How to sleep after a hair transplant (Day 1-30) - [2024]

International Clinics
171
22 November 2024

Hair transplant procedures with various techniques enjoy a high success rate worldwide. However, doctors try to avoid some concerns after performing the hair transplant, as the transplanted follicles are extremely delicate and fragile, requiring care to ensure their stability.

It is worth mentioning that sleep is one of the medical concerns that doctors try to avoid by providing medical guidelines regarding how to sleep after a hair transplant.

In this article, we provide you with a comprehensive guide on the medical instructions to follow after a hair transplant to ensure the stability of the follicles and avoid the procedure's failure. We also mention the best package offered by our international clinics for personal hair care after the hair transplant, which promises tangible, better results. So stay tuned for more.

What are the sleeping tips for post-hair transplant recovery?
Additional medical instructions for the hair transplant healing process
Hair transplant nighttime routine provided by Internationalclinics
What are the common sleep issues post-transplant?
patient testimonials on sleep after hair transplant
The bottom line:
FAQs of sleep after hair transplant

What are the sleeping tips for post-hair transplant recovery?

Let's answer the most common questions that many people have after undergoing a hair transplant, like, "Can I sleep on my side after a hair transplant?" "How can I avoid damaging hair grafts while sleeping?" and "When can I sleep on my side after a hair transplant?"

The hair transplant recovery sleep tips include:

Always lie down in a position that looks straight, with your head slightly at a 45-degree angle (your shoulders and head appear in a straight line). You can use pillows to support your body well or lie on a reclining chair to ensure your posture remains straighter.
Using a U-shaped pillow helps keep the head elevated. If your position changes while sleeping and you notice it, immediately adjust your position to what was mentioned in the point above.
Avoiding pressure on the scalp by preventing certain sleeping positions that increase the weight on the head, such as sleeping on the abdomen or side. It was found that the best sleeping position after a hair transplant is lying on the back only, with the head raised in a straight position with the shoulders.

If the person does not follow the medical sleeping tips for resting after a hair transplant, they may suffer from several issues in the head area, such as:

Swelling after hair transplant of the follicle areas.
Haematomas: Blood clumps beneath graft sites
Damage to fragile grafts
Appearance of angioedema.

One observational clinical study showed that more than 80% of patients who slept on their backs correctly did not suffer from edema complications. This confirms the necessity of following the instructions for hair transplant aftercare sleep.

Additional medical instructions for the hair transplant healing process

In addition to following sleeping tips for hair transplant patients, it is recommended to adhere to these medical guidelines to reach the recovery stage without any health complications, including:

Ensure the continued cleanliness of the scalp by using a chemical-free and gentle shampoo.
Avoid strenuous activities, bending, and lifting heavy objects.
Stay away from intimate relationships for ten days or more to promote a speedy recovery.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to take care of the scalp and avoid sun exposure.
Following a balanced, healthy diet boosts immunity and healing.
Keeping the body hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups of water daily.

Hair transplant nighttime routine provided by Internationalclinics

Our international clinics offer you a helpful routine to correct sleep patterns and also to strengthen the recovery phase. after the transplant procedure, which includes:

Elevate Your Head: Sleep with an extra pillow or neck pillow to keep the head above to minimize swelling and protect the grafts. (Used for 10 days after the transplant procedure)

Soft Cleaning: Before going to bed, clean the scalp gently with a mild shampoo without disturbing the grafts.

Avoid Pressure: Sleeping on your back will avoid any pressure on the transplanted areas, minimizing the risk of graft displacement. You can also use a headband to prevent swelling and puffiness from reaching the face.

Moisturize: If advised, lightly apply a moisturizer or solution the clinic recommends to hydrate the scalp area.

Sterilization of surgical sites: The treating physician prescribes some antibiotics to prevent infection, and pain can also be managed, if present, through some painkillers recommended by your doctor.

Mesotherapy for hair treatment includes some vitamin pills promoting hair growth.

International Clinics provides each patient who undergoes a hair transplant with special medical supplies equipped with all the previous points to enhance the recovery phase. Your doctor may also recommend undergoing platelet-rich plasma injections alongside the transplant to enhance the procedure's success and ensure satisfactory results. These are also included in our medical bag. Don't hesitate to contact us for your free consultation and to learn more.

What are the common sleep issues post-transplant?

It has been observed that insomnia is the most common sleep problem after transplant surgeries, especially those using stem cells, which causes trouble for some people and hinders their daily activities. Therefore, we suggest you overcome such issues by following some sleep hygiene after-surgery tips (healthy sleep habits).

Do you know the effects of poor sleep on hair transplant recovery?

Studies indicate that good sleep enhances recovery after surgical interventions, and therefore, it is strongly recommended to follow healthy sleep habits after hair restoration surgery to improve graft recovery. They include:

Don't go to bed unless you feel sleepy.
Make your sleep and wake times consistent, and do not go to sleep during the day. Just go to sleep at night.
Avoid consuming stimulants 4 to 6 hours before going to bed, such as tea, coffee, and chocolate.
Prevent fatty, spicy, sugary foods and excessive liquids before bedtime.
Stay away from strenuous daily activities right before bedtime.

But avoid it also after the hair transplant procedure to be able to reach the recovery stage in a short time.

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patient testimonials on sleep after hair transplant

Following hair transplantation, patients report a significant improvement in their quality of life, particularly regarding their sleep ability. Although some people suffer from insomnia, many said that after the surgery, their mental health significantly improved because the positive outcomes restored their sense of self-worth.

One of them even mentioned that anxiety and stress due to hair loss had really disturbed his sleep, but after the surgery, his sleep completely improved. Others have mentioned that feeling better about their looks allowed them to relax more and speed the healing process. These personal accounts base the positive impacts of hair transplantation on physical appearance and the psychological aspects of sleep and general mental health.

The bottom line:

Good sleep after a hair transplant is the most basic part of the recovery process. You can promote healing and the best outcomes by following important guidelines like keeping your head up, avoiding direct pressure on the grafts, and maintaining comfortable surroundings. These steps will lead to improved rest and support your path toward full recovery.

FAQs of sleep after hair transplant

When can I start sleeping normally after a hair transplant?

When initial healing has taken place, you can usually return to normal sleep positions in about 7 to 10 days.

Why sleep with a neck pillow after a hair transplant?

Sleeping on a neck pillow elevates the position of your head and reduces pressure on the grafts, allowing them to heal better.

What if I accidentally touched my hair grafts?

If you touch your hair grafts, avoid rubbing or applying pressure; most of the time, minor contact will not result in major damage, but you should always keep the area clean.

When is the most painful day after a hair transplant?

Normally, the most painful day is around 2 to 3 days postoperative when swelling and discomfort are at their maximum, and we can overcome it by taking some pain-relieving medications under medical supervision.