Chronic Pain & Sleep

If you suffer from Chronic Pain, sleep can be a welcome reprieve…. However, many people have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to the chronic pain. Sleep helps to replenish the body’s energy reserves and heal from the day’s events. If you are not able to get enough quality sleep, your chronic pain can worsen. Fortunately, there are several ways you can sleep better and manage your pain.

6 Steps To Improve Your Sleep

1. Chronic Pain Management – You do not have to live with chronic pain. There are a variety of treatments that can help manage your pain that range from relaxation techniques and acupuncture to medications and surgery. Most patients who find an effective chronic pain treatment, will also find they sleep better. For more information on your options, consult with a doctor who specializes in pain management.
2. Exercise Regularly – Physical activity not only helps to keep your body in tip top shape, but it also can help to improve your sleep quality and your pain. Whether you walk, run or lift weights, the activity can help reduce anxiety and stimulate the body. Remember, do not exercise too late in the evening as it can cause you to not be able to fall asleep. If you do not know where to start, consider getting a personal trainer to design a work out routine that can work for your schedule and reach your health goals.
3. Healthy Diet – Do you drink a lot of caffeine or consume a lot of sugar? They are stimulants which means they will give you a bit of quick energy and then wear off. If you drink a lot of coffee or sodas throughout the day into the evening, you are putting your body on a roller coaster of highs and lows. Not only is it draining, but it also can impact your ability to fall asleep. Try to keep a healthy, balanced diet.
4. Sleep Routine – Try to fall asleep and wake up at the same time every day. This routine gets your body used to a certain sleep pattern. You may also find it helpful to take a warm bath or read for a short time before bedtime.
5. Mattress – How old is your mattress? Most mattress last for about 10 years. If you mattress is older than 10 years, you may want to consider investing in a new one. Mattress technology has changed over the last decade, and you may find that a new mattress with better support will not only help with your sleep, but can also help with back pain or other chronic pain you may suffer with every night.