Better Sleep With Chronic Pain

If you suffer from chronic pain, you know what it does to sleep and anxiety. Unfortunately, they all coincide and bring on various health disturbances such as poor sleep, anxiety, negativity, poor self-esteem, and sometimes a feeling of hopelessness.

Chronic pain has many causes such as injuries, illnesses, social stress, and long-term physical or emotional stress. Chronic pain not only causes a lack of sleep and so many other health concerns but it also is something that if not treated, can make one’s life negative and an unwanted burden.

This kind of pain causes the brain to overwork unless there are intervals of rest. Resting just 15-20 minutes a day, especially on days when stress and pain are at high levels, can bring not only relief to the brain but also to the body. Actually, rest is almost like a sedative; it is calming and so helpful.

Sleep is important not only for a better-looking body, but also refreshing to the mind, soul, brain, and just about every other part of the body. It is essential for better health but when you are not able to sleep, take heart. You can and will sleep but you must do everything you can to get sleep.

If you like watching TV for many hours, eat too much food, drink too much water or alcohol, and then play with your phone or laptop while in bed before sleeping, then you will have a hard time sleeping.

Also, if you suffer from chronic pain and struggle with sleep, you will most likely suffer from depression, negativity, hopelessness and insecurity, the following day. Now, if and when this happens, take heart. There is nothing mentally wrong with you. All that is wrong is that you lack sleep.

To ensure that you get the best sleep possible, even with chronic pain or anxiety, here are some things you can do during the day and early evening hours. First, do as many positive and productive things during the day. Make a list and cross off what you accomplish. Throughout the day, eat healthy meals and sandwiches. Drink plenty of water. Water nourishes the brain and helps with digestion.

Also, move about! Get up and walk; if you can’t go outside, walk inside and do some light exercising. Go outside and breathe in some fresh air. If you can’t stay outside too long due to the weather, just stay outside for a few minutes. When the weather is too cold or too hot, go to your nearest window and soak in some sunshine. Be sure to not look directly at the sun. Only look where there is brightness. Do this for at least five minutes. This will help you sleep at night.

Keep your conversations positive and upbeat during the day and try to accomplish at least one or two things that make you happy. Listen to some beautiful music or some funny things online. This will help more than you know.

For chronic pain, take prescribed medication or over the counter medication; medication that will alleviate pain. Also, stay connected with those you care about. Talking with caring relatives or friends can make your days much brighter and your nights, calmer and more peaceful and enjoyable.

Don’t let chronic pain and anxiety control your days and nights! Be in control of your health–mentally and physically! Yes, sometimes it feels like the pain and anxiety will not go away but it will! Be forceful about your health! Take charge and don’t give up! And, if you are a Christian and believe in God, remember, He will help you but you must ask Him for help. And, know this! He will help you because He loves you.

I have suffered from anxiety and chronic pain for over 15 years and there have been times when I almost gave up. But, at this point in my life, I refuse to give up because life is precious and I want to enjoy it as much as possible.

So, take heart! Follow the above tips and I guarantee you will sleep better and your anxieties will lessen. Life is short. It is like the words on “Days of our Lives”… “Like sands in the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.