Millions of individuals in the UK are struggling to sleep due to pain, leading to what experts are calling a “hidden public health crisis.” A recent study by Combogesic for Pain Awareness Month reveals that nearly half of adults report that pains and discomfort are disrupting their sleep, leaving them fatigued, anxious, and in urgent need of relief.
A significant portion of the participants, one in ten, disclosed that they experience continuous pain throughout the day. Physicians emphasize the detrimental impact of this “pain-insomnia loop” on both mental and physical well-being nationwide. Sleep disturbances have been associated with increased stress, anxiety, and potential health issues such as high blood pressure and obesity.
Dr. Nisa Aslam, a general practitioner and advisor to the new pain relief medication Combogesic, highlights the profound effect of pain on sleep quality for millions of Britons. Pain not only hinders falling asleep but also interrupts sleep cycles, depriving the body of essential restorative sleep and exacerbating the pain itself, creating a challenging cycle to break.
The lack of quality sleep can elevate cortisol levels, a stress hormone, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure, further hindering the ability to fall back asleep. The survey revealed that pain contributes to stress and anxiety in 43% of the respondents, with anxiety potentially elevating cortisol levels, disrupting sleep patterns, and worsening pain symptoms.
Sleep plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, as inadequate sleep can reduce the production of immune-protective cytokines. Long-term sleep deprivation has been linked to various health conditions like obesity, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. In essence, pain not only impacts sleep but also poses a broader health risk to individuals.
Dr. Aslam offers practical tips for individuals struggling with pain-induced sleep disturbances. These include maintaining good posture during the day, using pillows for support in bed, taking a warm shower or bath before bedtime, and utilizing heat or ice packs for pain relief. Additionally, she recommends using a safe and effective painkiller like Combogesic, which combines paracetamol and ibuprofen in a clinically validated ratio to optimize pain relief while reducing potential side effects.
To improve sleep quality, individuals are advised to minimize stress before bedtime, create a soothing evening routine, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, follow an anti-inflammatory diet, and avoid heavy meals close to bedtime. By taking proactive steps, individuals can break the cycle of pain-induced sleep disturbances, achieve better sleep, and regain a sense of well-being.