January 2014
 
The Pain Center | Live More Comfortably | eNewsletter Header
We hope this note finds you continuing to do well and living your valued life. The article below by Nicole DeHaan, one of our physical therapists, will help you continue pursuing your values.

 

The Benefit's of a Good Night's Sleep

 

With so many demands on our time, often sleep is sacrificed to get everything on our to-do list completed. In addition, people with chronic pain, fibromyalgia or headaches frequently have sleep difficulties associated with their condition. However, research now shows how important sleep is to our general health and functioning.

  

Effects of poor sleep:

  

Impaired higher levels of reasoning, problem-solving and attention to detail, and reduced productivity

  

Mood changes which affect the way we interact with others

  

Greater risk for obesity, heart disease, infections and depression 

  

Effects of good sleep:

 

During sleep, all aspects of the body are being affected positively: growth and stress hormones, immune system, appetite, overall cardiovascular health, energy balance, intellectual function, alertness and mood

 

Sleep helps you think more clearly, have quicker reflexes and improve focus

 

How to Improve Quality of Sleep:

 

1. Go to bed at the same time every night, and wake up at the same time each morning

2. Avoid napping during the day

3. Sleep in a dark, quiet, comfortable environment

4. Exercise daily (but not within 2 hours of bedtime)

5. Limit use of electronics before bed; do not watch TV in bed

6. Relax before bedtime

7. Do not eat large meals or snacks before bedtime

8. Avoid alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine late in the day

9. Avoid nicotine

10. Consult a health care professional if you have ongoing sleep problems

 

Resources:

  

http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/apr2013/feature1

 

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene
 

http://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.htm

 

   

 

Pain Center Video Series  

 

The following is part 2 of a 12-part video series in which Dr. Eddie O'Connor explains what to expect during your treatment at the Mary Free Bed Pain Center. Our team is here to teach you how to interact with and overcome your pain so that you can get back to the life you want to live. We will be sharing a video from this series each month in our newsletter.

 

Part 2:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uggatbd9odk

 

 

  
News & Updates
  
  
More than the programs ...
At The Pain Center, all of our doctor's and therapists see patients outside of the programs. If you have a new injury, significant stressor, severe pain flare-up or need to adjust your home exercise program - come back to the team that you trust. We're happy to help.
  
Have a question about a flare up?
You are still a part of The Pain Center family. If you ever have a question, please give us a call at 616.233.3480 and we'd be happy to answer it.
  
 
Sincerely,

Nicole DeHaan, PT
Physical Therapist 
The Pain Center at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
In This Issue
The Benefits of a Good Night's Sleep
News & Upates
Visit The Pain Center Web Site