What is the relation between pain and sleep? Does, not being able to sleep make the pain feel worse, or is severe pain responsible for the inability to sleep?
The answer is both are true. Sleep is a natural analgesic (pain reliever) and a good night’s sleep can improve one’s ability to tolerate pain. For some chronic pain patients, the only respite is when they are sleeping, and losing this luxury can have adverse consequences.
The amount of sleep required by an individual varies depending upon many factors including age, but most adults require between 7 to9 hours a night, although it can range from 5 to 10 hours. Healthy sleep comes in waves during the night and every night we cycle 4-6 times, through different stages of sleep- light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Usually, we wake up after the REM stage. If pain disturbs the sleep, we end up spending too much time in light sleep reducing the REM sleep and this may result in increased pain sensitivity.
Inadequate sleep also produces other related issues such as
- Fatigue or low energy levels
- Advert effect on the immune system and
- Hormonal balance especially the ones regulating out appetite
- Sleep is related to many other medical conditions such as obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
So, what can a chronic pain sufferer do to ensure that sleep does not become a problem?
This impact can be reduced by strict discipline and simple measures which are collectively addressed as Sleep hygiene. Simply stated these are behaviors that can promote good sleep. You can divide these into three broad headings
- Measures intended at REDUCING STIMULATION
- Promoting a COMFORTABLE SLEEPING ENVIRONMENT
- Forming a HEALTHY SLEEP ROUTINE
Reducing Stimulation
The underlying logic is simple brain needs to wind down and be in a calm state before one can go off to sleep so anything that stimulated the brain can be counterproductive.
Do not watch TV use tablets or mobile in bed. Besides stimulation, these can be counterproductive in other ways as well. When one used these gadgets in bed brain starts associating the bed with being awake which is not helpful. The bed is for sleeping and the brain should associate bed with sleep, like when we go to a religious place the environment and our thoughts are in a certain direction similarly the association of bed should be with sleep
Stop drinking caffeine, tea, sodas 6 hours before sleep time. It is equally important to avoid heavy, sugary, and fatty foods before bed. Alcohol should be avoided in the evening as although it may help one to fall asleep but often the sleep is disturbed a few hours into the night
Avoid substances that may interfere with sleep such as cigarettes, alcohol and even certain medications can have an adverse impact on sleep. Medications such as steroids can be stimulation and are best avoided close to sleep time. Alcohol should be avoided in the evening as although it may help one to fall asleep but often the sleep is disturbed a few hours into the night
Don’t stay in bed awake for more than 5-10 minutes. If your mind is racing and flooded with thoughts it is better to get out of bed and sit in a chair in the dark until you are sleepy, and then return to bed.
Comfortable Sleeping Environment
Having a quiet, comfortable, conducive environment can go a long way in promoting sleep. It is a good idea to reduce the light, noise and bedroom temperature.
- A little cooler is better than a little warmer temperature as it helps one to fall asleep.
- Darkness can increase the levels of the hormone melatonin that promotes sleep.
- Relaxing music or soothing sounds such as gentle waves can help one fall asleep.
- The environment includes having a comfortable bed and mattress. Extra pillows can help to get painful joints in a comfortable position.
Healthy Sleep Routine
Have a regular sleep routine and go to bed, wake up at the same time every day. Often people tend to wake up late or take naps in the middle of the day on their off days and this can be counterproductive. The amount of sleep one needs is fixed and when you lie in bed for the extra time you may experience difficulty falling asleep that night, leading to an accumulation of sleep deficit with difficulty waking up the next day. This is often the reason behind the low energy, fatigued Monday starts.
Have a pre-bedtime routine. This can help wind down and calm down the brain before bed. Half an hour spent before bedtime in meditation, deep breathing, or a warm shower can be quite helpful. When done regularly these pre-bedtime routines help the body, the brain prepare for sleep and expect it.
Regular exercises can be helpful, however, it is a good idea to avoid heavy exercises two to three hours before bedtime.
Tag = Chronic Pain, Pain and sleep, Pain Clinic in Gurgaon, Pain Management in Delhi
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