There is an intrinsic and deeply rooted connection between chronic pain and sleep. The latest health surveys estimate that around 20 percent of Americans suffer from chronic pain while 36 percent have had acute pain within the week. Combined, the figures comprise more than half of the adult population of America. Of this percentage, almost all of the participants reported having sleep disturbances or varying degrees of insomnia.
This is worrisome for many health professionals. Pain management reposes on the management of stress and poor health conditions. Lack of sleep – or the absence of restful sleep – is linked to an increase in stress and poor health. Those who cannot sleep typically have weaker immune systems, making pain treatment more difficult. Another medical study suggests that, on average, patients with chronic pain have a 42-minute sleep debt and acute pain sufferers have a 14-minute sleep debt.
Lack of sleep has a domino effect on the pain cycle. Patients afflicted with acute or chronic pain are likely to have sleep problem, which would affect their daily functioning. The resulting debilitation further increases stress and risk of engaging in risky behaviors such as drinking or smoking. The effects of these behaviors further hinder treatment until pain becomes unmanageable.
Specialists recommend patients to immediately consult them during the early stages of pain and sleep disturbance. This makes treatment easier, with chances of recovery increasing over the short term.
Have a happy and productive pain-free life with the assistance of Dr. Melanie Novak, a leading pain management specialist. To learn more about pain management findings, like this Facebook page.
Image Source: webmd.com
This is worrisome for many health professionals. Pain management reposes on the management of stress and poor health conditions. Lack of sleep – or the absence of restful sleep – is linked to an increase in stress and poor health. Those who cannot sleep typically have weaker immune systems, making pain treatment more difficult. Another medical study suggests that, on average, patients with chronic pain have a 42-minute sleep debt and acute pain sufferers have a 14-minute sleep debt.
Lack of sleep has a domino effect on the pain cycle. Patients afflicted with acute or chronic pain are likely to have sleep problem, which would affect their daily functioning. The resulting debilitation further increases stress and risk of engaging in risky behaviors such as drinking or smoking. The effects of these behaviors further hinder treatment until pain becomes unmanageable.
Specialists recommend patients to immediately consult them during the early stages of pain and sleep disturbance. This makes treatment easier, with chances of recovery increasing over the short term.
Image Source: usatoday.com
Have a happy and productive pain-free life with the assistance of Dr. Melanie Novak, a leading pain management specialist. To learn more about pain management findings, like this Facebook page.
