How Sleep Helps with Pain Relief and Other Health Benefits

Raise your hand if you feel like you can never get enough sleep. Sleep is one of the most important and overlooked aspects of our health. We need it to recharge to become productive throughout our work week, take care of our loved ones, and just feel good overall.

Sleep is a Natural Pain Reliever

Sleep is strongly connected to pain perception. Sleep is a natural analgesic (pain reliever) that we can have the ability to control without medications. In individuals who lack sleep, studies have shown that their self-reported pain is heightened. Studies have also revealed that, with a lack of sleep, our brains are underactive in areas that release dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that makes us happy and relieves pain.

Evaluate Your Sleep Habits to Alleviate Backpain

Have you ever thought about getting rid of your chronic back pain? Start with your sleeping habits.

With COVID-19 being at the forefront of all of our lives, most of us have unfortunately become less active. If we aren’t active, we might not expend enough energy for the body to feel like it needs sleep. Try going for walks and getting fresh air; walking is one of the better things for back pain!

Another thing we can all try to do is to avoid watching our favorite Netflix shows right before bed. The high levels of light and louder noises can disrupt sleep. Try performing some relaxed breathing techniques or reading under low light to relax yourself to sleep.

Everyone has also heard the phrase “humans are creatures of habit.” This is also true with our sleeping habits; try going to bed at the same time every night to regulate your sleep patterns.

So, if you feel like you’re one of the many individuals who are in pain and can’t seem to get sleep, try Physical Therapy to relieve some of your symptoms. Exercise in positions that are pain-free to feel better overall and get more sleep!