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Pain is probably keeping you awake at night. Almost half of Americans have had their sleep disrupted by pain at some point in their lives. For many with chronic pain, the disturbance is constant. “The National Sleep Foundation surveyed 1,000 people about their sleep habits, overall health and pain levels. The researchers found that people who had chronic pain ended up with a 42 minute sleep deficit a week and people who had acute pain ended up with a 14 minute sleep debt.” While the researchers said many turned to pain meds to help them sleep, they cautioned that these medications actually worsen sleep problems because they change the natural sleep rhythm. Fortunately, the researchers also found that the usual advice about getting better sleep also works for those in pain. “People who are chronically sleep-deprived should abstain from alcohol and caffeine, get more exercise, practice relaxation techniques, eat a healthful diet and avoid television and other blue light-emitting devices at least two hours before bedtime.”
