Sling on, back or good side down, pillows everywhere.
NHS physiotherapy advice after shoulder surgery is to wear your sling in bed for the time recommended, avoid lying on the operated shoulder for the first six weeks, and support the arm with pillows: under the upper arm and elbow when on your back, hugged in front when on your non-operated side, and tucked behind your back to stop you rolling. A semi-reclined position in a recliner or propped on pillows often beats a flat bed for the first weeks because the arm cannot dangle and stretch the repair. Time your evening painkillers about 30 minutes before bed. Broken sleep early on is normal and improves as the shoulder settles.
What to do
Common questions
How do I sleep after shoulder surgery?
The setup that works: sling on, back or good side down, and pillows doing the work of your arm. NHS physiotherapy guidance is consistent on the rules. If you were given a sling, wear it in bed for as long as you were told to wear it. Do not lie on the operated shoulder for the first six weeks. Sleep on your back with a pillow under the operated upper arm and elbow for support, or on your non-operated side hugging a folded pillow in front of you to cradle the arm, with another pillow tucked along your back so you cannot roll onto the bad side. Many people find a reclined position easiest for the first weeks, either in a recliner chair or propped up with pillows at 30 to 45 degrees, because it stops the arm dangling and pulling on the repair. Take your painkillers about 30 minutes before bed so the night starts comfortable. Expect sleep to be broken for the first couple of weeks; that is normal and improves as the sling comes off and the shoulder stiffens up less at night.