Find out how pain can affect your sleep & how you can help manage it
Pain keeping you awake? If you feel like your pain is getting in the way of a good night’s sleep or stopping you from drifting off, take a look at our ways to help manage it.
How pain can impact your sleep
From long-term conditions to occasional aches and pains like migraine, toothache, muscle discomfort and sinus pain – there’s lots that can stop you from getting comfy and heading off to the land of nod.
Pain can make it more difficult to get comfy in bed, which can stop you falling asleep quickly. It can also reduce sleep continuity, meaning you wake up more often during the night and also wake up earlier than usual in the morning.
Pain may feel more intense just at the time you’re settling in for the evening, as there’s less to distract you and take your mind off it. This could affect how well you relax and drift off to sleep.
How your sleep can impact pain
Some conditions, like fibromyalgia (a long-term condition that can cause pain and tiredness), can also have an impact as painful symptoms can prevent you getting a good night’s sleep. In turn, poor sleep quality can lower your pain threshold or make pain symptoms feel worse, and so the cycle continues.
Annoyingly, whatever the cause of your pain symptoms, lack of sleep can make matters worse. Which is why it’s important to get into some good sleep habits. Take a look at our guides to getting a good night’s sleep for some helpful tips on how to drift off.
Give yourself the best chance of drifting off
When it comes to getting a decent amount of sleep, preparation is key. Put together a kit for your bedside table, including things like pain relief, eye masks and pillow mists to help you drift off into a peaceful slumber.
Not sure what kind of pain relief you need? Check out our guide to paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin or speak to your pharmacist to work out which option may be right for you.
Looking for a natural alternative to pain relief? Take a look at top tips and product recommendations in our article on natural ways to help ease pain.
These tips and techniques are for managing mild, short-term pain symptoms. If long-term pain is keeping you up at night, or if your sleeping problems persist, speak to your GP who will be able to recommend a more personalised approach.
And there you have it, everything you need to help put pain in its place and get a good night’s sleep. Sweet dreams!
