Extra sleep can be more effective than painkillers.
We all know that a good night's sleep is essential for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health, but did you know that a lack of sleep increases your pain sensitivity?
Recent studies have shown that a lack of sleep can reduce your pain threshold, making you more sensitive to pain.
This is thought to happen due to changes in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate pain perception.
What’s more, sleep deprivation can also affect the immune system, which can contribute to increased pain sensitivity.
You see, sleep is important for maintaining a healthy pain threshold for a few reasons.
Firstly, during sleep, the body produces chemicals called cytokines that help reduce inflammation and pain.
In addition, sleep also helps to regulate the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as endorphins and serotonin, which are responsible for regulating pain perception.
These neurotransmitters are produced in the brain and are important in the management of pain, anxiety, and mood.
Without adequate sleep, these neurotransmitters can become imbalanced and lead to increased pain sensitivity.
Chronic pain sufferers out there who are at risk of developing sleep disorders may benefit from better sleep hygiene.
All of these factors combined can lead to a decrease in the pain threshold and increased pain sensitivity.
So if you’re experiencing chronic pain or recovering from a painful injury, consider improving the quality and length of your sleep instead of chugging down painkillers.
Do note that you should first consult and follow your doctor’s advice before trying anything new.
