Getting a good night’s sleep can often be difficult—especially when dealing with chronic pain. Having to cope with discomfort and uneasyness on a daily basis can lead to lack of sleep, which can then increase pain. Unfortunately, it can be a vicious circle, but understanding the role of rest in relieving pain can help break this cycle and hopefully provide much needed relief and relaxation. Read on to discover the importance of sleep in pain management.
1. An Ounce of Sleep is Worth a Pound of Pain
Sleep is essential for human health and well-being. It is necessary for physical and mental recovery, and lack of sleep can lead to many serious health consequences.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body and mind don’t have time to properly rest and repair themselves. Without rest, you can experience physical pain and mental exhaustion.
- Sleep deprivation can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, difficulty focusing, and irritability.
- It can also affect physical performance, concentration, reaction time, and decision-making.
- If sleep deprivation goes on for too long, it can lead to serious mental and physical health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and even cardiovascular disease.
The best way to avoid these health issues is to get a good night’s sleep. Aim for at least eight hours of quality sleep every night, and if possible, find time during the day to rest and relax. This will help your body and mind to recharge and be better able to cope with any stress or pain.
2. Exploring the Benefits of Rest in Managing Discomfort
The idea of rest as a way of managing physical discomfort can often feel counterintuitive. Many of us are likely to be inclined to perform activities, take medications or do something else to alleviate pain before giving our bodies the time it needs to simply rest. However, rest can be a powerful solution for pain management.
Resting can take on many forms. It can mean taking a break during activities that involve physical effort, reducing movement if you’re feeling any discomfort or simply having a day off once in a while. Doing so can help the body repair itself naturally, as well as provide a mental break away from the physical symptoms. Here are some of the main benefits of using rest as a pain management tool:
- Compensates for physical fatigue
- Lowers the intensity and frequency of the discomfort
- Strengthens the body to better cope with discomfort
The physical strain caused from extensive physical activities can be counteracted by taking regular breaks of rest. This means that when we return to the activity, our bodies will be better equipped to cope rather than remain in a weakened and fatigued state. Taking these breaks can also help to reduce the intensity of the discomfort felt. It gives the body an opportunity to recover, repair and brace itself for the next ‘wave’. And the more regular and effective rest is taken, the more the body can strengthen itself to better manage any pain experienced.
3. Building a Healthy Sleep Routine for Pain Management
The relationship between sleep and pain is a complex one. While poor sleep can make your pain worse, managing your pain can make it easier to get a good night’s sleep. It’s a catch-22, but it’s one worth working through. Here are a few tips to help you build a healthy sleep routine to aid in your pain management:
- Find the right mattress. If you’re in pain, it’s important to choose a mattress that offers support to your body. A mattress that’s too soft can keep you in awkward positions and stiffen the areas around your joints, putting you in more discomfort.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Regularly practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness, can help you to relax and focus on reducing pain. This can help you to fall asleep easier and be more present in the moment.
- Avoid screens. Artificial blue light emitted by tablets, laptops, and cell phones can disrupt your bodies’ natural rhythm and end up making it harder for you to sleep. Try putting your electronics away an hour before bedtime for a better quality of sleep.
Establishing and recognizing good sleep hygiene is an important part of managing chronic pain. Going to bed and waking up at consistent times, sticking to caffeine cut off times and avoiding stressful activities before sleeping can all help you to establish a healthy sleep routine. While it won’t take away your pain, it can make it easier to manage and allow you to face the next day with a more positive outlook.
4. Identifying Sleep Patterns That Relieve Symptoms
If you’re suffering from a chronic medical condition, chances are you’ve noticed that your sleep is often compromised. But identifying the best sleep patterns that can actually provide relief from your symptoms is not always easy.
By considering your own lifestyle and the recommendations of a medical professional, you can make an informed decision about the sleep habits that could work best for you:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
- Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
- Make your bedroom into a comfortable and relaxing environment.
- Turn off any artificial lights (phones, computers) an hour before bed.
- Avoid drinking caffeine too close to bedtime.
Bedroom Environment
Your bedroom can be a great indicator of how well you sleep. To make your environment more conducive to restful sleep, try to keep your bedroom temperature cool, free from noises or distractions, and as dark as possible.
You can also try using light-blocking window coverings, blackout curtains, and spacious bedding. Avoid over-decorating your room with furniture that could interfere with your sleep.
5. Sleep Solutions for Optimal Pain Management
Poor sleep quality and quantity can contribute to pain levels. Research suggests that 7-8 hours of sleep per night appears to be the optimal hours for pain relief, but that’s not always achievable due to underlying physical or mental health issues. However, the following are good strategies to adopt for improved sleep and pain management:
- Enhance habits beneficial to sleep: Start by establishing a regular sleep schedule with consistent bed and waking times. Use the hour before bed for relaxation, avoiding anything that might be arousing such as emails, video games, TV shows, etc. During the day, increase exposure to natural light, get regular exercise and healthy food.
- Minimize sleep inhibitors: During the day, avoid medications, alcohol and caffeine. In the evening, turn off the TV, phones and other devices. If necessary, use blackout blinds to block light pollution if you have trouble sleeping.
For some, simply forming better sleep habits can be enough to address sleep deprivation and manage pain. However, if the sleep deprivation has been ongoing or if sleep is more elusive for you, you should consider supplements, relaxation techniques or other alternative therapies to help alleviate pain.
There are various strategies available that can take the focus away from pain, reduce stress levels and encourage relaxation, such as listening to music, reading a book, or taking a warm bath. Some research shows that acupuncture, yoga and massage therapy can help relieve pain and improve sleep, but more evidence is needed. While everyone’s experience of pain is unique, seeking help from medical professionals or joining a support group can also help lessen the impact of chronic pain and improve sleep.
It’s clear from the evidence that not getting enough sleep is closely linked to pain management. Taking steps to get the recommended amount of sleep can go a long way in helping relieve pain and discomfort, so get ready to power nap your way to a more restful life!