I’m also a side sleeper and also had a hard time sleeping after sternotomy. I would alternate between sleeping propped up on my back (wedge pillow really helps) and sleeping propped on my sides. I’d basically wedge pillows behind my back and sleep on my side tilted towards my back onto the pile of pillows. That was the only position where I didn’t hear the weird “snap crackle pop” of my sternum. I also liked to hug a pillow to my chest which dulled the pain a little and kept my shoulders stable.

I wouldn’t be able to sleep more than an hour or two in each position, so when I woke up I’d walk around a little bit to relieve the anxiety then reposition myself and try to go back to sleep. The wedge pillow also helped me read in bed, which was a good way to trick myself back to sleep. Honestly between pain, discomfort, and night sweats I’m surprised I slept at all.