Sleep and Pain: The Connection and Remedy : Are you having troubles sleeping due to a sore back or any other pain? Well, if you answered yes, you are not alone. Many people suffer from the same problem. Luckily, there are ways in which you can have better sleep, even when you are in pain. Read on to find out.
Correlation between sleep and pain
Sleep is an essential process. According to science, our biological systems and our bodies become active when we sleep. Our brains get rid of the day’s gunk and consolidate memories, and our bodies repair and renew at the cellular level.
Studies have shown that sleeps influence everything, from weight and immunity to moods and productiveness. Most of these processes are believed to be directly related to sleep, meaning they affect and are affected by the quantity and quality of sleep.
Two-thirds of those who have chronic pain have issues with sleep; this is according to the National Sleep Foundation. People recovering from surgery or injury may also have trouble sleeping due to the acute pain associated with the conditions.
How pain impacts sleep
Pain makes it difficult to sleep. If you are feeling pain, then your mind becomes more alert, so, it causes you to concentrate on the pain, rather than relax and fall asleep. Unfortunately, the more you try to sleep, the harder it becomes and could lead to insomnia.
What’s more, chronic or acute pain can also interfere with the sleep across the night. If you have joint pain or arthritis, for instance, and you move or roll in a manner that hurts, then it’s likely that your rest will be disrupted.
How poor sleep adds to the pain
Pain can cause you not to sleep; but then again, not being able to can result in more pain. When you don’t rest, your body becomes more sensitive to pain. It also reduces your tolerance levels, which makes the pain to feel worse.
Patients who have fibromyalgia (a condition that’s linked to pain and sleep) show incredible improvement regarding pain when they manage to get enough rest. Some recent studies have also revealed that interrupting deep sleep of healthy people caused a similar tenderness as that experienced by fibromyalgia patients.
Another study by the University of Washington showed that sleep interference increased skin sensitivity, reduced pain thresholds and increased discomfort and fatigue in healthy middle-aged women.
What you can do about it
If your pain is keeping you from enjoying a good night rest, there is a couple of things you can do to ensure you are comfortable. But first, you’ll need to be clear about which one came first – sleep deprivation or pain – so you can target the problem from the cause.
Managing pain
Pain can be as a result of many issues; so the best approach should be to talk to your doctor. Often, your doctor will prescribe some medication that will help you deal with the pain. You may also try some exercises that are known to ease the pain – like stretching.
Improving sleep
For sleep issues, you can try to get full eight hours, avoid stimulants in the afternoon, eat balanced meals, keep regular houses and avoid using your phone before bedtime. You should also find a supportive mattress; click here for more insights on improving sleep.
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Sleep and Pain: The Connection and Remedy
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