How to sleep after a hair transplant
Sleeping well is a common problem that many of us have, and sleepless nights can really impact on our overall wellbeing.
If you’ve recently had a hair transplant, or are planning to have one you might have some questions around how well you will sleep after your procedure.
How well can I expect to sleep in the days after a hair transplant?
Everybody’s healing process varies after a hair transplant, but based on our experience, most people heal in about ten days.
Initially after your procedure, it’s a good idea to sleep on your back on an incline to ensure that you are giving the area the time it needs to heal.
From ten days on, you can sleep on your side but for up to another week you should avoid putting pressure on the treated area. After this you can sleep normally in any position.
We all move about during our sleep, and this is not something to be worried about, as it’s unlikely that you will disturb your transplanted hair while you sleep.
Will my treated area be uncomfortable when I’m in bed? It’s likely that both your donor area and treated are will be a little sensitive for up to two weeks after surgery. The key to remaining comfortable while sleeping, and to letting your scalp heal is to follow the guidelines of sleeping on your back on an incline for the first ten days, and then sleeping on your side for up to another week.
Will there be any bleeding while I sleep?
As you heal in the days after your procedure you may experience a small amount of bleeding in the donor or recipient areas while you sleep. This is due to movement, and is totally normal. You may want to protect your pillow covers for the first few days while healing takes place.
How long does it take for my hair transplant to heal?
It certainly takes a few days for both your donor area (where the new hair follicles were taken from) and the recipient area (where the new hair grows) to heal.
Your donor area will be bandaged initially and you might have some initial swelling and a small amount of bleeding, both of which are perfectly normal and to be expected.
A scab will form on these areas and like any scab, it will get itchy – this is a real sign that healing is taking place. Don’t pick at them or itch them and let they fall off naturally.
If itching persists there are a number of ways you can soothe the area by using a saltwater spray, medicated shampoo, or if advised by the Total Hair Restoration Ireland team, you can apply a steroid scalp solution.
By around week 2, swelling should have subsided and you should start to feel better and at one month the healing process should be complete.
It’s important that you don’t overdo it exercise wise while you are healing, gentle exercise such as walking is recommended.
Tips to help you sleep and heal in the first few days after my hair transplant
- If you are worried about sleeping in the first few days after a hair transplant, using a travel pillow might help.
- Many patients use them post-surgery to make themselves more comfortable as they can be moved to reduce any pressure on the donor area.
- Keeping your head elevated in some way for up to two weeks after your hair transplant will help it to heal, and using a travel pillow will help prevent yourself from turning.
- We recommend that you avoid taking any type of sleeping pills to deter you from waking up disorientated during the night, putting yourself at risk of hitting your head.
- Try not to worry about sleeping during this time, patients very rarely do themselves any damage while sleeping after the procedure. Try to relax, and before you know it the healing process will be well underway.
The main advice after a hair transplant is to elevate your head while sleeping, and to try not to worry about any movement during the night – as this is normal, we all do it! Before you know it your swelling will have disappeared, and you can enjoy watching your hair recovery journey come to life over the next number of months, as your brilliant new hair growth starts to take shape.
