More sleep means less pain

Getting a good night’s rest can affect more than just how tired you feel the next day. It also interferes with your performance at work, your mood, and your personal relationships. While finding the right balance of sleep is normal for many people, those who suffer from chronic pain may find it more difficult to get the sleep that they need.

While eliminating chronic pain in order to finally find rest and sleep every night is most likely impossible, there are steps that chronic pain sufferers can take to work towards a good night of rest.

1.Get a good sleep routine

Begin practicing a routine every night that you can learn to stick to. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every night, even on the weekends. During the day, avoid taking long naps that could reduce the amount of sleep you are getting at night. Be sure to exercise regularly, but refrain from doing so at least 3 hours before you plan to go to sleep. Refrain from drinking caffeine or alcohol before bed as well as limit the amount of screen time—television, phones, computer—before you go to bed

2.Take your mind of your pain with fun distractions

Find something fun you enjoy to distract you before bed—books, magazines, projects—to take your mind off any pain.

3.Relieve muscle tension before bed

Pain and tensions builds up throughout the day, and nobody wants to go to sleep with it all bundled up inside. Relieve muscle tensions by taking a hot bath before bed, or applying heat or ice packs to problem areas that pain affects you most on your body.

Don’t let chronic pain affect your sleep any longer!

This blog is written for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for actual medical treatment. Please contact the APM Augusta office to schedule an appointment if you are in need of medical care.