The article lists information about what happens with sleep after a person has had bariatric surgery and offers suggestions for how best to cope with these changes to get the most out of life during recovery.

What is bariatric surgery, and what does it entail?

Bariatric surgery, also called weight-loss surgery, helps some people who are obese lose weight by changing the way their stomach and intestines handle food. There are many types of procedures, but the two most common are restrictive surgeries, which help you eat less by making the stomach smaller, and malabsorptive surgeries, which bypass a portion of the small intestines to reduce the absorption of calories from food. By helping patients lose weight, bariatric surgery can often help improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Learn more: What to Expect After Surgery

How will my sleep change after the surgery?

Sleep after surgery is different than before the surgery. Bariatric surgery improves sleep duration and quality. In addition, after surgery, many people notice that they no longer experience sleep disorders like snoring and sleep apnea.

After a Weight Loss Center in Las Cruces, one should expect to have a reduction of hunger and significant improvement in the ability to exercise. Since these capabilities are expected to improve after surgery, so should energy levels. As energy levels rise, so do calorie requirements (Calorie requirements won’t reach pre-surgery levels because weight loss still needs calories). Improved sleep is all a consequence of these changes.

After the surgery, you are likely to have no trouble falling asleep. However, it is not unusual for ‘some’ patients to wake several times in the night and/or sleep less than they did prior to surgery. The major reason for this is because it takes time for your gastrointestinal tract to heal and adjust to its new smaller size.

The first few times you get up to go to the bathroom during the night, it may be difficult for you to fall back asleep. This is normal and should improve as your body heals.

Tips for getting a good night’s rest

Here are some tips on how to sleep after bariatric surgery:

  • Maintain consistent bedtimes and wake times, even on weekends. This will help with insomnia after surgery.
  • Reduce or eliminate caffeine intake.
  • Follow your meal plan and avoid eating close to bedtime.
  • Reduce fluid intake before bedtime.
  • Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and other stimulants within 4 hours of going to sleep.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene, including keeping the bedroom cool, dark, quiet, and free of distractions.
  • Make your bed as comfortable as possible by adding pillows for support if needed.
  • Take a hot bath or shower before bedtime to relax your muscles.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or listening to soothing music.

Sleep is very important for overall health, including weight loss. When you’re sleeping, your body releases hormones to regulate hunger and fullness so that you feel hungry or full of the right amount of food. Therefore, ensure that you get your sleep, and in case you face any discomfort, consult your surgeon.