Sleep and bedtime

• Silk or satin sheets and night-clothes allow you to move more freely in bed. However, these can also exacerbate sweating problems, in which case a square of silk or satin sewn on the back of cotton night-clothes might be preferable
• Use your feet for traction to make turning in bed easier – bend your knees and place your feet firmly on the mattress
• A silk or satin bottom sheet with the bottom quarter in cotton or cotton/polyester allows ease of movement whilst providing traction for feet
• A duvet is generally easier and lighter than a top sheet and blankets. But if you still find it too heavy against you, use a box or metal ‘cradle’ frame at the foot of the bed to hold the duvet up and off your legs
• One-way glide sheets help you move up the bed, but prevent you from also sliding down
• Special roller devices can be fitted to your bed, or handles can be attached, to aid movement and rolling
• Special mattresses are available with adjustable pillow heights, and also beds that can raise and lower the top half electrically. But remember that electric beds can be high and some people may struggle to lift themselves onto them, so do try before you buy
• It is easier to turn over on a firm mattress. If yours is too soft try putting a board underneath it
• If your bed is very low, put it on blocks to raise the height as this can make it easier to get in and out
• Attach a special rail to the side of your bed to help with getting in and out
• If you think you are developing pressure sores speak to your nurse or occupational therapist as soon as possible. They will be able to offer advice and may be able to provide a special mattress to help with this
• Visualise how to climb into bed and try to imitate this rather than crawling in
• Speak with your physiotherapist about trunk rotation exercises and practise these in bed to help retain your ability to roll over.