How To Sleep With A Sprained Ankle

How To Sleep With A Sprained Ankle (2024)

Last updated: 15.01.2024 Reading time: 6 Min.

Sleeping peacefully with a sprained ankle can be tricky, but it's crucial for a speedy recovery.

In this blog post, we will share practical advice on how to sleep comfortably and support your healing ankle.

We've got you covered, from finding the right sleeping position to managing pain.

Say goodbye to restless nights and wake up refreshed.

Let's explore the secrets to a restful sleep with a sprained ankle.

Man struggling with how to sleep with a sprained ankle

How to sleep comfortably with a sprained ankle

If you're wondering how to sleep with a sprained ankle, it's all about the RICE method and some painkillers.

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compress
  • Elevate

We explain what a sprained ankle is further down.

Let's look at the treatments for how to sleep with ankle sprain in more detail.

Rest

Rest is a big part of the recovery process for a sprained ankle, and insufficient sleep can delay the healing [1]process.

But rest doesn’t just mean sleep.

It could mean watching a movie on the sofa, reading a book in bed or meditating to calm your mind.

Woman relaxing with meditation
Try a guided meditation session to relax.

You need to be still, relaxed and resting.

These activities should help you wind down and eventually fall asleep.

Ice your ankle

Before you drift off to sleep, you need to ice your sprained ankle to reduce the swelling and get some pain relief. 🧊

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth or towel for 10 - 15 minutes before bed.

This will help numb the area and limit swelling during the night.

Remember to use a barrier like a cloth to protect your skin from direct contact with the ice pack to avoid frostbite. Ouch!

Compress the ankle

Once you have iced your ankle for 10 minutes [2], remove the ice pack and wrap a compression bandage around your ankle.

Compression provides support [3]and can further reduce swelling.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Use an elastic bandage to wrap your sprained ankle gently.
  2. Start at the toes and work your way up towards the calf.
  3. Ensure the bandage is snug but not too tight to maintain proper circulation.

You may need to do this for several days after your ankle injury.

compression socks for how to sleep with a sprained ankle
If you don’t have a bandage or brace, compression socks can alleviate pain.

If you have an ankle brace on hand, you can wear it at night to limit ankle joint movement and compress the injury.

Just loosen the brace slightly at night so it doesn’t cut off your blood circulation and cause further discomfort.

Elevate your ankle

Elevating your ankle [4] above the level of your heart can help minimise swelling and improve blood flow. 🫀

Place pillows or cushions under your injured leg to encourage excess fluid to drain away from the area.

Keep your ankle elevated throughout the night to maximise its benefits in reducing swelling and improving circulation.

Wedge pillow to elevate your ankle
A wedge pillow comes in handy for all kinds of injuries!

Alternatively, try a wedge pillow to elevate your ankle at night without needing a pile of several cushions.

We recommend the Byre Wedge 5 in 1 Support Pillow so you can adjust it to a comfortable height for your body.

BUY BYRE WEDGE PILLOW 5-IN-1 SUPPORT PILLOW£ 41.99

Take pain medication

Sprained ankles can be very painful in the first few days.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, like Ibuprofen or Aleve, can help reduce the swelling and alleviate some of the pain.

Woman reaching for pain mediation
Always take pain medication responsibly.

You can also take other over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), to relieve the pain without the anti-inflammatory effects.

Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals. Always talk with your GP or medical advisor before taking any medication.

Best sleeping position for a sprained ankle

Dealing with a sprained ankle can make finding a comfortable sleeping position challenging.

Here's how to sleep with a sprained ankle on your side, front and back.

Sleeping on your back with ankle sprains

Sleeping on your back is the best position for a sprained ankle.

You can keep your ankle elevated easily without putting extra pressure on it.

Place a few pillows under your ankle to lift it above your heart, and go to sleep.

You can also create a protective barrier of pillows or use a body pillow like the Simba Cooling Body Pillow to stop you from rolling onto your injured side.

BUY SIMBA BODY PILLOW£ 109

How to sleep on your side with a sprained ankle

Can you sleep on your side with a sprained ankle? Absolutely!

If you prefer sleeping on your side, choose the non-injured side.

woman sleeping with pillow between the knees
A pillow between your knees will help maintain proper alignment.

Place a pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned and hips straight.

Then, place a few pillows between your ankles to elevate your injured leg further and reduce the pressure on your sprained ankle.

Finding a comfortable position amongst all the pillows might take a few minutes!

Sleeping on your front with a sprained ankle

Sleeping on your front can be tricky with an injured ankle.

Before you get into bed, place a soft, flat pillow on the mattress where your ankles will be.

Climb into bed carefully and place your ankles on the pillow to elevate them above your heart.

front sleeper
Experiment with a few sleeping positions to find the most comfy option.

You might find this position too uncomfortable once you're lying down.

In this case, try rolling over and sleeping on your back with the pillow in the same position. 💤

We recommend customisable pillows, like the Emma Original Pillow, so you can make it as thick or as thin as you'd like.

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BUY EMMA PILLOW£ 75

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle is when the ligaments, which are stretchy bands holding your ankle bones together, get stretched or torn.

Ankle sprains are common injuries and typically happen when you twist or roll your foot at an awkward angle.

This can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the ankle. 🦵

Sprained ankles can range from mild to severe, so caring for them is important to help you heal properly.

Sleeping with a sprained ankle is tricky

When it comes to how to sleep with a sprained ankle, remember that comfort and proper support for your sprained ankle are essential for a speedy recovery.

Try the RICE method in the first few days and get as much rest as you can.

If persistent pain or sleep difficulties persist, consult a healthcare professional for further medical advice to regain your full range of motion. 🏥

They might even refer you to a physical therapist to help you recover, especially if you have a severe injury.

Frequently asked questions

  • Why does a sprained ankle hurt more at night?


    A sprained ankle can feel more painful at night for a few reasons. 

    During the day, you're often distracted and active, which can temporarily reduce pain awareness. 

    However, when you sleep, your mind is less occupied, making the pain more noticeable. 

    Using proper elevation and pain management techniques can help alleviate nighttime ankle pain.

  • How long should you stay off a sprained ankle?


    The duration you should stay off a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury

    Generally, it's advisable to rest the ankle and avoid putting weight on it for at least a few days to a week, especially for moderate to severe sprains. 

    Mild sprains may require shorter periods of rest. 

    Your healthcare provider can offer personalised advice based on the specific injury. 

    As you progress, you will gradually reintroduce weight-bearing activities under their guidance, ensuring a safe and effective recovery.

  • What day does a sprained ankle hurt the most?


    The day a sprained ankle hurts the most can vary depending on several factors.

    For example, the severity of the sprain, your body's natural healing process, and how well you've been following the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol. 

    In many cases, the first couple of days after the injury tend to be the most painful as inflammation peaks. 

    Pain often gradually decreases as the healing process progresses. 

    However, severe sprains can remain painful for an extended period, and you may need physical therapy to help with the recovery process.

    It's essential to consult a healthcare professional to assess your situation and provide appropriate guidance on managing pain and promoting recovery.

  • References

George arkley image

George Arkley

Content Writer

I’m always the first person to try the latest sleep hack - whether it’s drinking coffee or counting sheep. Now, I get to write about the latest sleep gadgets, mattresses and much more in a bid to help you find the perfect night’s sleep.

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