Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Make yourself comfortable
• Method 2 of 3: Soothe the pain while you sleep
• Method 3 of 3: Support the healing process
• Warnings

Sleeping with broken ribs can be painful, especially if the pain prevents you from sleeping in your normal sleeping position. To sleep more easily with broken ribs, you will need to change your sleeping position and find ways to ease the pain before going to sleep. Also, always follow your doctor's advice on how to manage your pain and contact him or her as soon as possible if you have trouble sleeping due to your sore ribs.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Make yourself comfortable

1. Choose the position that is most comfortable for you. Sleeping on your back may be the most comfortable position for you if you have broken ribs, or you may find it more comfortable to sleep on your side. Both sleeping positions are fine if you have broken ribs. Sleeping on your side or on your back will also help you breathe. Try different sleeping positions to find the most comfortable position for you.
   • Try to sleep on the injured side. If your ribs are only broken on one side, some doctors recommend lying on the injured side while sleeping. Your injured ribs will move less and you will be able to breathe deeper on your healthy side. However, if this sleeping position hurts, don't try to sleep on your injured side.
   • Try to sleep in an armchair. For some people with broken ribs, it is more comfortable to sleep in an armchair than in a bed.
2. Use pillows to be more comfortable. Pillows can help keep you from turning over at night, which can be painful and even cause you to wake up at night. If you sleep on your back, put pillows under your arms to avoid turning on your side. You can also place some pillows under your knees to reduce the stress on your back.
3. Take a deep breath from your stomach. Broken ribs can cause shallow breathing because it hurts to move your chest too much. That's why it's a good idea to take a deep breath from your stomach for a while during the day and before going to bed. By breathing in this way you can relax and also ensure that you are getting enough oxygen.
   • To practice deep breathing, lie on your back or recline in a chair and breathe in slowly and deeply. Count to five as you inhale and then slowly exhale as you count to five. Try to draw the air down into your stomach with the help of your diaphragm.
4. Exercise as little as possible while you sleep. During the first few days, it is important to cough, turn, and stretch as little as possible. It can be difficult to do this as little as possible at night. Just remember that your ribs are connected to many parts of your upper body, so moving around can cause more pain.
   • Keep an extra pillow handy so you can put it against your ribs if you have to cough at night.
   • Do not wrap anything tightly around your ribs to minimize movement. Wrapping something around your ribs increases the risk of developing a collapsed lung or lung infection.

Method 2 of 3: Soothe the pain while you sleep

1. Take painkillers according to your doctor's instructions. If your doctor has prescribed painkillers for you, you can help control your pain by taking your medication about half an hour before going to bed. Make sure you follow your doctor's instructions about taking the medication and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have any questions or concerns.
   • Keep in mind that some pain relievers make it difficult for you to sleep because they can cause sleep apnea. Opioids like codeine and morphine can make you stop breathing and wake up in the middle of the night.
2. Use over-the-counter pain relievers. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen. If you don't have prescription pain relievers to ease the pain of your broken ribs, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers. Ask your doctor which drug he or she recommends and what and how much to use. Do not exceed the maximum dose.
   • If you have or have had heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcers, or internal bleeding, ask your doctor if it is safe to use any of these medications.
3. Put ice on your ribs. Ice helps to numb the pain a bit and can also help to reduce swelling. For the first two days after the injury, it may help to place an ice pack wrapped in something on your ribs for 20 minutes every hour. After the first few days, you can place the ice pack on your ribs for 10 to 20 minutes at least three times a day.
   • Place the ice pack on your ribs just before bed to help soothe the pain.
   • Don't put anything warm on your broken ribs, especially if there are any swelling. Heat will cause more blood to flow to the area being heated, which can make swelling worse.

Method 3 of 3: Support the healing process

1. Sleep as much as possible. During the healing process, your body cannot do without sleep, so make sure you sleep a lot and for a long time. Try to sleep at least eight hours at night and take naps during the day when you feel tired. Some good ways to fall asleep more easily include:
   • Go to bed at the same time every night.
   • Turn off all televisions, computers, tablets and phones.
   • Making sure your bedroom is dark, cool and quiet.
   • Do not drink caffeinated and alcoholic drinks before going to sleep.
   • Do not eat for at least two hours before going to bed.
   • Do something relaxing before going to sleep, such as listening to calming music or taking a shower.
2. Exercise occasionally during the day. It's not a good idea to stay in bed all day if you have broken ribs. Get out of bed every now and then during your day and walk around for a while. This helps to get more oxygen and get mucus out of your lungs.
   • Try to get out of bed and walk around the house at least once every two hours.
3. Cough when you feel the urge to do so. If you don't cough when you have to cough, you can get a lung infection. Coughing can be painful if you have broken ribs, but it's important to do it anyway.
   • While coughing, hold a blanket or pillow against your chest to make it slightly less painful.
4. Eat healthy foods. Getting enough nutrients is also important to support your body's healing process. During recovery, ensure a balanced diet. Eat the following, among other things:
   • Fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes and bananas.
   • Vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, spinach and carrots.
   • Lean proteins like skinless chicken, lean ground beef and shrimp.
   • Dairy products such as yogurt, milk and cheese.
   • Complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, wholemeal pasta and wholemeal bread.
5. Stop smoking. Quitting smoking can also help speed up the healing process. If you are a smoker, now is a good time to quit. Talk to your doctor about medications and treatments that will make it easier for you to quit smoking.

Warnings

• See your doctor as soon as possible if you are unable to sleep well due to your broken ribs hurting. Sleeping well and a lot is important for your ribs to heal.