Trying to sleep with chronic pain? 15% of adults report chronic pain; however, in older adults, that number increases to more than 50%. The pain could be a result of an accident, medical conditions like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis, birth defects, or other illnesses. Unfortunately, the majority of chronic pain sufferers can also have serious sleep issues. Most notably, those with chronic pain have difficulties falling or staying asleep, and often experience early morning awakenings. This non-restorative sleep leads to daytime sleepiness and/or fatigue.
Recent clinical studies show that poor sleep also lowers our threshold for pain. In other words—if you’re not sleeping well, your body will feel and experience pain more. While the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, sleep and pain share many of the same physiological systems and this overlap can create a “vicious cycle”. Poor sleep enhances pain, and pain disturbs sleep. It’s critical to manage both simultaneously. Reduction of pain during the day and night may promote better sleep and possibly lessen pain on the following day.
I previously shared seven tips to help the general public sleep better, but today, I wanted to point out some other things chronic pain sufferers should consider to help them sleep better.
1. Work closely with your physician to manage your pain. Most pain medications significantly alter sleep patterns and may contribute to enhanced pain perception during the day! Discuss alternatives if your sleep is an issue.
2. Always strive to get enough quality sleep. Research shows that even while pain-free, poor sleep is a risk-factor for chronic pain later in life.
3. Many pain conditions have proven therapies to naturally reduce pain levels. These include low-impact exercises, relaxation techniques or changes in lifestyle, such as diet. It’s important to seek a specialist’s recommendation for your situation.
4. A firmer mattress is not better for pain. Recent studies have concluded that overly firm mattresses can contribute to pain levels in subjects with back pain. Consider a Sleep Number bed that can be adjusted to the exact level of comfort you need on any given day.
Do you have chronic pain? What has helped you sleep better? Please share your tips here for others to benefit from.
Sleep Well.
3 Comments
(Not sure if comment workd) You’re posts are really interesting. I collaborate threads like these for a blog on http://SleepSolutionzzz.com would you like to have yours posted there too?
I do have a chronic pain condition and have gotten substantial relief from my sleep number bed. I do notice occasionally I will change sleep numbers from 40-45 depending on how I feel. When I get a great night sleep I can be more active which is a huge relief!
IF PEOPLE WOULD BE ADVISED TO GO TO YOUR SITE THAT HELPS YOU EVALUATEYOUR HEIGHTH AND WEIGHT AND BEST SETTING YOU WILL FIND THE HELP YOU NEED. I HAVE BOTH FIBROMYALGIA (ALL 18 POINTS) AND 58 SCREWS IN MY BACK. EVEN TRIED TEMPERPEDIC.