The Chicken--or The Egg?

What comes first..the chicken, or the egg? This riddle has been pondered by generations. And is there really an answer? Maybe...or maybe not.

In the world of pain management, there is a similar question, and that is the basis for today's post.

It has long been apparent that living with chronic pain can be disruptive to sleep patterns. This has a negative effect on the quality of life for chronic pain patients.

Have you ever thought about the reverse situation...that is to say, how does a disruptive sleep pattern affect chronic pain? A study of this topic, conducting in the Netherlands, gives us an idea that there is a relationship. "Emerging adults" (age 19-22) looked at followed subjects over several years; half of those who had sleep problems in the first year of study continued to be plagued with sleep issues in the third year of the study. The subjects who had sleep problems at the outset were more likely to have chronic pain, and more severe musculoskeletal, headache, and abdominal pain. After three years, there were also new onset cases of chronic or persistent pain. This pattern was also noted to be more persistent in females than males. Interesting, isn' it?

It is hoped that early identification and treatment of sleep disorders will be useful in the prevention of chronic pain disorders. In the meantime the importance of sleep hygiene/good sleep habits cannot be overemphasized!

You can read a news story about this study by clicking here.

To read a bit about healthy sleep habits, click here and here.

Sources: Newswise.com; Everyday Pain Management Ideas; Pixabay

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