Trouble sleeping after TKR: What helped you sleep?

I too researched this sleeplessness last year. All I read and my surgeon said it's normal and only time will help. Good news is your sleep will come back but it going to be a very long time. Just keep trying to rest.

Hello @jackieboo1, welcome to Connect. I remember having trouble sleeping as well. As @10nsmom mentioned, sleep did return to normal, but it took time.

@jackieboo1, is it safe to say that pain is what is keeping you up or waking you up at night? When I am dealing with chronic pain and having trouble sleeping, I take a generic melatonin. I am not a medical professional and cannot offer medical advice, so it is best to ask your provider if it is OK to take a melatonin, but it does help make me a bit more tired and to stay asleep when I fall asleep.

I am 4 months out from TKR and still have nightly knee pain. Found Salon Pas patch does help. Good Luck

I had my first knee done in July and am out 11 days with my second. Difficulty sleeping is a common problem. Just a couple common sense suggestions that have seemed to help. Try to not take long naps during day or if you must plan in late morning or early afternoon. Keep a simple snack at your bedside (I use bananas) so you can easily put something in your stomach which sometimes helps with sleep. Occasionally I do move to a lounge chair and try to sleep sitting up for several hours. Have everything set up to move there before you go to bed so it involves little effort in the middle of the night. This change of position sometimes helps. It does get better over time as I found with my first knee that is know 4 months old and doing great. I'm going to try the Melatonin suggestion.

What is "Salon Pas patch"?

No pain. Just uncomfortable.

I buy it on Amazon and it is available at all drug stores walmart etc. I use the 4% lidocaine. It is expensive, but I cut the patch in half and place it on the part of my knee that is most painful before bed and leave it on all night.

Yes... the new knee joint does feel strange, but as weeks pass, it should normalize. I don’t think there has been a recent comment as to when you feel semi-normal with your new joint..... aquaintance said 6 months out it felt like a “real” knee. Like, normal. Not even counting the surgery. One can dream............ Would love to hear from people with their experience regarding dealing with the metal adjustment regarding kneeling. I can do it, but is is yuck!

I am not an addictive person so, Surgeon offered a lot of Oxycodone. It can even b alternated w Dyclofinate and other pain meds. Don't get why there is such a fuss over it. It didn't to anything for my mind but, pain gone 100%. Dr. said "don't let pain get to 6 or 7 - take pain meds when its at 2 - 3. DON'T CHASE THE PAIN WHEN IT IS 6 -7". KEEP IN AROUND 2-3.

No pain just discomfort especially trying to sleep.