Do You Suffer From Painsomnia? Here's What to Do

Painsomnia is a patient generated term for the cycle of chronic pain and insomnia. The term, from social media discussions of people living with chronic conditions such as CRPS, arthritis, back pain, ankylosing spondylitis and others as they discuss their obstacles of health. In fact, about 70% of people with rheumatoid arthritis have trouble sleeping because of their pain.

Sleep helps our bodies rest, but is vital to healing and for those with chronic conditions, sleep is key. Fortunately, medical researchers like South Lake Pain Institute, a research arm of South Lake Pain Institute are starting to learn more about the condition and how patients with chronic pain can cope.

Who is at risk for painsomnia?

Any pain can prevent sleep, but people with chronic pain are at a high risk for developing insomnia secondary to their pain. Some of the common types of pain that prohibit sleep are cancer pain, post-surgical pain, headaches and fibromyalgia. Other conditions include:

• Arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Endometriosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Shingles
• Nerve damage
• CRPS

Three types of insomnia

The three types of insomnia include:

• Acute- typically lasts a few days or weeks and is caused by outside stressors such as work, school, family issues or deadlines and passes once the stressor is gone.
• Transient- This is most commonly caused by outside issues including environmental changes such as stress, jet lag, illness or mental health conditions. It usually lasts less than one week.
• Chronic- If you have trouble sleeping three times per week for the last 12-weeks you may have chronic insomnia caused by physical or mental health conditions, pain, medications or sleep disorders.

What are treatment options?

First and foremost, speaking with your healthcare provider is a key step. Next, the following steps can also prove helpful in determining the best treatment for your insomnia.

• Limit phones or computers before bed.
• Limit alcohol before bed.
• Keep a sleep/pain diary and document your sleep and pain.
• Make your bedroom cool and dark.
• Avoid eating heavy foods before bed.
• Discuss sleep aids with your physician.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Yoga or meditation.
• Exercise during the day.
• Stick to a sleep schedule.

If you are experiencing insomnia and chronic pain please schedule an appointment with one of our providers to discuss your treatment options.