain a neutral spot for the head and neck. Avoid lying on your back with two wide pillows to avoid neck and/or upper back pain caused by the neck being placed in a flexed posture (i.e. too far forward).

Step 3: Avoid repeated sitting at a height for an extended period (unless medically advised). Throughout the day, alternate between lying flat and sitting out of bed. Sleep on your stomach, with one cushion supporting your legs and another supporting your head and neck.

Supported sitting on one foot

The sleeping posture you prefer is determined by your physical comfort and any other health concerns you might have. For instance, certain people are unable to sleep supine after hysterectomy due to lower back pain, whereas others suffer shoulder or hip discomfort that prevents them from sleeping in side-lying positions. Additionally, side-lying is an advantageous position for redistributing gas following hysterectomy.

Lying on your side after a uterus prolapsed can trigger discomfort due to gravity stretching the abdominal and pelvic tissues toward the mattress. Additionally, unsupported side lying will aggravate lower back, hip, and/or pelvic pain, especially if the trunk rolls forward during sleep or if the mattress is too soft to provide adequate spinal support.