Sleep is an integral part of recovery after weight-loss surgery with Lap-Band of Louisville. After any medical procedure, some people may experience disruptions in their sleeping patterns. There are, however, a few exercises to help with sleep. If sleep exercises don’t work for you, it’s best to talk with your physician about other methods.

Sleep After Bariatric Surgery

Surgery can be disruptive to your sleep. Why does this matter? Sleep is vital for the healing process—and recovering requires restfulness. During a restful night, the body can repair and grow tissue, muscle, and even bone.

It’s plain to see why sleep disruption is a problem. Restless nights will lead to a lengthier recovery time and a diminished immune system. But how can patients promote sleep after bariatric surgery like the Lap-Band®?

Exercises for Sleep After Weight-Loss Surgery

To get the most out of these exercises, you’ll first need to ensure that you have the perfect environment for sleep. Cool temperatures can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep, so drop your thermostat somewhere between 60–68°F. You should also reduce your exposure to light, especially from electronics, and go to sleep at the same time each night.

After you’ve prepared your bedroom for restful sleep, you can try a range of exercises for sleep after weight-loss surgery:

• Breathwork – Multiple breathing methods are effective at promoting sleep. Try experimenting with some of these exercises and do them either in bed or just before settling in.
• Meditation – The art of meditation can be helpful for people trying to sleep. You can combine meditation with soothing music or aromatherapy to help you relax and get a good night’s rest.
• Reading and Writing – One of the best things you can do is read. Reading has been shown to help people fall asleep in the hours just before bed. You can also combine this with a writing practice like journaling. Journaling may help you unwind and shift your body into a relaxed state for sleep.

Bariatric Surgery and Sleeping Pills

Bariatric surgery and sleeping pills have a complex relationship. After a surgery like Lap-Band, it’s essential to exercise caution before using sleeping pills. Medications prescribed after surgery, like pain medication, can act as a sedative. Combining these sedatives with over-the-counter sleep aids can be dangerous—especially for people with breathing problems like sleep apnea.

Sleep-related breathing conditions cause poor airway control, which is exacerbated by introducing multiple sedatives. For this reason, it’s best to talk with your physician before you take any sleeping pills. Your doctor may recommend alternatives that they believe can help you sleep without putting you at risk.

Quality sleep is crucial to recovery and a pivotal aspect of the Lap-Band System. Your team will work with you after surgery to promote a healthy lifestyle, including restful sleep and an enriched recovery. This level of care is unique to Lap-Band, but it isn’t the only distinctive aspect of this procedure.

The Lap-Band is a fully adjustable, removable gastric band that requires no partial amputation of the stomach or intestines. Unlike other types of bariatric surgery, Lap-Band doesn’t require extensive supplementation or an extended stay in the hospital. This special procedure is the least invasive and a sustainable tool for weight loss. It also comes with a postoperative program that allows you to advance your weight-loss journey with healthy lifestyle changes.

For more information about the Lap-Band, watch Lap-Band of Louisville’s free online seminar.