How to Sleep After Wisdom Tooth Surgery: 9 Essential Tips for a Faster Recovery

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common dental procedure, but the recovery can be uncomfortable—especially when it’s time to sleep. Pain, swelling, and bleeding can make it hard to get the rest your body needs to heal.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to sleep after wisdom tooth surgery to recover faster and avoid complications.

Why Sleep Is So Important After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Sleep helps your body:

• Repair tissue
• Fight infection
• Reduce inflammation

But without proper care, poor sleep can increase your risk of complications like dry socket or prolonged swelling.

9 Tips to Sleep Better After Wisdom Tooth Surgery

1. Sleep With Your Head Elevated

Use 2–3 pillows to prop your head up. Lying flat can increase blood flow to the surgical area and lead to more swelling or bleeding.
🕒 Try to stay elevated for at least 24–48 hours after surgery.

2. Avoid Sleeping on Your Side

Sleeping on the side of your extraction site can put pressure on the wound. Instead, try to sleep on your back with your head elevated.

3. Use Ice Packs Before Bed

Apply a cold compress or ice pack for 15–20 minutes before bed to reduce swelling and numb pain.
❄️ Tip: Never apply ice directly to your skin—wrap it in a clean towel.

4. Take Pain Medication on Schedule

If your dentist prescribed medication, take it 30–60 minutes before bedtime to help you fall asleep comfortably.
💊 Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen can also help with pain and inflammation (if approved by your doctor).

5. Avoid Straws, Smoking, and Spitting

These actions can dislodge the blood clot from your socket, leading to dry socket—a painful condition that can keep you up at night.

6. Stay Hydrated (But Not Right Before Bed)

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but avoid drinking large amounts right before sleep to minimize waking up often.

7. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Use Clean Bedding

Being physically comfortable can make a big difference. Avoid anything tight around your face or neck.

8. Keep Your Mouth Clean (But Gently)

Don’t brush the extraction site the first night. Instead, use a saltwater rinse starting the day after surgery to reduce bacteria and promote healing (but don’t swish hard).

9. Set a Calm Sleeping Environment

Dim lights, avoid screens an hour before sleep, and use white noise or soft music to relax.

🚫 What to Avoid When Sleeping After Surgery

• Sleeping flat on your back
• Using straws
• Vigorous rinsing or spitting
• Sleeping with pets who might bump your face

🗓️ How Many Nights Should You Sleep Elevated?

Try to sleep with your head elevated for at least 3–5 nights after surgery to prevent swelling and bleeding.

🚨 When to Call Your Dentist

If you experience:

• Severe pain after 3–4 days
• Excessive bleeding
• Fever or pus
• Trouble opening your mouth

Call your oral surgeon or dentist right away.
Call 305-488-4075

🧠 Final Thoughts

Recovering from wisdom tooth surgery can be uncomfortable, but good sleep is key to healing faster. With the right sleeping position, pain management, and oral care, you’ll be back to normal in no time.

Want more post-surgery care tips? Check out our full Wisdom Teeth Recovery Guide.