Sleeping After Bariatric Surgery

There are few aspects of our lives that play as large of a role in determining our health as sleep. Not getting enough sleep or not getting quality sleep can make you more susceptible to diseases, affect your ability to focus, and even raise your risks for health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes. For those trying to lose weight and those who are post-bariatric surgery, sleep is especially important for successful, lasting weight loss.

The Importance of Sleep for Weight Loss

While scientists are still trying to fully understand the link between sleep and weight loss, studies have shown that not getting enough sleep can compromise a healthy weight-loss plan. Getting insufficient sleep is linked to decreased impulse control and poor decision-making. This means you might be more likely to succumb to tempting comfort foods or listen to the voice telling you to skip a workout. 

Obviously, poor sleep decreases your energy levels, leaving you too tired to tackle your workout for the day. In addition, it can make activities that require coordination and balance, like weightlifting, extremely unsafe. 

Running on low sleep also has been shown to increase the body’s production of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” and decrease the production of leptin, which helps regulate hunger and energy. This hormonal imbalance makes you more likely to overeat and turn to unhealthy options when hungry.

Sleeping Post-Bariatric Surgery 

Long term, bariatric surgery will improve sleep quality, especially for those suffering from sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea. While it is performed via minimally invasive laparoscopy, bariatric surgery is still a procedure. Any procedure may have a small chance to affect your ability to sleep in the days and weeks following. To increase the odds of adequate sleep after bariatric surgery, there are several things you should keep in mind.

Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach 

To allow your surgery wound to heal, try to avoid sleeping on your stomach immediately after your procedure. If you’re a dedicated stomach sleeper, only do it once you can rest comfortably without pain and support your spine with surgery pillows. Some patients also find that sleeping in a semi-sitting position can help them avoid discomfort.

Don’t Take Sleeping Pills

Because of your smaller stomach size, your body’s reaction to sleeping pills will likely be different, and they may interact with other post-surgery medications. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, talk to your doctor before taking additional medication. 

Limit Your Naps

You might be tired after surgery, but taking too many mid-day naps can negatively affect the quality of your nighttime sleep. Keep your naps limited to the ideal 10–20 minutes.

Avoid Drinking Before Sleeping

Sleeping on a stomach full of water is uncomfortable and increases the chance of sleep disruptions from having to use the bathroom. In addition, when your stomach is full of fluid, it can put pressure on your upper abdomen and lungs in certain sleeping positions.

Good sleep is conducive to healthy, lasting weight loss. A good surgical team can provide the resources you need to be successful after surgery and help you tackle any sleep issues that may arise. At Wellstar, our team provides the highest level of care before, during, and after surgery to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. Learn more about our bariatric program on our website.