If you have
chronic pain, such as with fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome, you may have a hard time sleeping or you may wake up feeling tired and
unrefreshed. Some experts believe poor sleep can make pain worse.
Getting a good night's sleep may help.
Practice good sleeping habits. Go to bed only
when you are sleepy, and get up at the same time each day, whether you are
rested or not.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine for 4 to 6
hours or longer before bedtime. These can lead to poor sleep.
to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
Do not read,
eat, work, or watch television in bed. Use your bed only for sleeping and
Keep your bedroom at a comfortable
Make sure your mattress provides good support. Use a
neck support pillow to stabilize your head and neck during
Eliminate or block out all sound and light that may disturb
your sleep. Try using a sleep mask and earplugs to help you
If you lie awake in bed for longer than 15 minutes, get up,
leave the bedroom, and do something quiet (read or listen to music) until you
are sleepy again.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.