Broken Big Toe

Hi,
my boyfriend broke his Big toe two weeks ago and the doctors gave him a boot which acts like a cast so you can take the foot out to wash it but my wuestion is, I was just wondering if it is right to elevate his foot while he sleeps? because when he wakes up in the morning he is in severe pain and cannot go back to sleep? If you can please give me some info that would be great.