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The Connection between Sleep and Chronic Pain and Health
Chronic pain and lack of sleep have a strong connection. These two issues have a strong impact on overall health and well-being. If these two issues continue for a long period of time, medical attention could be necessary. Here, we’ll explain more about the link between these two health concerns and how to make sure you get adequate sleep.
Sleep Patterns and Chronic Pain
People that suffer from chronic pain tend to experience more situations of interrupted sleep, which amplifies the depth of pain. This can happen in a number of ways. For example, the discomfort of certain pain conditions can wake a person or reduce the quality of their sleep. In addition, the fatigue caused by a lack of sleep can also increase the perception of pain.
Effects of Inadequate Sleep
People who do not get enough restful sleep tend to feel extreme tiredness during the day and can have problems functioning normally. Other effects of inadequate rest are:
- Mood swings
- Reduced ability to focus
- Impaired motor skills
- Reduced reaction time
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Reduced motivation
These symptoms have a strong effect on overall health. If a person has a lack of sleep for too long, certain health problems can arise, such as heart problems, depression, diabetes and obesity. In addition, a lack of sleep can increase the severity of chronic pain conditions.
Ways to Get Better Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for managing chronic pain and leading a healthy life. There are a few ways to get better sleep to manage chronic pain:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
- Reduce caffeine and nicotine consumption
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime
- Exercise regularly, but not right before going to bed
- Avoid taking naps during the day and disrupting your sleep schedule
- Create a relaxing sleep environment with no noise or light
- Try progressive muscle relaxation
Conclusion
Getting good sleep is essential for managing chronic pain. This can be difficult for people with chronic pain, given the discomfort they experience that disturbs their sleep. Working on establishing good sleep habits and a comfortable sleeping environment can help reduce the effects of chronic pain and improve overall health.