Should You Wear a Knee Brace to Bed?

When recovering from a knee injury or correcting bad posture, knee braces are necessary to aid in the healing process. The speed of healing depends on how long you keep your knee brace on. While knee braces come in handy during normal activities like walking, cycling, and working, many people often wonder whether they can sleep with a knee brace on.

You should wear your knee brace to bed, especially after an operation or when the muscles around the injured region aren’t strong yet. This is because your knee brace will reduce stress around the knee ligaments if you move while sleeping.

On the other hand, if you don’t feel much pain on the knee area or if a sudden movement won’t cause the condition to deteriorate then there is no need to sleep with a knee brace.

Considerations when sleeping with a knee brace

An ACL tear can take months to recover. During this time, you need to utilize your leg so that your muscles can be stronger. Unfortunately, it can be painful to move your leg, whether you are walking or sleeping.

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By wearing a knee brace, this pain will be alleviated. Besides, knee braces help you to move your leg without feeling as much pain. When sleeping with your knee brace, you need to make sure that it is helping you rather than slowing down your recovery process.

• Talk to your doctor: Ask your doctor whether you should sleep with a knee brace. Surgeons often recommend a brace or overnight immobilizer to help keep your leg in place for faster recovery.
• Find a comfortable knee brace: There are different types of knee braces in the market that are designed for different purposes. Don’t go for something bulky that can aggravate your injury. Instead, settle for something that is light, comfortable, and offers support.

How to sleep comfortably with a knee brace

Sleeping with a knee brace can reduce the risk of further injury -only if you do it right. It is important to confirm with your doctor about any special instructions when sleeping to boost your recovery. Other than that, here are a few basics to keep in mind when sleeping with a knee brace:

• Ensure the brace fits: Check the loop tapes, straps, and hook to ensure they are working and the brace fits well. A loose brace may move about and cause further injury.
• Sleep on your back: Adjust your position so that you sleep on your back. If you are used to sleeping sideways, this position may feel uncomfortable. However, you can keep comfortable using pillows.
• Stick a pillow below the brace: Adding a pillow or two under the brace keeps it elevated and minimizes the risk of aggravation.
• Sleep alone: It’s better to sleep alone unless whoever you’re sleeping with doesn’t move often in sleep. The last thing you want to be woken up by a sharp pain. Worse, this could risk further injury.

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While the above advice is important, you should not substitute it with the recommendations given by your doctor. It is also commendable to enquire first before you use or sleep with a knee brace.