Sleep and Pain

Upper Back Pain During Sleep

Ben Parr — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:40:00 -0800

A physician answers patient questions about relieving upper back pain during sleep.

Question: How to alleviate upper back pain during sleep?

I currently see a chiropractor for my upper back problem. In the past 5 months, I have been experiencing upper back pain during sleep, and I often awake in such pain that it is difficult to move around.

Over the Counter (OTC) Medications as Short-Term Sleep Aids

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:29:31 -0800

Over-the-counter medications for the treatment of a sleep problem are those that can be purchased without a prescription. Examples of over-the-counter sleep aids include:

Sleep-Eze
Sominex
Nytol, and others.

OTC sleep medications should only be used on a short term basis, since extended use of these medications can actually exacerbate insomnia. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, antihistamine is the most common ingredient in OTC sleep aids.

Herbal Remedies as Non-FDA Approved Sleep Aids

Ben Parr — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:29:27 -0800

There are many natural and herbal remedies available over-the-counter for sleeping disorders. These include such things as Melatonin, which is a hormone that is known to be involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. In addition, herbal products include such things as valerian, chamomile, Kava Kava, and others. It is important to note a few things about these herbal remedy products:

Additional Factors That Affect Sleep Comfort

Ben Parr — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:23:45 -0800

The type of mattress one uses is not the only factor for patients with pain and sleep difficulty. Many other factors need to be considered that may affect sleep, including:

Medication side effects
Irregular sleep patterns
Caffeine/alcohol/tobacco use
Sleep apnea
Anxiety/stress

If comfort is not the only thing making sleep difficult, it is advisable for the patient to consult his or her family physician to discuss other possible causes and treatments for sleeplessness.

Sleep Aids for People with Chronic Pain

spine-health — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:42:13 -0800

Whether it is the inability to fall asleep, to stay asleep for the recommended seven to eight hours, or waking too early (for example, 4 a.m. versus 6 a.m.), chronic pain can cause sleep problems in a number of ways. Lack of sleep can worsen pain, and of course more intense pain then continues to interfere with sleep, so the two symptoms can become a vicious cycle.

Choosing the Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:10:14 -0800

More Mattress/Sleep Info:

Sleep Problems

Chronic Pain and Insomnia: Breaking the Cycle

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:10:14 -0800

Chronic pain can cause sleep disorders

Patients suffering from chronic pain often find that their problems are compounded by the additional difficulties that come with insomnia and sleeping disorders. Of those who report experiencing chronic pain (about 15% of the general U.S. population and 50% of the elderly), approximately 65% report having sleep disorders, such as disrupted or non-restorative sleep.