Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide undergo gallbladder surgery. And although the standard procedure for gallbladder removal nowadays is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which does not require a patient to stay at the hospital for a long time, there are still cases when an open surgery is required. We often get inquiries about postoperative care and sleep problems after surgery. Difficulty sleeping and staying asleep or insomnia after surgery is common among recovering patients. This is true among those who have had their gallbladders removed and for everyone who has had any major surgery.
What are the reasons behind sleep problems after surgery? What are the effects of sleep disturbances on postoperative recovery? How can we improve the quality of sleep among recovering patients?
The Normal Sleep Pattern
Sleep is not a process that is homogenous or the same throughout. It is divided into rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (N-REM). Based on their electro-physical characteristics, the N-REM is subdivided into four stages ranging from light sleep to very deep sleep.
Each sleep phase affects the overall circadian rhythm responsible for the sleep-wake cycle and various homeostatic mechanisms (for more information on circadian rhythm, read our blog) Therefore, if sleep is vital for the normal function of healthy individuals, can you imagine how crucial it is for someone who is recuperating?
Common Sleep Problems after Surgery
Sleep problems may take on different forms. According to sleep studies among postoperative patients, it may be one or a combination of the following:
- severe sleep deprivation (having very little or no sleep)
- sleep fragmentation (waking up multiple times during sleep)
- decrease or loss of the REM phase
- decrease or loss of the very deep N-REM sleep stage
- decreased sleep time
- frequent nightmares
The likelihood of these sleep problems occurring during postoperative care and recovery is affected by factors like age, other existing health conditions prior to surgery, type of anesthesia, environmental stress, and severity of surgical trauma.
The most probable cause of insomnia after surgery is the stress response to the trauma of surgery. The metabolic and hormonal responses to this stress are quite dramatic. Pituitary gland hormones are released and the sympathetic nervous system fight or flight hormones. Metabolically, blood sugar levels may rise in response to traumatic stress. The period without food after the operation may also cause a drop in blood sugar, leading to insomnia.
Inflammation from injured tissues may contribute to wakefulness, even without noticeable pain. It is hard to sleep when in pain and as a catch 22, lack of sleep can worsen both pain and inflammation.
Factors Related to Sleep Problems after Surgery
1. Severity of surgical trauma
Sleep deprivation is more severe after major surgery. For example, patients who had open cholecystectomy had more sleep disturbances recorded during the night of surgery than those who had laparoscopic procedures with the same general anesthesia.
2. Environmental Stress
After surgery, patients often have to spend the first few days of their recovery in the hospital. And although this setup can provide them with the best postoperative care, the hospital environment may also increase the likelihood of sleep problems after surgery. In a 2018 study among ICU patients, some of the environmental stressors identified were:
- Thirst
- Presence of tubes in the nose or mouth
- Not being in control of self
- Inability to sleep
- Pain
- Inability to move
- Limited interaction time with family and friends
- Room Temperature
- Unfamiliar noise and smell
- Constant movement and checking by doctors and nurses
Aside from the abovementioned environmental factors within the hospital and at home during recovery, there is a lot of other physical, emotional, and mental stress that a patient has to deal with that may cause insomnia after surgery.
3. Type of Anesthesia
The use of regional anesthesia instead of general anesthesia is helpful to relieve sleep problems after surgery. In a study comparing 162 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy, those who have had spinal anesthesia experienced fewer problems with sleep the night after surgery. Another similar study among 376 surgical patients showed that those with regional anesthesia had a better sleep during recovery. One possible reason is the reduced opioid consumption before the surgical procedure.
4. Age
The elderly often have a more difficult time adjusting their sleep after surgery. Younger patients are more capable of adapting to environmental changes. Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder, is also common among older individuals.
5. Other existing health conditions
Other health conditions not addressed by the surgery may also affect the amount and quality of sleep among recovering patients. For example, those with respiratory conditions or sleep disorders pre-surgery still have to deal with it postoperatively.
Harmful Effects of Sleep Problems after Surgery
Sleep is related to numerous biological functions such as metabolism, immune function, hormone secretion, body temperature regulation, glucose balance, and intestinal function, among others. During sleep, our body repairs and recharges itself so it’ll be ready for activities the following day. Sleep problems after surgery definitely contribute to more challenging postoperative care and longer recovery time.
Increased Catabolism or Breakdown of Cells
For postoperative patients, getting a good sleep after the procedure and during recovery will significantly help in speeding up the body’s normal healing process. During deep sleep, the body’s anabolic activity is at its peak. Anabolism is the normal biochemical reaction within the body responsible for building up cells and tissues. The opposite reaction (the breakdown of cells) is called catabolism, which is heightened because of surgical stress and sleep deprivation.
Hypersensitivity to pain
Aside from increased catabolic activity, sleep problems also affect our body’s pain perception. Recent studies have shown that the way we respond to pain after surgery may depend on the quality of sleep after the procedure. Sleep problems after surgery may produce a hyper-analgesic state wherein our body’s pain tolerance is significantly decreased and pain seems to be magnified. And as mentioned earlier, it works both ways – sleep deprivation can increase pain in the same way that the presence of pain may be the cause for the patient’s inability to get proper sleep.
Increased stress
In the same way that stress can cause sleep disturbance, lack of good sleep can also make stress worse. In animal models, it is proven that sleep deprivation increases oxidative stress and free radical production and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These are all implicated in poor postoperative recovery. As an effect of increased stress, patients recovering from surgery may have more mood swings, impaired concentration, erratic behavior, and decreased psychological performance. Memory loss is also mentioned.
What can we do about sleep problems after surgery?
Considering the factors which increase the likelihood of sleep problems after surgery, there is not much that we can do. Things like age, pre-existing health conditions, type of anesthesia, or the severity of surgical trauma are all beyond our control. However, there is a lot we can do to help reduce stress during the recovery period.
1. Pain management
There are non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures to help manage post-op pain. Examples of non-pharmacological pain management techniques include:
- Physical therapy
- Acupuncture
- Neuro-stimulation
- Hypnosis
The use of medication to manage pain in order to sleep, is usually decided by the attending physician.
2. Reduce Inflammation
As part of our body’s immune response, we experience inflammation during the post-surgery healing process. Unfortunately, our body’s own attempt to protect itself through the inflammatory response can also significantly contribute to pain. To help manage it, you may do the following:
- Castor Oil Packs – We usually recommend this for gallbladder, liver, and stomach problems but you may also use it to reduce inflammation. Not only will the heat soothe and relax you, it may also help in reducing stress and anxiety by kicking in the parasympathetic system.
- Allergy diet – It is important to watch what you eat, especially during recovery. If you don’t steer clear of allergens, it will only make your inflammation worse. Make sure that you take a lot of natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric and beet.
- Supplements – Supplements like Clinical Glutathione and Nature’s Edge Curcu-Gel (turmeric) may help address inflammation. (Products available on Amazon)
3. Stress reduction
Depending on the stressor, there are a number of ways we can reduce the stress experienced by patients after surgery. Relaxation techniques, massage, and touch therapy are just some post-operative care practices that can be done even while in the hospital.
Massage, or just a simple touch, has long been known to improve sleep, reduce stress, and lessen the intensity of pain, among many other benefits. Massage helps release serotonin, also known as happy hormone. Studies show that a simple back rub can elevate oxytocin levels and decrease heart rate.
A positive state of mind is also very important for the recovery of patients. Remember why placebo does wonders? After surgery, it is crucial that we desire and will ourselves to get better. If socialization could help, then reach out to friends and family. To avoid boredom and confusion while inside the hospital, engage in easy activities or hobbies. Try to ease into your regular schedule to help your body adapt and recuperate faster.
Lastly, slowly incorporate exercise and physical activities appropriate for your recovery status. Simple arm lifts, stretching, or walking that will not affect the surgery area can help reduce stress.
4. Improved sleeping conditions
As mentioned earlier, there are environmental factors in the hospital or at home that may significantly affect sleep quality. Noise management, lower room temperature, avoidance of thirst, and eating well are things that can easily be monitored so that sleep problems after surgery can be minimized.
Below are some other things that may improve your sleeping condition and address your insomnia after surgery:
- Avoid using your cellphone, TV, or other electronics before sleeping.
- Use a white noise machine, at home or in the hospital.
- Turn the lights off completely if you can. Light of any kind can suppress the secretion of melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleep and relax.
- Get enough sunlight during the daytime.
- Aromatherapy with natural essential oils like lavender, bergamot, or chamomile may help calm your nerves and prepare you for sleep.
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References:
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