Healthy sleep can help patients dealing with chronic illness

Sleep101 Blog by Terry Cralle, RN

Not only does research demonstrate that ongoing sleep problems can be a contributing factor in the development of a chronic illness; sleep problems, specifically sleep deprivation challenges recovery for the patient dealing with a chronic condition. Let’s take a closer look at the connection between healthy sleep and chronic illness.

What is a chronic illness?

A chronic illness or disease is one that usually lasts a long time (more than one year), limits what a person can do, requires ongoing medical attention and cannot be completely cured. However, many chronic illnesses can be successfully controlled and managed.  Examples of chronic diseases and illnesses include diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, lupus, heart disease, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, HIV / AIDS, multiple sclerosis and others.

Sleep loss resulting in chronic illness and chronic illness resulting in sleep loss

When enduring a chronic illness many patients have trouble sleeping at night, resulting in daytime sleepiness. To make matters worse, sometimes, the medications used to treat chronic illnesses can cause sleep problems.

Disrupted sleep, sleep loss or insufficient sleep in a patient diagnosed with a chronic illness can have many negative effects including increased anxiety levels, a weakened immune system and depression. It can even contribute to a negative outlook on life.

Sleep and pain: the double-edged sword

When a chronic illness includes a pain issue it’s important for patients to discuss sleep with their physician.  Research shows that insufficient sleep actually increases sensitivity to pain or worsen pain – which of course makes it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep.

The good news is that pain symptoms can improve with an improvement in sleep. Medications, relaxation techniques, biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy are some of the treatments that can be prescribed by your sleep specialist.

Good sleep equals improved chronic illness management

If you are dealing with a chronic disease, be sure to discuss sleep issues with your physician. Understanding the importance of sleep and maximizing sleep quality is especially important.  A close attention to healthy sleep from the patient and health care provider, a comfortable sleep environment, screening and diagnosis of sleep disorders, adherence to good sleep habits and prioritization of sleep can make coping with a chronic illness a lot less challenging and increase the quality of life for those of us affected!

Do you have questions about healthy sleep? During the month of October 2011 Terry Cralle, Sleep Health Professional is hanging out with our Facebook and Twitter communities. Join us and join in the healthy sleep conversation!