• 22 Sep, 2025
• UnityPain
• No comment

The Connection Between Sleep and Chronic Pain

For many people living with chronic pain, a good night’s sleep can feel out of reach. What’s less understood is that pain and sleep are closely linked — each can make the other worse. Poor sleep can heighten your pain sensitivity, while ongoing pain often disrupts your ability to fall and stay asleep. At Unity Pain Management, we recognize the importance of treating both sides of this cycle to help patients find real relief.

How Pain Affects Sleep

Chronic pain can make it difficult to relax into restful sleep. Conditions such as arthritis, back pain, or nerve pain often cause discomfort when lying down, leading to:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Frequent nighttime awakenings
• Reduced deep sleep (the restorative stage of sleep)

This disrupted sleep cycle prevents the body from healing properly and can increase fatigue, irritability, and stress.

How Poor Sleep Makes Pain Worse

When you don’t sleep well, your body produces more stress hormones and fewer natural pain-relieving chemicals. Research shows that lack of sleep increases pain sensitivity, making existing conditions feel worse. Over time, poor sleep may even contribute to the development of chronic pain conditions.

Breaking the Pain–Sleep Cycle

1. Establish a Bedtime Routine

Going to bed at the same time each night, limiting screen use, and practicing relaxation techniques (like deep breathing or meditation) can prepare your body for better rest.

2. Optimize Your Sleep Environment

A supportive mattress, comfortable pillow, and dark, quiet room make it easier to rest without interruption.

3. Manage Pain Before Bedtime

Taking prescribed medications as directed, using heat or ice packs, or practicing gentle stretches before bed may reduce discomfort.

4. Seek Professional Support

If pain is consistently keeping you awake, a pain management provider can recommend treatment options — from targeted injections to physical therapy — that improve both pain levels and sleep quality.

5. Consider Sleep Hygiene Counseling

Sometimes, working with a provider to address habits around sleep can have a big impact on both rest and pain.

Final Thoughts

Sleep and chronic pain are deeply connected, often creating a cycle that feels impossible to escape. By addressing both, patients can restore balance, reduce discomfort, and improve their overall quality of life.

At Unity Pain Management, we take a holistic approach — helping patients treat their pain while also supporting healthy sleep patterns.

Visit us at unitypain.com to learn more about our comprehensive pain care services.