If you suffer from chronic pain, you know what it does to sleep and anxiety. Unfortunately, they all coincide, leading to various health disorders, including lack of sleep, anxiety, negativity, low self-esteem, and sometimes a feeling of hopelessness.
Chronic pain has many causes, including injury, illness, social stress, and long-term physical or emotional stress. Chronic pain not only causes lack of sleep and many other health problems, but it is also something that, if left untreated, can make life negative and an unwanted burden.
This type of pain causes the brain to work too hard, unless there are rest intervals. Resting just 15 to 20 minutes a day, especially on days when stress and pain are at high levels, can bring relief not only to the brain but also to the body. In reality, rest is almost like a sedative; it is calming and very helpful.
Sleep is important not only to look better in the body, but also to refresh the mind, soul, brain, and almost every other part of the body. It’s essential for better health, but when you can’t sleep, take heart. You can sleep and you will, but you must do everything you can to sleep.
If you like to watch TV for long hours, eat too much, drink too much water or alcohol, and then play on your phone or laptop while in bed before you sleep, you will have a hard time sleeping.
Also, if you suffer from chronic pain and struggle with sleep, the next day you will most likely suffer from depression, negativity, hopelessness, and insecurity. Now if and when this happens, take heart. There is nothing mentally wrong with you. All that’s wrong is that you lack sleep.
To ensure you get the best sleep possible, even with chronic pain or anxiety, here are some things you can do during the day and early evening. First do as many positive and productive things throughout the day. Make a list and cross off what you accomplish. Throughout the day, eat healthy meals and sandwiches. Drink plenty of water. Water nourishes the brain and helps with digestion.
Also, move! Stand up and walk; if you can’t go outside, walk inside and get some light exercise. Get outside and get some fresh air. If you can’t stay outside for long because of the weather, just stay outside for a few minutes. When the weather is too cold or too hot, go to the nearest window and get some sun. Make sure you are not looking directly at the sun. Just look where there’s glitter. Do this for at least five minutes. This will help you sleep at night.
Keep your conversations positive and upbeat throughout the day and try to accomplish at least one or two things that make you happy. Listen to beautiful music or fun stuff online. This will help more than you think.
For chronic pain, take prescription or over-the-counter medications; medication that will relieve pain. Also, stay connected with your loved ones. Talking with caring family or friends can make your days so much brighter and your nights so much calmer, more peaceful, and more enjoyable.
Don’t let chronic pain and anxiety control your days and nights! Take control of your health, mentally and physically! Yes, sometimes it seems like pain and anxiety won’t go away, but they will! Be forceful with your health! Take charge and don’t give up! And, if you are a Christian and you believe in God, remember, He will help you, but you must ask him for help. And know this! He will help you because he loves you.
I have suffered from anxiety and chronic pain for over 15 years and there have been times when I almost gave up. But, at this point in my life, I refuse to give up because life is precious and I want to enjoy it as much as possible.
So cheer up! Follow the tips above and I guarantee you will sleep better and your anxieties will lessen. Life is short. It’s like the words of “Days of our Lives”… “Like the sand in the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.