How to sleep when chronic pain won’t let you

When it comes to falling asleep, it doesn’t always go as planned. Tossing and turning, not being comfortable, or your mind just won’t shut off can all keep you wide awake throughout the night; but for those with chronic pain, there are even more struggles with falling asleep.

While there is medication designed to help chronic pain patients sleep better through the night, there are alternative ways to naturally get you the rest that you need.

-Get into a routine

Try and set yourself a bedtime, even on the weekends. Going to sleep at the same time every night will get your body into a routine to help you sleep through the night.

-Only sleep when you are tired

If you don’t find yourself falling asleep within 30 minutes of lying in bed, then don’t force yourself to stay there. Get up and engage in other activities until you feel the urge of being tired enough to lay back down.

-Climate-Control

Keep your room where you sleep at a cool and comfortable temperature. Feeling hot doesn’t help on top of chronic pain when you are trying to sleep. Crack a window in the winter or run a fan or air conditioner in the summer to keep cool.

-Exercise and sweat

Not only is exercising recommended to fight chronic pain, it will also help tire your body out to where it needs sleep to regenerate. Do light exercises throughout the day to work up a sweat.

-Find your comfort

Sometimes the key to falling asleep is in what you are sleeping on. If your bed isn’t comforting to your pain, consider finding one that works better. Choose a pillow that supports your body right, and doesn’t add to the pain you already feel chronically.

-Visualize

When it is finally time to lay down, clear your mind of all your thoughts. Imagine yourself in a peaceful place, and soon you will drift off to sleep and get your mind off the pain.

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.