Try this...

IT’S obvious that being in pain will making getting a good night’s kip tougher.

But poor sleep can, in reverse, cause you pain, says I HAVE been lecturing about pain and sleep for many years and, while it seems obvious that pain can cause sleep disturbance, the role of sleep in pain is perhaps less well known.

A lack of sleep can impact all aspects of our physical, mental and emotional life.

Pain, sleep and mood disturbances are all linked in the brain and so if you have a problem with one, you are very likely to have a problem with the other two.

So, a bad night’s sleep can heighten your perception of pain and make what felt painful the night before feel even more extreme.

This means there is a vicious circle between pain and sleep – the pain causes poor sleep and poor sleep causes more pain. What can we do to break this cycle?

Firstly, check with your GP whether there is an alternative to your pain medication, as some have a negative effect on sleep – for example, some painkillers contain caffeine.

If your pain is back-related, then advice to sleep on a firm or hard bed might not be helping.

Some people find a softer mattress makes sleep easier.

The same tips for a good night’s sleep apply – no devices, darkness, a cool temperature and little noise.

Sleeping alone, where you’re not cramped for space or conscious of another person, is another option. BLUE light from technology has been proven to stop you drifting off. Wearing blue-light blockers – glasses with special lenses – for a few hours before bed will help. THE DREAM: Sea lions, in any way, shape or form. MEANING: The animal symbolises cleverness and creativity. Dreaming of sea lions means you aren’t utilising these skills enough in your life.