Okay, so maybe it’s not Sandman. but there is a reason those with chronic pain don’t rest well. There are two obvious reasons for this, and by obvious I mean you could state them without this blog. That said, I’ll give them to you anyway so you don’t say I hold back. You have chronic pain and that means laying down puts pressure all over your body. Second, you’re probably taking medication. That medication not only has side effects, but the side effects have side effects. On the other hand, “normal” people have problems sleeping too. Sandman don’t like them either?
Remember when I said that I believe we have our own trinity? Well, there are mental reasons for insomnia like stress, anxiety, and depression. On the physical side, you can lose sleep over a decrease in melatonin, asthma, allergies, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, sleep apnea, and women can add hormonal changes. Of course, a combination of the two would be using caffeine or alcohol before bed, a change in noise or light level for some reason (like the dog that all of a sudden has started barking the other night), and for those of you that can—jet lag. On the spiritual side of things, St John of the Cross discusses the long, dark night of the soul. There are many who feel like God has given them the pain, or that He has actually cursed them with it; either way, feelings like that would disturb anyone’s sleep. How about you? Have you looked at reasons outside of your pain? Are you adding to your medication with alcohol? Have you taken time to look for “other” reasons that may be interrupting you sleep? It may be worth the look before you just blame the pain and think it’s inevitable.
I know I have to have a VERY dark room for any hope of sleep and I can not stand the sound of a fan running or a clock ticking loudly. We do play a radio station that plays very soft, meditative hymns at night and the occasional softly read poem. That and one of those select comfort mattresses really helps. It is nice I can adjust the air in my side to conform to my poor twisted body!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, after years of shift work as a paramedic, in a fireman type of sleeping quarters, I don't seem to have too many issues with external light or sounds; that said, the select comfort mattress has to be one of the greatest inventions in "sleep technology" EVER! We love ours, especially since we can each have our own levels. I hope your "poor, twisted body" rests well this evening my friend. God bless.
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