9 Quick Tips That Help Me Sleep With Chronic Pain
“The amount of sleep required by the average person is five minutes more.” — Wilson Mizner
- What is Fibromyalgia?
- What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
As funny as Mizner’s quote is, sleep is no laughing matter for those of us with chronic illness. Sleep is the “make it or break it” for chronic pain and fibromyalgia. If I can get nine hours of shut-eye, tomorrow will be bearable; if I’m suffering from painsomnia and miss out on even one hour, I already know tomorrow is going to be the worst. Ugh…
Before my diagnosis, I had the vitality of the Energizer bunny. I could sleep for six hours and handle weekly business trips and back-to-back meetings with no problem. In fact, I found my busy schedule invigorating! Being constantly on the move was a big part of my identity; I worked hard and I played hard.
Today, I can’t even imagine what it feels like to wake up energized… those days feel like a lifetime ago. I never realized how important sleep is until my diagnosis. So after much trial and flare, I’ve created a list of nine tips that give me the best chance of having a restful night’s sleep.
1. Food can affect sleep
No sugar or spicy food past 8 p.m. When I do overindulge, it feels like ants are crawling up and down my body — enough to wake me up and have to take more meds to put the ants to sleep.
2. Keep it cold
I’m talking 71 degrees, even in the winter. I’ve got my heating pad nearby if I need it.
3. 100 percent cotton comfy pajamas
This is an easy and affordable must-have. I need something soft that feels pure and clean on my skin and allows my body to breathe.
4. A prescription sleep aid
Prescription sleep aids are not for everyone, but I personally have found it to be very helpful. I recommend talking to your doctor if you’re curious about your options.
5. Treat yo self!
An Egyptian cotton comforter and a satin pillowcase — you won’t regret the investment. Remember, we spend one third of our lives in our beds and we deserve this!
6. Pitch black bedroom
This is a non-negotiable; no alarm clocks or flashing devices, my spidey senses can’t block them out.
7. Easy on the alcohol
Booze will definitely ruin a good night’s sleep, I know. But hey, a girl needs a dirty martini every now and then!
8. Lavender baths
I keep the smells very light because of my spidey senses so just a couple drops of lavender are OK with me. For me, lavender is a natural muscle relaxer and stress reliever which helps to soothe inflammation. Sounds nice, huh?
9. “Leave the phone at the door.”
While dealing with painsomnia, all I want to do is Netflix and chill, but unfortunately I’ve learned that’s the worst thing I can do. *Sad Face* To quiet my mind and let my body know it’s time to rest, I will keep the devices out of the bedroom.
What are your tips for a successful sleep? I would love to see them shared in the comments below.
Editor’s note: Any medical information included is based on a personal experience. For questions or concerns regarding health, please consult a doctor or medical professional.
This blog was originally published on The Huffington Post.
Chronic Pain Advocate | Author | VP of Sales | Public Speaker | Puja Rios is Vice President of Sales at a top-ranked human capital software organization and the founder of her company’s Women’s Alliance, CareerBuildHER. In addition, she sits on the Executive Board of Bright Pink and prides herself on her work as a Chronic Pain advocate and blogger. Her mission to rebrand Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain has led her to be recognized as Fibro Daily's #1 Fibro Awareness Advocate, WEGO Health's 'Best Blog' and 'Rookie of the Year' finalist, and presenter at the 2018 HealtheVoices Conference. By working with top doctors through trial and error, Puja has dissected and revealed the endless effects of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain. Puja uses her voice to support over 100 million Americans diagnosed with these illnesses. She is the author of the Huffington Post feature blog, 'Me vs. Fibromyalgia,' as well as a contributor to Thrive Global, The Mighty, and New Life Outlook. Puja's warrior perspective is critical to both her success managing her Chronic Pain and her continued climb up the corporate ladder. Puja is proof that you can thrive despite intrusive disabilities like Fibro and CP.
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