The Benefits of Good Sleep for Healing After Surgery Abroad

Deep sleep is one of the most important factors in your healing process after your surgery abroad. A good sleep triggers the release of growth hormones that fix tissues and lower swelling.

For anyone traveling for medical care, getting enough rest is one of the fastest ways to heal and avoid problems after your treatment.

Why Sleep is Important After your Surgery Abroad

When you are in a deep rest, your heart rate slows down and more blood moves to your muscles. This process brings in the oxygen and nutrients needed to heal your skin and internal tissues.

Deep sleep is key to closing incisions and making sure your body accepts any adjustments made during your surgery.

If you don't sleep well, you might feel pain more intensely. A tired brain has a harder time handling discomfort, and this can make your recovery feel much longer and more difficult than it needs to be.

When you are well-rested, your mind is better at managing the stress that naturally comes with being in a hospital or a new country.

What the Researchers Say About Sleep and Healing

Research shows that sleep is not just about feeling less tired; good sleep also has a direct impact on how fast your physical wounds close.

• Faster Healing: According to the study led by scientists from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology, wounds can heal about 60% faster during the day when the body’s internal clock is active. If your sleep is disrupted, this natural rhythm breaks, and healing slows down.

  
  

• Wound Quality: Patients who report "poor to fair" sleep quality have significantly higher odds of experiencing wound complications compared to those who sleep well.

  
  

• Pain Management: People with poor sleep before surgery often report much higher pain scores and use more pain medication afterward than those who are well-rested.

  
  

• Infection Risk: Lacking sleep can make you more likely to get a common cold or infection because your immune system doesn't have the energy to fight off germs.

  
  

The Struggle of Resting in a New Place in Medical Tourism

It isn’t always easy to catch sleep when you are in a different country and a new setting. You might be dealing with jet lag, which happens when your body’s clock is out of sync with the local time.

The bed in your hotel or clinic might feel too soft or too hard, and the pillows might not be what you are used to.

Sometimes the noise of a new city or the light coming through a window you aren't used to can keep you tossing and turning.

The food you eat at different times in a new country can also change how your body prepares for bed.

You can find the first night in a new destination difficult, as your brain stays "on alert" in an unfamiliar environment.

7 Tips for Better Sleep While You Heal Abroad

You can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by changing a few small things about your routine.

Let’s explore these tips:

1. Stick to a routine. Try to sleep and wake up at the same time every single day. This routine helps your body know when it is time to sleep, even if the clock on the wall says something different than what you are used to.

   
   

2. Make the room dark. Use a sleep mask or close the heavy curtains in your room. Darkness tells your brain to produce melatonin, which is the natural chemical that helps you sleep. If you have to get up in the night, you can keep the lights low.

   
   

3. Keep it cool. A hot room makes it hard for your body to relax. If you can, set the air conditioning to a cool setting to help your body temperature drop for the night. A room that is too warm can lead to night sweats and restless movement.

   
   

4. Watch what you drink. Coffee, soda, and some teas can keep you awake for hours. Try to stop drinking anything with caffeine by early afternoon. You can stick to water or herbal teas that do not have stimulants.

   
   

5. Pack a piece of home. A pillowcase from your own bed or a small travel spray with a scent you like can make a strange room feel safer. With this, your mind can relax so you can sleep without worrying about your new surroundings.

   
   

6. Block out the noise. New cities can be loud at night. Earplugs or a white noise app on your phone can drown out hallway noise or traffic sounds. Consistent sound is much better for your brain than sudden loud noises.

   
   

7. Talk to your nurse about meds. Some pain pills or antibiotics can make you feel jittery. You can ask your medical team if you can time your medicine so it doesn't interfere with your rest.

Helping Your Body Create a Defense System

Your body’s defense system works hardest while you are asleep. During your sleep, your body builds defense by making special proteins that search for and stop infections.

A strong immune system reduces the chance of fever or wound issues during the first few days after surgery.

Managing Sleep in Different Medical Hubs

Different medical tourism destinations have different sleep environments. If you are traveling to a busy city such as Bangkok or Istanbul, the city might stay loud late into the night. If you are in a more rural recovery center, the silence might keep you awake.

In some countries, the main meal of the day is late. Eating a heavy meal right before bed can cause indigestion and keep you up. You can try to eat your largest meal a few hours before you plan to sleep to manage your digestion.

Sleep Positions After Specific Surgeries

The way you lay down during your sleep can change depending on what surgery you had.

We’ve listed below a couple of examples:

• Dental Treatment: Keeping your head propped up with two or three pillows can help reduce swelling in your jaw and gums.

  
  

• Cosmetic Surgery: If you had a procedure on your face or chest, you may need to sleep on your back. Using a "U-shaped" travel pillow can also keep your head from turning while you sleep.

  
  

• Orthopedic Surgery: If you had a hip or knee replacement, you might need a pillow between your legs to keep your joints in the right spot.

  
  

Dealing with Jet Lag Before Surgery

Arriving at your destination a few days before your surgery gives your body time to adjust to the new time zone.

If you go into surgery while your body is still confused about what time it is, your recovery might feel more taxing.

You can spend time outdoors in the natural sunlight during the day to help your internal clock reset faster.

Niche Questions

Does it matter what side I sleep on after my procedure? 

Yes, it often does. For example, if you had surgery on one side of your body, you would want to stay off that side to keep pressure away from the stitches. Pressure on an incision can cause pain and might even pull the stitches. You need to consult with your doctor about which position is safest for your specific surgery.

Can I take a nap during the day? 

Short naps can be great if you are feeling worn out. Try to keep them under 30 minutes so you are still tired enough to sleep well when nighttime comes around. After a long nap during the day, you can find it very hard to fall asleep at a normal time later that night.

Should I use a sleeping pill in a foreign country? 

You should only use sleep aids if your surgeon says it is okay. Some sleep medications can react with your anesthesia or your painkillers. It is always better to try natural ways to fall asleep first.

Is it okay to watch TV until I fall asleep? 

The blue light from a TV or phone screen tells your brain to stay awake. It is better to listen to a podcast or some soft music instead. Try to turn off all screens at least 30 minutes before you want to be asleep.

FAQs

How much sleep is enough? 

You should aim for at least 8 to 9 hours. Your body is doing a lot of heavy lifting to heal, so don't be surprised if you feel like you need even more than that.

What if I can't sleep because of the pain? 

If pain is keeping you up, you can speak with your doctor. They might need to adjust your meds or suggest a different way to prop yourself up with pillows. Getting the pain under control is the first step to getting the sleep you need.

Can the humidity in a new country affect my sleep? 

Yes, very humid or very dry air can make it hard to breathe comfortably. If the air is dry, a small humidifier can help. If it is humid, making sure the air conditioning is working well will keep you more comfortable.

Takeaways

• Sleep helps fix your body, repairs your skin, and lowers your pain levels.

• Keeping a regular schedule helps you overcome jet lag and keeps your mood steady.

• You can use masks, earplugs, and cool air to stay asleep in a new place.

• Be careful with caffeine, heavy meals, and when you take your meds.

• You can use pillows to prop yourself up or stay on your back, depending on your surgery.