How to Sleep with a Cast
Comfort-focused positioning, elevation, and pillow setups to help you sleep while wearing a cast.
- Elevate the cast on pillows (especially the first 3–7 days).
- Use a wedge pillow or stacked pillows to keep the limb supported and steady.
- Keep bedding light so it doesn’t press on cast edges or toes/fingers.
- Keep essentials nearby (medications, water, phone, cast cover/itch tool if approved).
- If safe, do gentle finger/toe motion before bed to reduce stiffness.
- Do not sleep with the limb hanging down off the bed.
- Avoid sleeping directly on the cast or placing heavy blankets on it.
- Do not use heating pads on the cast.
- Do not loosen wraps or cut padding at home.
- Do not ignore nighttime pain that is steadily worsening.
1) Set pillows before you lie down so you don’t have to reposition repeatedly.
2) Position: keep the cast supported along its length (not just the end).
3) Elevate: aim for the cast above heart level early on; adjust for comfort as swelling improves.
4) Protect: use a small towel to cushion sharp corners against the mattress if needed.
5) Re-check: if you wake with numbness, discoloration, or severe pain, elevate and call us.
- Worsening pain at night that doesn’t improve with elevation/meds.
- Numbness/tingling, new weakness, or fingers/toes turning blue/pale.
- Cast feels suddenly tighter (swelling) or much looser (sliding).