How to Sleep With Dislocated Shoulder: Best Sleeping Positions and Tips

A dislocated shoulder can be intensely painful and incredibly disruptive to your everyday routine, especially when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. As your shoulder heals, finding a safe and comfortable sleeping position with a dislocated shoulder becomes essential to avoid further injury and promote recovery.

In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about how to sleep with dislocated shoulder pain, including the best sleeping positions for dislocated shoulder, tips for minimizing discomfort at night, and ways to protect your shoulder while you rest.

Understanding Shoulder Dislocation and Why Sleep Matters

A shoulder dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) pops out of the socket in the shoulder blade (glenoid). Shoulder dislocation causes include trauma, sports injuries, or even sleeping in awkward positions. It damages soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and sometimes nerves – all of which need rest and proper positioning to heal.

While daytime management is often easier, night-time brings a new challenge: pain and poor posture while lying down can slow recovery, disrupt sleep cycles, and increase the risk of re-injury.

If you’re wondering how to sleep with a dislocated shoulder, start by understanding your body’s natural alignment and respecting your healing limitations.

How a Dislocated Shoulder Affects Sleep

Sleep can be difficult with a dislocated shoulder for several reasons:

• Pain and Inflammation: Movement and pressure aggravate the injury.
• Limited Mobility: Stiffness and weakness make shifting positions uncomfortable.
• Fear of Rolling: Unintentionally turning onto the injured side can worsen pain or delay healing.

That’s why choosing the right sleeping position with a dislocated shoulder is crucial to supporting your rest and recovery.

Best Sleeping Position for Dislocated Shoulder

The ideal sleeping position for dislocated shoulder recovery minimizes strain while supporting the joint. Here are the safest and most comfortable options:

• Sleep on Your Back (Supine Position)
  • Why it helps: This position keeps the shoulder in a neutral position, reduces the risk of rolling, and distributes weight evenly.
  • How to do it: Use a wedge pillow or place a rolled towel under the elbow of your injured arm to slightly elevate it. A pillow under the knees can further relieve lower back strain.

• Reclined Position (With Adjustable Bed or Recliner Chair)
  • Why it helps: Lying at a slight incline can reduce shoulder pressure and swelling. It’s also easier to get in and out of this position without engaging the injured shoulder.
  • How to do it: If you don’t have a recliner, use multiple pillows to prop yourself into a semi-upright posture on your bed.

• Side-Sleeping on the Non-Injured Shoulder
  • Why it helps: It avoids direct pressure on the dislocated shoulder.
  • How to do it: Hug a body pillow to support the injured arm in front of your chest. Place a pillow behind your back to prevent rolling over during the night.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach or the injured side—these positions put unnecessary strain on the shoulder and can interfere with healing.

How to Sleep After Dislocated Shoulder: Practical Tips

Here are some actionable tips for anyone trying to figure out how to sleep after dislocated shoulder injury:

• Use a Sling if Recommended: Some patients are advised to wear a sling while sleeping for the first few days or weeks. It keeps the shoulder immobile and aligned.
• Create a Pillow Barrier: Position pillows around your body to keep you from rolling onto your injured side.
• Apply Ice Before Bed: Reduce inflammation and ease pain with a cold pack (15-20 minutes) before lying down.
• Take Prescribed Pain Relievers: If you’re struggling to sleep due to pain, consult your doctor about medication to take at bedtime.
• Avoid Overhead Movements During the Day: Straining your shoulder during the day can lead to more pain at night.
• Stick to a Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your body and improves sleep quality.

Managing Dislocated Shoulder While Sleeping: What to Watch For

Sleeping after a shoulder dislocation should never worsen your condition. Here are some red flags to keep in mind:

• Increased pain in the morning: Suggests poor sleep posture or nighttime movement.
• Numbness or tingling: May indicate nerve compression from poor positioning.
• Waking up frequently: Could be due to pain flare-ups; discuss medication or sling use with your doctor.

If these issues persist, talk to a physiotherapist or orthopedic specialist. Adjusting your sleep position or using additional support can make a significant difference.

Dislocated Shoulder While Sleeping: Can It Happen?

Yes, it can. Although rare, some individuals may re-dislocate their shoulder in their sleep, especially if they’ve had previous injuries or the joint is unstable. This usually happens when rolling onto the injured side or sleeping with the arm in an awkward overhead position.

That’s why consistent use of supportive sleeping positions and a sling (if advised) is critical.

If you suspect a shoulder dislocation while sleeping, don’t attempt to pop it back into place yourself. Seek immediate medical help.

Recovery Timeline: Sleeping Comfort Improves with Healing

In the first few weeks, sleeping comfortably may be difficult. But as healing progresses, mobility improves, and pain lessens. Here’s a general guide:

• Week 1-2: Sleep only on your back or in a reclined position. Use a sling if instructed.
• Week 3-4: May start sleeping on non-injured side with pillow support.
• Month 2+: As strength and mobility return, your sleep positions can expand, but caution is still advised until full recovery.

Consult your doctor before making changes to your sleeping setup.

Healyos: Supporting Your Recovery Day and Night

At Healyos, we understand that recovery doesn’t stop when the sun sets. Our expert physiotherapists help patients navigate not just daytime mobility, but also nighttime comfort and safety.

From helping you find the best sleeping position for dislocated shoulder recovery to teaching safe movements and stretches, we offer comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

If you’re struggling with sleep due to a shoulder injury, let our team guide you toward restful, healing nights.

Finding the right sleeping position with a dislocated shoulder is essential to healing. Sleep supports tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and restores energy. Whether you’re adjusting your bed, using pillows strategically, or modifying your sleep routine, these changes can dramatically improve your comfort.

Remember, your recovery starts with rest. And with the right position and support, sleep can become part of your treatment plan.