Home remedies for adapting to assisted living with chronic pain. When should you start thinking about assisted living because of your chronic pain symptoms? Some topics listed here are to help you prepare for an easier transition. These are simple things you can add to your daily living that go a long way.
Sleeping With Chronic Pain
A good night’s rest is crucial to maintaining health, and yet over a third of adult Americans do not get enough sleep. An under abundance of sleep can have long term health consequences, including obesity, heart disease and cognitive issues. For those suffering from chronic pain,proper rest is particularly elusive. It can be nearly impossible to get comfortable and fall asleep, resulting in less rest and more pain in the morning. Fortunately, there are quite a few ways to manage pain and maintain proper sleep hygiene.
Finding The Right Mattress
Over the course of a lifetime, the average person will spend approximately 26 years asleep, and many do so on an inadequate mattress. There is no easy answer to what type of mattress will work best for each person as comfort is subjective, however there are ways to shop smart. Going to a store and testing different beds and reading mattress reviews can help determine what level of firmness and materials will provide the best night’s sleep. Those with chronic back pain generally respond well to a firmer mattress. Memory foam is also an excellent option as the bed will contour to the body, giving even support. It’s also important to consider the age of a mattress as most will function optimally for about seven to ten years. An old mattress, particularly those with inner springs, can aggravate back pain. As the padding becomes less dense, the springs will begin to pop up, resulting in an uneven mattress that will cause discomfort.
Limber Up
Stretching and yoga is an easy, low-impact way to loosen up stiff muscles before bed. Sciatica, a common cause of lower back and leg pain, is particularly responsive to deep stretches. Before getting into bed, stand straight up with your feet shoulder width apart. While keeping your legs straight and feet flat on the floor, bend over, touch the floor, and walk your hands outward as far as you can go. Hold the position for ten seconds, and then walk your hands back to your legs. Hold one ankle with both hands, count to ten, and then hold the other ankle. This exercise stretches out the sciatic nerve, giving some temporary relief which may be enough to help you fall asleep. Pay attention to your body as you stretch, as you do not want to hyper extend your hamstrings.
Cannabis And Sleep
The health benefits of cannabis are finally becoming more recognized as thirty three states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medicinal and/or recreational purposes. This is a better option for chronic pain sufferers than over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen as such medications can impact liver function with extended use. Different strains of marijuana have different effects on the body, and all have pain relieving qualities. Indica strains can both reduce pain and aid in relaxation, making sleep come more easily. In states where marijuana is not yet legal, Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, can deliver all of the same pleasant effects as regular cannabis. As CBD does not have THC, there are no psychoactive effects, which works well for people who are not interested in getting the high typically associated with marijuana usage. Be sure to thoroughly research what is legal for consumption in your area, and do not drive or operate machinery after ingesting any such products. Consult with a medical professional before use to prevent any possible interactions with other medications.
Sleeping may be difficult for those with chronic pain, but it is not as impossible as it may seem in the middle of a restless night. By investing in the right mattress, stretching and exploring cannabis products with your doctor, a good night’s sleep can go from being a dream to a reality.
by Chrissy Phillips
