Sleep and pain share a complicated relationship. A poor night’s sleep can exacerbate your perception of pain, and conversely, chronic pain can cause sleep disturbances. This cyclical dilemma can seem overwhelming but fear not. This post will explore the interlink between sleep and pain and explain how focusing on good sleep hygiene might just be the piece of the puzzle you’re missing when dealing with pain management Dr Sonny Rubin.
The Bidirectional Link Between Sleep And Pain
Scientific research emphasizes a complex, bidirectional relationship between sleep and pain where disruption in one often provokes trouble in the other. Pain can make it difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep or stay asleep throughout the night — thus leading to sleep deprivation.
A lack of proper sleep, in turn, can lower your pain threshold and pain tolerance, intensifying the perception of pain. Thus, it’s an interlinked cycle where pain affects sleep quality, and lack of sleep amplifies pain.
Improving Sleep To Manage Pain
So, how can we break this cycle? According to experts like Dr Sonny Rubin, “Improving sleep should be a critical component of pain management protocols. A rested brain is more equipped to deal with pain, potentially improving patients’ quality of life.”
Implementing a healthy sleep routine, often termed sleep hygiene, can significantly influence your sleep quality as well as your chronic pain. Here’re some tips to get started:
• Fixed sleep schedule: Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day to keep your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, consistent.
• Create a restful environment: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. You may also consider investing in a comfortable mattress and pillow.
• Limit napping: Try keeping daytime naps to a minimum or avoid them as they can interfere with nighttime sleep.
• Be mindful of what you eat and drink: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. They might interfere with the sleep cycle.
By fostering a healthy sleep routine, the resulting quality sleep may enhance your ability to manage and withstand pain Dr Sonny Rubin.
