Words Laura Potter. Photograph Stocksy
GIVE PAIN A REST
We think of physical and emotional pain as separate entities, but growing research refutes that. One recent study found that arguing with a partner worsens pain in people with chronic pain conditions. Another found that, at the start of their study, none of the 573 participants with knee osteoarthritis had symptoms of depression but, two years later, nearly 12 per cent did. Those most at risk were people who felt pain at night in bed, while putting on socks, or getting in or out of a car. It makes sense – those are life-limiting symptoms, and what hurts our bodies can hurt our moods. So what can we do? Another piece of research has found that when it comes to pain, sleep is key. When we’re sleep deprived our pain sensitivity is significantly exacerbated and, while painkillers like ibuprofen didn’t block that sleep loss-induced pain hypersensitivity, caffeine did! The lesson? If you struggle with pain, focus on improving your sleep habits, trying sleeppromoting tinctures and herbal remedies at night, coupled with a dose of daytime alertness-promoting caffeine to break the pain cycle. Oh, and try not to row too much, either!
Read the complete article and many more in this issue of
Healthy Magazine
Purchase options below
If you own the issue,
Login to read the full article now.
Single Digital Issue
September 2018
This issue and other back issues are not included in a new Healthy Magazine subscription. Subscriptions include the latest regular issue and new issues released during your subscription.