Sleeping with a broken arm or leg can be one of the most frustrating parts of recovery. Pain, swelling, bulky casts or splints, and limited movement often make it difficult to get comfortable or stay asleep. Unfortunately, poor sleep can slow healing, worsen pain, and affect mood.
While sleep may not be perfect during recovery, the right strategies can significantly improve comfort and rest.
Several factors interfere with sleep after a fracture:
Pain and inflammation, especially in the first weeks
Swelling, which often worsens at night
Restricted movement from casts, splints, or braces
Fear of reinjury during position changes
Disrupted sleep routines due to injury or medications
Understanding these challenges helps guide more realistic and effective solutions.
Elevation helps reduce swelling and pain. The injured limb should be positioned above heart level whenever possible, especially during the first few weeks.
Use firm pillows or foam wedges
Avoid placing pressure directly on the injury
Re-adjust elevation during the night as needed
Back sleeping allows for the most controlled positioning and reduces the risk of rolling onto the injury.
Place pillows under the injured limb
Use a pillow under the knees to reduce back strain
Consider a body pillow for additional support
If side sleeping is necessary:
Sleep on the uninjured side
Place a pillow between the legs for lower limb injuries
Support the injured arm with pillows to prevent pulling or twisting
Avoid sleeping on the injured side unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.
Pillows are essential tools during fracture recovery:
Surround the injured limb to limit movement
Use firm pillows to prevent sinking or shifting
Consider specialty wedges or orthopedic pillows
Creating a “nest” can help you feel more secure and reduce nighttime movement.
Pain control is crucial for sleep:
Take prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed
Avoid skipping nighttime doses if pain typically worsens at night
Use ice (if approved) earlier in the evening to reduce inflammation
Always follow your provider’s guidance regarding medications and icing.
Keep casts dry and clean
Check for tightness or increased swelling before bed
Avoid resting the cast on hard surfaces
Never insert objects into a cast to scratch itching skin
Increased pain, numbness, or color changes should be reported promptly.
Small changes can improve comfort:
Use a firmer mattress or mattress topper for better support
Wear loose, breathable clothing
Keep the room cool to reduce inflammation
Use nightlights to avoid falls during nighttime bathroom trips
For leg injuries, consider a bedside urinal or commode if mobility is limited.
Healing injuries often lead to lighter sleep and more awakenings. This is normal, especially early in recovery. Focus on:
Resting when you can
Short daytime naps if needed (but not late afternoon)
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Contact your provider if you experience:
Increasing pain or swelling at night
Numbness, tingling, or color changes
Tightness that doesn’t improve with elevation
Signs of infection or cast damage
Sleep difficulties alone are common—but worsening symptoms should not be ignored.
Sleeping with a broken limb is challenging, but comfort and rest are achievable with proper positioning, pain management, and environmental adjustments. Prioritizing sleep during recovery supports healing, reduces pain, and improves overall well-being.
Recovery is temporary, and sleep typically improves as healing progresses. With patience and the right strategies, rest can become part of the healing process—not another obstacle.
If you or someone you know struggles with sleep, please click the orange button below to take a free online sleep test and talk with one of our sleep health professionals.