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Health
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Sleep Affected by Illness or Pain
How to Sleep with Broken Ribs Download Article Co-authored by Janice Tieperman Medically reviewed by Jonas DeMuro, MD
Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Fact Checked
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Making Yourself Comfortable
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Reducing Pain While You Sleep
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Facilitating Healing
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Warnings
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This article was medically reviewed by Jonas DeMuro, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 522,577 times.
Sleeping with broken ribs can be painful, especially if you can't sleep in your normal position due to the pain. To make it easier to sleep with broken ribs, you will need to adjust your sleep position and find ways to reduce your pain before you go to bed. You should also follow your doctor's advice for controlling your pain and contact your doctor as soon as possible if you are having trouble sleeping because of your rib pain.
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Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Making Yourself Comfortable
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1 Pick the most comfortable position for you. You may find that sleeping upright is the most comfortable position when you have injured ribs, or you may find it more comfortable to sleep on your unaffected side. Both of these sleep positions are okay to use when you have broken ribs. Sleeping on your unaffected side will also help to make breathing easier.[1]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Try out different positions to find the most comfortable position for you.
Try sleeping on the injured side. If your broken ribs are only on one side, some physicians recommend that you sleep on the injured side because it restricts the movement of your injured ribs and allows you to breathe more deeply on your uninjured side.[2]XResearch source However, if this position is painful for you, then do not try to sleep on your injured side.
Try sleeping in a recliner. Medical professionals recommend that people with broken ribs sleep on an incline for a few days after the injury.[3]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
2 Use pillows to increase your comfort. Pillows and cushions can help to prevent you from rolling over in the night, which can be painful and may even cause you to wake up in the night. If you are sleeping on your back, then try placing a pillow under each of your arms to keep you from rolling onto your sides. You can also place a couple of pillows under your knees to reduce some of the strain on your back.[4]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Practice deep breathing. Broken ribs may cause you to take shallow breaths due to the pain associated with moving your chest too much. For this reason, it is a good idea to do 10 deep breaths each hour. Practicing deep breathing can help you to relax and it will also ensure that you are getting plenty of oxygen.[5]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
To practice deep breathing, lie on your back or recline in a chair and slowly take in a deep breath. Try counting to five as you inhale through your nose and then slowly exhale from your mouth as you count down from five.[6]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source As you breathe, try to pull the air down into your belly with your diaphragm.
4 Limit your movement while you sleep. During the first few days, you will need to limit coughing, twisting, turning, and stretching. This might be harder to remember or control at night. Just try to keep in mind that your ribs are connected to many parts of your upper body, so movement can increase your pain.[7]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Try keeping an extra pillow handy so that you can brace it against your ribs when you need to cough during the night.[8]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Avoid wrapping your ribs to minimize movement. Wrapping your ribs increases your risk of collapsed lungs and lung infections.[9]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Reducing Pain While You Sleep
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1 Take pain medications as directed by your physician. If your doctor has prescribed pain medications for you, then taking your medication about 30 minutes at the time that they recommend. Make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions for how to use your medication and ask your doctor as soon as possible if you have any questions or problems.[10]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Keep in mind that some pain medications may make it hard to stay asleep because they can cause sleep apnea. For example, opioid medications such as methadone can cause you to stop breathing and wake you up in the night.[11]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
2 Try over-the-counter pain relievers. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. If you do not have prescription pain medicine for your broken ribs, then you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine. Check with your physician for a specific recommendation of what or how much to take. Do not take more than the recommended dosage.[12]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
If you have or have had heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcers, or internal bleeding, ask your physician to see if you can safely take one of these medications.
3 Apply ice to your ribs. Ice will help to numb the pain a bit and it may also help to reduce the swelling. During the first two days after your injury, you may benefit from using a covered or wrapped ice pack for about 20 minutes every hour. After the first couple of days, you can use the ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes 3 times per day.[13]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Try applying an ice pack just before you go to bed to help with the pain.
Avoid using heat on broken bones, especially if there is swelling.[14]XResearch source Heat increases blood flow to the area of application, which can make swelling worse.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Facilitating Healing
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1 Sleep as much as possible. Sleep is essential for your body’s healing processes, so make sure that you are getting lots of rest.[15]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You should try to sleep for at least 8 hours every night and nap during the day if you feel tired. Some good ways to make it easier to fall asleep include:
Going to sleep at the same time every night
Turning off all TVs, computers, tablets, and phones
Making sure that your bedroom is dark, cool, and quiet
Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol before you go to bed
Do not eat at least two hours before bed
Doing something relaxing before bed, such as listening to soothing music or taking a shower[16]XResearch source
2 Move now and then during the day. Staying in bed all day is not a good idea when you have broken ribs. During the day, you should get up and walk around now and then. This will help you to get more oxygen and clear mucus from your lungs as well.[17]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Try to get up and walk around your home for a few minutes at least once every two hours.
3 Cough if you need to cough. Not coughing when you need to cough can lead to a lung infection. Coughing might be painful when you have broken ribs, but it is important to do it anyways.[18]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Hold a blanket or pillow against your chest as you cough to help make it a little less painful.
4 Eat healthy foods. Getting adequate nutrition is also essential to your body’s healing process. Make sure that you are getting a balanced diet as you recover. Your diet should include:
Fruits, such as apples, oranges, grapes, and bananas
Vegetables, such as broccoli, peppers, spinach, and carrots
Lean protein, such as skinless chicken, lean ground beef, and shrimp
Dairy products, such as yogurt, milk, and cheese
Complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and whole grain bread[19]XResearch source
5 Quit smoking. Quitting smoking may help to speed up your recovery as well.[20]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you are a smoker, then now is a great time to stop. Talk to your doctor about medications and smoking cessation programs that may make it easier for you to quit.
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Warnings
Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you are having trouble sleeping due to pain from your broken ribs. Getting plenty of good quality rest is important for healing. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
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Medically reviewed by: Jonas DeMuro, MD Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon This article was medically reviewed by Jonas DeMuro, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow. This article has been viewed 522,577 times. 19 votes - 89% Co-authors: 7Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 522,577 Categories: Sleep Affected by Illness or Pain | Chest Health | Bone Fractures
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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Article SummaryX
Sleeping with broken ribs can be difficult, but you can make yourself more comfortable by placing pillows under your arms and knees so you don’t move too much in the night, which could be painful. Alternatively, try sleeping on your injured side to restrict the movement of your broken ribs. Besides choosing a comfortable sleeping position, apply an ice pack to your ribs for 20 minutes right before bed to reduce swelling and numb the pain. If you’re in a lot of pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Just make sure to talk to your doctor if your pain doesn’t improve, since you may need additional treatment. To learn how to help your ribs heal more quickly, read more from our Medical co-author!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Bugda Savasir
Jan 31, 2017
"I was in such pain and shock that I could not ask the questions I wanted to ask to the doctor when I received the diagnosis. Back home I spent a terrible night not knowing what to do with the pain and wondering what I am doing wrong. Reading this article relieved me. Much more confident now, feeling safer. Thanks."..." more
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Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Medically reviewed by: Jonas DeMuro, MD Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon Co-authors: 7Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 522,57789% of readers found this article helpful. 19 votes - 89% Click a star to add your vote
Bugda Savasir
Jan 31, 2017
"I was in such pain and shock that I could not ask the questions I wanted to ask to the doctor when I received the diagnosis. Back home I spent a terrible night not knowing what to do with the pain and wondering what I am doing wrong. Reading this article relieved me. Much more confident now, feeling safer. Thanks."..." more
Don Pettit
Mar 19, 2017
"Good info on dealing with my 3 fractured ribs. I tried bed the first night and could not tolerate the pain and had to have my wife help me up. The recliner has worked for the past 6 nights. As a stroke survivor, for past the 5 years, dealing with this fall has its challenges. Left side is completely paralyzed. "..." more
Irene Callahan
Jul 8, 2019
"I fell and broke my ribs 3 weeks ago. Left the hospital (and later doc's office), and the medical people acted like this was no big deal, so I felt that I was being a big baby. It was very depressing. This article helped me immensely. Thanks!"..." more
Anonymous
Mar 11, 2018
"Eating good nutritious food, especially since I have osteoporosis. Sleeping well and avoiding stretching and turning during the night. It's difficult to find the right position, especially since the pain is intense."..." more
Martha Wallace
Jun 13, 2019
"Great article! The ER discharge instructions said nothing about icing to help with pain, only that I had multiple broken ribs from a fall off my horse! Wish I would have iced the first 2 days home from the ER!"..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Co-authored by Janice Tieperman Medically reviewed by Jonas DeMuro, MD 
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Medically reviewed by: Jonas DeMuro, MD Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon This article was medically reviewed by Jonas DeMuro, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow. This article has been viewed 522,577 times. 19 votes - 89% Co-authors: 7 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 522,577 Categories: Sleep Affected by Illness or Pain | Chest Health | Bone Fractures 
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1 Pick the most comfortable position for you. You may find that sleeping upright is the most comfortable position when you have injured ribs, or you may find it more comfortable to sleep on your unaffected side. Both of these sleep positions are okay to use when you have broken ribs. Sleeping on your unaffected side will also help to make breathing easier.[1] Try out different positions to find the most comfortable position for you. 
2 Use pillows to increase your comfort. Pillows and cushions can help to prevent you from rolling over in the night, which can be painful and may even cause you to wake up in the night. If you are sleeping on your back, then try placing a pillow under each of your arms to keep you from rolling onto your sides. You can also place a couple of pillows under your knees to reduce some of the strain on your back.[4] Advertisement 
3 Practice deep breathing. Broken ribs may cause you to take shallow breaths due to the pain associated with moving your chest too much. For this reason, it is a good idea to do 10 deep breaths each hour. Practicing deep breathing can help you to relax and it will also ensure that you are getting plenty of oxygen.[5] 
4 Limit your movement while you sleep. During the first few days, you will need to limit coughing, twisting, turning, and stretching. This might be harder to remember or control at night. Just try to keep in mind that your ribs are connected to many parts of your upper body, so movement can increase your pain.[7] 
1 Take pain medications as directed by your physician. If your doctor has prescribed pain medications for you, then taking your medication about 30 minutes at the time that they recommend. Make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions for how to use your medication and ask your doctor as soon as possible if you have any questions or problems.[10] 
2 Try over-the-counter pain relievers. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. If you do not have prescription pain medicine for your broken ribs, then you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine. Check with your physician for a specific recommendation of what or how much to take. Do not take more than the recommended dosage.[12] 
3 Apply ice to your ribs. Ice will help to numb the pain a bit and it may also help to reduce the swelling. During the first two days after your injury, you may benefit from using a covered or wrapped ice pack for about 20 minutes every hour. After the first couple of days, you can use the ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes 3 times per day.[13] 
1 Sleep as much as possible. Sleep is essential for your body’s healing processes, so make sure that you are getting lots of rest.[15] You should try to sleep for at least 8 hours every night and nap during the day if you feel tired. Some good ways to make it easier to fall asleep include: 
2 Move now and then during the day. Staying in bed all day is not a good idea when you have broken ribs. During the day, you should get up and walk around now and then. This will help you to get more oxygen and clear mucus from your lungs as well.[17] 
3 Cough if you need to cough. Not coughing when you need to cough can lead to a lung infection. Coughing might be painful when you have broken ribs, but it is important to do it anyways.[18] 
4 Eat healthy foods. Getting adequate nutrition is also essential to your body’s healing process. Make sure that you are getting a balanced diet as you recover. Your diet should include: 
5 Quit smoking. Quitting smoking may help to speed up your recovery as well.[20] If you are a smoker, then now is a great time to stop. Talk to your doctor about medications and smoking cessation programs that may make it easier for you to quit. Advertisement 
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