After surgery, normal sleeping and eating patterns can be altered.

​Why?

There are many theories as to what causes changes in sleep and appetite after surgery-

• the anaesthetic
• the surgery
• blood loss
• change in bowel habits
• fatique
• pain
• post operative medications
• change to normal routine after surgery.

In truth, it can be a combination of all or none of these theories.
Generally speaking, there is nothing to be alarmed about.
It is more important to eat small, regular, light meals.  Ensure that you have adequate fluid intake. Avoid coffee or tea in the evenings.  Take the prescribed painkillers if it is difficult to get comfortable. It is often better to take these medications prior to going to bed, rather than spending the night being uncomfortable and unsettled.

If people aren’t sleeping reasonably when we see them at 12 days after surgery, we often prescribe a tablet for nerve pain that also works as a mild sedative, getting the sleep/wake cycle back on track.

In time things should return to normal, but in the interim try not to dwell too much on these changes and focus on getting back to life.