Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health for everyone, but it is especially important for someone recovering from an injury, like Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow. Of course, getting enough rest is easier said than done when you’re in physical pain! Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to mitigate these conditions so you’re able to rest peacefully and recover as quickly as possible.
Choose the Right Sleep Position
There are back sleepers, side sleepers, and even those that sleep on their stomach with their arms over their head. Each person is different, but while dealing with Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow, there is only one optimal sleep position. A person should always sleep on the opposite side of their affected elbow, and it’s important that they keep their arm unbent to avoid aggravating the area. This may take some adjustment for a person who isn’t used to sleeping on their side, but once they get used to it, they will be very thankful in the morning that they made the change!
Avoid Alcohol & Sleep Aids
Falling asleep while in pain is no easy task, so often, people will turn to alcohol or sleep aids, including pills or melatonin. While these can certainly help someone fall asleep faster, they drastically lower sleep quality. A person is more likely to get shallow rest, meaning they will still feel tired in the morning, plus they will probably wake up multiple times during the night, causing them to ultimately miss out on sleep.
When to Take Your Pain Medication
If you haven’t been prescribed pain medication for your Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow, then it’s time to talk to your doctor! Taking medication about an hour or two before bed can help lessen any discomfort so that it’s easy for you to naturally fall asleep. And, unlike alcohol or sleep aids, most pain medicine shouldn’t lower your sleep quality if taken as directed.
Enjoy a Hot Shower or Bath
For people struggling with sleep, one of the most common suggestions is to take a hot shower or bath right before going to bed. After finishing, this makes the body naturally start cooling itself, which is an essential step to falling asleep, so this makes it happen faster. For people with Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow, the warm water can help soothe and relax aching muscles as well, providing an extra benefit.
If you’re still having trouble sleeping despite using some or all of these tips, be sure to talk to your doctor. Sleep is when your body repairs itself the most, and by getting the rest you need night after night, you’ll feel like yourself and be free of pain before you know it.
About the Author
Dr. Paul Tortland is a DO who is double board-certified in both sports and regenerative medicine. Over the years, he has treated countless athletes dealing with Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow using both traditional methods as well as advanced regenerative medicine techniques like stem cell therapy. To learn how he could help you recover and stop feeling pain so you can sleep better, contact him today to schedule an appointment. You can also talk to him online with a Telehealth Visit by clicking here.