The Connection Between Sleep Problems and Pain

Aug 4th 2017

The Connection Between Sleep Problems and Pain

The vicious cycle of pain and sleep trouble.

Did you know that the most powerful indicator of widespread pain is actually sleep trouble? The fact of the matter is that it’s just not easy to get a good night’s sleep when you’re in pain. But did you also know that not sleeping can actually cause pain as well? Studies have shown that non-restorative — or disturbed sleep — can actually make chronic pain more severe. So you can’t sleep because you’re in pain, but the lack of the sleep leaves you with even more pain. It’s a vicious cycle, and the only way to get out is to break it.

How do you break the cycle?

Manage Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be difficult to manage, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Here are a few tips to help you manage your chronic pain:

  • Reduce Stress - Did you know that stress and anxiety can make you more sensitive to pain? When you have chronic pain, finding healthy, effective ways to reduce stress is very important.
  • Exercise - Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to run a marathon or become a bodybuilder, but exercise is essential for everyone. Yes, even those who suffer from chronic pain. Exercise not only helps to keep your blood sugar levels in check and lowers your risk of heart disease, but it also prompts the release of endorphins that help to naturally reduce pain. And, if you have joint pain, exercise helps to build muscle that supports the joints and takes added pressure off of them.
  • Stop Smoking and Drinking Alcohol - These vices may seem to help you get through the pain, but they could actually be making it worse. In fact, smoking can actually cause extremely painful circulatory problems. Did you know that smoking-related circulatory problems actually kill more people than lung cancer? Drinking alcohol can interrupt your sleep cycle and prevent you from getting the restorative sleep you need, which, as we learned early, makes chronic pain worse.
    • ctablock.jpg

    Manage Your Sleeping Problems

    When you have chronic pain, it’s important to do everything possible to ensure that you get plenty of sleep. That means that you need to ensure that you are practicing good sleep hygiene. Going to bed at the same time every night, avoiding caffeine too late in the day, sleeping in a dark, quiet room and avoiding screens before bedtime are all good sleep habits. However, many people who have chronic pain also have a sleep disorder. Long, sleepless nights are commonplace when you have a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea. But when those nights are leaving making your chronic pain even worse, it’s like adding insult to injury. If you have a sleep disorder, getting treatment is essential, not just for getting to sleep at night, but for managing your chronic pain.

    Save more on CPAP equipment with CPAP Liquidators.

    Don’t let your sleep apnea treatment break the bank. Save more on the used BIPAP and CPAP equipment you need with CPAP Liquidators. We offer a wide selection, and our refurbished machines work like new. Shop with us online today!