How to Sleep With a Shoulder Sling On

A shoulder sling is a fabric and elastic support that goes under and around your arm, with one strap looping around your neck. People with arm and shoulder injuries often wear these slings to support their arm or shoulder after an injury. Getting used to the feeling of the shoulder sling when you're getting dressed, washing and eating can take some time. For many injuries, doctors insist that you wear the sling during the first two to six weeks of recovery, depending on how grave the injury. Many wearers need time to adapt to wearing the sling while they sleep.

Things You'll Need

• Pillows
• Neck pillow

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Instructions

• 1

  Place one pillow on the spot where you normally rest your head and then lay down.

• 2

  Insert another pillow underneath the arm that is in the sling. Test your comfort level and add another pillow under your sling if necessary. The arm that is in the sling should feel completely supported.

• 3

  Close your eyes and assess your comfort level. If you still aren't comfortable sleeping in this position, add two to three more pillows under your back. This causes you to be in a semi-sitting position, which can be more comfortable if you're sleeping in a sling.

• 4

  Close your eyes and assess how comfortable you feel. Adjust your pillows if necessary. Add a neck pillow to increase your overall support.