Management of Sleep Issues with RSD
There are lots of different medical conditions that people might see a doctor for. According to a recent research study, one of the most common symptoms is chronic pain. Recently, a survey was completed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In this survey, researchers asked many different people about the various levels of pain that they experience. According to their statistics:
- About 25 million Americans indicated that they had at some point experienced level 3 pain
- Around 14 million people indicated that they had felt level 4 pain, the highest rating available on the scale
- People who rated their pain as a 3 or a four were more likely to see a doctor and use the healthcare system
These statistics are alarming and indicate just how severe someone’s pain can be. In addition to controlling pain, there are lots of other complications that arise that need to be addressed. Those who suffer from chronic pain, such as that from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), can develop a wide variety of other complications. Examples of these include:
- The development of mental health disorders, such as depression
- A severe reduction in their ability to engage in the activities that they enjoy
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Difficulty staying asleep once in bed
It is important to address these complications, and the issues with sleep are often overlooked. Why is this the case and what are some of the solutions for people who struggle with sleep problems?
Difficulty Sleeping with RSD
Having trouble sleeping when struggling with chronic pain, such as that from RSD, is not unusual. The main reason why people stay up at night is their pain. If their pain is not well-controlled, it is almost impossible to fall asleep because it is hard to get into a comfortable position. Another reason why RSD can cause issues is anxiety. Anxiety is known to keep people awake and people with RSD might worry about:
- School attendance
- Work attendance
- Relationships with family and friends
It is important for people to talk about their emotions with a professional counselor so that their mental health can be kept in check. People with chronic pain are known to have higher rates of depression, which should be monitored.
Solutions for Poor Sleep with RSD
When people are having trouble sleeping, several interventions can be tried to improve sleep. In addition to pain control, it is important to think about sleep hygiene. This can help everyone fall asleep easier, including those with chronic pain. Examples of these include:
- Avoid caffeinated beverages, particularly after lunch. Caffeine can keep people awake.
- Avoid having a television or radio in the bedroom as these can be stimulating and make it hard to fall asleep, particularly when used within an hour of bed.
- Try to invest in blackout curtains that can make the room darker.
- While exercise is important, try to avoid exercising within an hour of bed because adrenaline can keep people up.
Help is Available
For people who have trouble sleeping and managing a disease with chronic pain, such as RSD, it is important to know that there are people out there who are willing to provide assistance. Seeing an experienced healthcare provider is always a good idea because they have access to tools and resources that might help people recover from their symptoms. In addition, it is also a good idea to meet with an experienced RSD attorney in Sacramento. It is vital to have a legal professional look at the case because important details may have been missed. You and your family could be entitled to receive financial compensation from a negligent party that caused your condition. Call for more information.
Related Articles by Ed Smith
Contact an Experienced RSD Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If someone you know has been having trouble with their sleep while living with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please call me at 916-382-0693. I am available to provide friendly, free legal advice.
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