Sleep Deprivation & Pain - Is There A Link?

Many people across the globe are suffering from pain related to sleep disruptions. Statistics show that almost 30% of the world population suffers from pain that leads to sleep deprivation. In medical terminology, this situation is often referred as the ‘vicious cycle of pain and sleep’ wherein pain adversely affects one’s ability to sleep. Furthermore, the lack of sleep worsens the pain condition for the patient. Back pain is the most common cause of sleep disturbance related to pain. 

Common sleep disorders associated with chronic pain: 

1. Insomnia: One of the most common sleep-related disruption is that of insomnia, where patient complaints of their inability to fall asleep irrespective of their exhaustion. 
2. Hypersomnia: In this condition, patients find it difficult to keep themselves awake throughout the day, or they tend to fall asleep at any time of the day. 
3. Sleep Apnoea: In this condition, the patient has an intermittent phase of breath hold during sleep. The risk factors associated with sleep apnoea include obesity and age. The condition can become chronic with problems like loud snoring and feeling of tiredness all the time despite a good night’s sleep. 
4. Restless Leg Syndrome: if a person is shaking his/her leg consistently while sleeping it means they are suffering from restless leg syndrome. If the condition worsens patient may have uncontrollable leg movements even during daytime. 
5. Apart from sleep disorders, patients suffering from chronic pain undergo depression sometimes with attempts at suicide. 

Treatment Options: 

Treatment of pain should be done under the care of pain specialist as options can be availed for treatment like nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation. Reduction in pain can drastically improve sleep and mood. Simple intake of sleeping pills is not the solution.