| At one time it was thought that the link between | | | | sleeping properly again, it is important to take steps |
| chronic pain and insomnia had more to do with the | | | | to make sure that you do all you can to avoid falling |
| pain than with the insomnia. The thinking was simply | | | | back into the cycle of chronic pain and insomnia. |
| that it was the pain causing the insomnia, so by | | | | Of course, you will not always be able to stop the |
| treating the pain you would solve the problem with | | | | pain from coming back or increasing, but you do have |
| lack of sleep. | | | | a bit more control over the sleep aspect of the cycle. |
| Further studies have shown instead that both chronic | | | | Here are some things to consider: |
| pain and insomnia work together and that both must | | | | Caffeine should be limited, and you should not drink |
| be treated to get the best result. Yes, chronic pain, | | | | caffeine in the late afternoon. Even if you think that |
| such as from fibromyalgia, can make it much more | | | | you are one of the people on whom caffeine has no |
| difficult to sleep, but lack of sleep can increase pain | | | | effect, studies show that caffeine can hinder the |
| as well. | | | | quality of sleep, even if it does not stop one from |
| When one is not getting the rest that they need, it | | | | falling asleep. |
| impairs the ability to tolerate pain. Those with chronic | | | | If you are overweight, you should consider taking |
| pain and insomnia are stuck in a cycle of pain causing | | | | steps to shed those extra pounds. Studies have |
| lack of sleep and lack of sleep increasing pain. | | | | shown a link between being overweight and suffering |
| For this reason, doctors have started to treat not | | | | bouts of insomnia. |
| just the pain, but the insomnia as well. By helping you | | | | Exercise has been shown to help with insomnia. Talk |
| to get more sleep you will be better able to deal | | | | to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to |
| with the pain. | | | | embark on an exercise program. |
| That does not necessarily mean that you will be | | | | Do all that you can to manage the amount of stress |
| prescribed sleeping pills. Treatment for insomnia may | | | | in your life. If you have trouble in this area, talk to |
| instead involve relaxation techniques or lifestyle | | | | your doctor about getting help learning techniques |
| changes. | | | | that can stop the stress from building. |
| If you are being treated with prescription pain | | | | The link between chronic pain and insomnia is clear. |
| medication then it is not likely that your doctor will be | | | | They each enhance the problem of the other, so |
| too quick to write a prescription for sleeping pills as | | | | keeping both under control as much as possible is |
| well. | | | | vital. |
| Once the pain is brought under control and you are | | | | |