Do you feel constantly tired even after a night of sleep? Have you noticed a change in energy as a result of chronic pain? This is a common experience for people with chronic pain. We’re here to break down the science behind why pain creates fatigue and provide solutions to help you get better rest.
Chronic Pain Is Exhausting…Literally
When you are in pain, your body is working feverishly to heal you. This is why it’s so important to rest when you’re sick. Your body needs the downtime to mend muscles, fight infections, and cure your discomfort.
If you suffer from chronic pain, your body never gets a break. It is continuously trying to get you better, and that takes a toll. Both your mind and body will feel worn out because whatever sleep you’re getting isn’t enough to offset the hard work of healing. It’s a vicious cycle that will likely only get better when you find a solution for your pain.
Pain May Disrupt Your Sleep
Chronic pain sufferers are three times more likely to experience insomnia than people without chronic pain. This can occur for a number of reasons, including medications you’re taking or simply being uncomfortable in bed. If you find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, your body isn’t getting adequate rest. This further delays your healing and adds to the exhaustion. Reducing your pain should help you sleep better and vice versa.
How to Manage Fatigue from Chronic Pain
Addressing your chronic pain is the best way to relieve the fatigue, but that treatment option may not happen overnight. In the meantime, create a wind-down and nighttime routine that you can stick to every night. Doing the same steps over and over will help you fall asleep more easily and hopefully stay asleep through the night.
Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, as both those products may affect your body’s natural sleep pattern. Do not look at your phone for at least 30 minutes before bedtime, and avoid anything mentally tasking at the end of the night. You may still experience fatigue from chronic pain, but at least you’re not adding racing thoughts to the mix.
Get a Personalized Chronic Pain Treatment Plan
No two people experience identical forms of pain. The treatment that works best for someone else may not be ideal for your situation. This is why we provide personalized chronic pain treatments using cutting-edge techniques. If you’d like a consultation for procedural pain relief, contact Macomb Pain Management at (248) 844-8281.
