As if chronic pain weren’t already enough of a challenge to live with, many individuals with chronic pain also battle insomnia. In fact, as many as 88% of chronic pain disorders present with sleep complaints.
The good news is that there are techniques and treatments available to help you manage your insomnia and chronic pain simultaneously. Today your favorite pain doctors in Bedford TX (locations also in Benbrook and Lewisville) will share information about insomnia and chronic pain as well as a few tips and tricks.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder which can occur over a short or long period of time. It indicates a person’s struggle with falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Acute insomnia can occur over a short (3-5 days) period while chronic insomnia lasts for a longer period (3 or more months). Symptoms include:
- Daytime fatigue
- Poor quality sleep
- Inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep
- Waking up earlier than desired
- Lack of focus during the daytime
How Are Sleep and Pain Connected?
Unfortunately, chronic pain and insomnia can often become a self-perpetuating cycle. As many of you can attest, being in pain can prevent sleep just as often as sleeplessness can aggravate chronic pain symptoms. You’re not just imagining things – studies have found evidence that quality of sleep has an impact on pain levels.
Some common ways pain and sleep impact each other include:
- Difficulty finding a pain-free sleeping position
- Less sleep may lead to depression/anxiety which can lead to heightened pain sensitivity
- Frequent sleep interruptions can lead to increased inflammation
If you are experiencing these or any other chronic pain and insomnia struggles, CPI has Bedford doctors accepting new patients (locations also in Benbrook and Lewisville) who can help! We will take the time to give you a thorough assessment and take a multidisciplinary approach to treat your unique situation.
Tricks and Tips That May Help
While many of our most effective treatments can be best administered within a clinical setting, there are several things you can do at home to help keep your insomnia from impacting your chronic pain symptoms. Some of our more popular tips and tricks include:
- Essential Oil: Many oils are known for their relaxing properties. Specifically, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood and Chamomile. Essential oils can be diffused in your sleep environment or applied directly to your body when diluted with a “carrier oil” such as grapeseed oil or coconut oil.
- Exercise: Some exercises are known for their positive impact on sleep. One of the most popular ones is Yoga. We recommend trying a gentle beginner Yoga class or video if you’ve never done it before. Check out this article for some ideas on poses that are great for preparing your body for rest. (Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine to ensure that it is safe for your condition.)
- Massage: Consider trying a Swedish massage, which focuses on soothing and relaxing the entire mind and body. You could even mention that you are looking to improve your sleep and ask him or her to incorporate any techniques or oils that may help achieve that goal.
- Sleep Hygiene: Sleep hygiene is a term that refers to habits surrounding your bedtime routine. Often times, small changes in that routine can lead to big results. Elements like consistency, limiting late night electronic use and introducing dim lighting in your sleep environment have been shown to improve overall sleep quality. Visit the Sleep Foundation for more ideas on sleep hygiene.
Pain Doctors in Bedford TX
Comprehensive Pain Institute uses the latest, most effective pain management to treat chronic and acute pain conditions. Our core values are honor, excellence, commitment and compassion. We treat patients like family, honoring their humanity. That means that your sleepless nights give us sleepless nights. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient Texas locations that will make us ALL sleep better.
