The Link between Sleep and Pain

Did you know that there is a correlation between sleep and pain? We often making eating well and exercising a major priority, but sleep is equally (if not more) important. One of the best things we can do for ourselves is get enough sleep.

Some people sleep longer because they are in pain, while others cannot sleep at all. Pain affects the way a person sleeps and a lack of sleep can intensify pain. Individuals who suffer from chronic pain may experience sleep disorders. In fact, pain is one of the causes of insomnia.  Sleep disorder symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, waking up early in the morning, restless sleep, and overall dissatisfaction with the quality of sleep. The consistent interruption of sleep triggers a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation and increased pain. The less sleep a person gets, the more intense the pain can become.

Don’t Lose Sleep over It

If pain is affecting your sleep patterns, physical therapy can play a big role in the recovery process. The combination of pain and lack of sleep creates a vicious cycle that can get progressively worse, if left untreated.

Fortunately, a physical therapist can identify the underlying cause of pain and create a plan for lasting pain relief. Using a combination of hands-on techniques (including joint mobilizations and massage), the therapist will help reduce muscle tension. This will help you sleep better. A therapist will also design a stretching and strengthening program to restore muscle balance and reduce pain; restoring normal sleep patterns.

If you have pain and are losing sleep over it, reach out to us, your physical therapy providers. We’ll help you reduce pain and sleep better. We don’t want you to lose any more sleep over this and it is time for you to start living a pain-free life.