The Importance of Sleep Hygiene

Sleep plays an important role in recovery from injury and pain. Studies have shown poor sleep and chronic pain are closely linked and that having a bad sleep can make you feel more sensitive to pain.

In order to get a good night sleep it is important to have good sleep hygiene. This allows you to regulate your internal “clock” to influence a better sleep-wake cycle.

Sleep Hygiene check list:

·      Make sure the bedroom is quiet, dark and a comfortable temperature

·      Use your bed only for sleep and intimacy. It is important to develop a strong association between your bed and sleep.

·      Have a regular bedtime routine, this includes a regular bedtime.

·      Relax and unwind before getting into bed

·      No screens half an hour before bed, try not to keep them in your room at all

·      Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bed

·      Exercise during the day

·      Naps during the day should be no longer than 30mins and should fall before 3pm

For more information visit https://painhealth.csse.uwa.edu.au/pain-module/sleep-and-pain/