In fact, more than half of chronic pain sufferers have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Lack of sleep leads to fatigue, irritability, stress and tension, which make it harder to cope with pain.
Chronic pain makes it more difficult to obtain truly restful sleep.
Finding a comfortable position for falling asleep is a challenge for many. It may be difficult to relax and let go of worrisome thoughts about medical, financial, or other issues. Distress about inability to sleep can make falling asleep even more difficult. Movement during the night can result in increased pain that disrupts sleep. The depression that often accompanies chronic pain and disability frequently results in sleep difficulty.