5 Things to Help You Sleep When You Have a Chronic Illness
If you have a chronic illness, you probably experience difficulty sleeping. Whether the problem stems from trouble falling asleep because of symptoms such as pain, or anxiety relating to managing your condition, sleep is essential to healing and recuperation. With so many products on the market aimed at helping insomniacs get a decent night’s sleep, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few well-regarded tips for banishing insomnia when you live with a chronic illness.
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1. Rescue Remedy for Sleep
A long-term popular option for anyone feeling anxious, tense, or stressed, Rescue Remedy is a natural product that combines a unique blend of Bach flower essences to encourage relaxation. With a range of sprays, capsules, drops, pastilles, and creams, including some specifically designed to aid sleep, these affordable products are well worth trying. A relaxed body is more likely to drift off to sleep and stay asleep long enough to reach deep sleep, which helps restore muscles, and REM sleep, which affects mood.
Bach RESCUE REMEDY Spray 20mL, Natural Stress Relief, Homeopathic Flower Essence, Vegan, Gluten & Sugar-Free, Non-Habit Forming, Holiday Stocking Stuffer...
- BACH RESCUE REMEDY SPRAY: Original RESCUE REMEDY formula in a convenient non-aerosol spray pump to help relieve feelings of stress
- NATURALLY RELIEVE STRESS: Helps promote holistic wellbeing and a positive state of mind when everyday situations become overwhelming
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Bach RESCUE SLEEP Liquid Melts, Natural Orange Vanilla Flavor, Natural Sleep Aid, Stress Relief, Homeopathic Flower Essence, Free of Melatonin,...
- BACH RESCUE SLEEP LIQUID MELTS: Pleasant tasting natural melatonin free orange vanilla flavored quick-dissolve capsules to help ease stress and calm busy, repetitive thoughts
- NATURAL SLEEPING AID: Helps support relief of occasional nighttime sleeplessness and stress so busy adults can fall asleep naturally and wake refreshed
Bach RESCUE PEARLS, Natural Orange Vanilla Flavor, Natural Stress Relief, Homeopathic Flower Essence, Quick-Dissolve, Gluten & Sugar-Free, Holiday Stocking Stuffer,...
- BACH RESCUE PEARLS: Pleasant tasting natural orange vanilla flavored quick-dissolve capsules to help relieve feelings of stress
- STRESS SOOTHING MELTS: Helps promote holistic wellbeing and a positive state of mind when everyday situations become overwhelming
2. Lavender for Sleep with a Chronic Illness
Inhaling lavender oil before bed can improve the quality of your sleep. As aromatherapy continues to grow as a mainstream alternative therapy, it’s easy to buy from health shops, chemists, and online. Dab neat oil on a tissue or spray your pillow with a diluted spritz. You can also opt for the old-school option of a lavender bag, or if you are a keen gardener, why not place sprigs of fresh lavender in a vase on your bedside table? Not only will it help you relax, but it’ll also prettify your space.
French Lavender Sachets for Drawers and Closets Fresh Scents, Home Fragrance Sachet, Pack of 24, Purple, LV-S-C-24-1
- SACHETS WITH DRIED LAVENDER FLOWER: Dried lavender flower buds, hand-filled craft cute lavender sachets, most delightful and aromatic fragrance of lavender.
- RELEASE STRONG LAVENDER SCENT: With dried lavender flower buds, the scent and fragrance of lavender can get weak (oil evaporated) easily after a while, but the scent of lavender still exists in the flower buds. The right and best way to refresh fragrance of lavender is to dab or even try to crush the flower buds a little with just your hands and fingers. It would instantly release the most aromatic fragrance of lavender in the air. And this can last for months at least!
3. Sleep Apps
Sometimes it feels like your brain is in overdrive and when you’re lying in bed worrying about appointments, medication, or how you’ll manage to get through your to-do list at work when you’re feeling under par, being lulled to sleep can help. An overactive brain at bedtime can be soothed using specialist relaxation apps such as Calm which offer meditations, bedtime stories, and other aids to help you switch off at the end of the day. Fitbit Premium has similar options available.
4. Pillows and Cushions to Reduce Chronic Pain and Insomnia
When your body is in pain, it can be difficult to get comfortable. If you are aching, using cushions and pillows to support your body can help as it relieves pressure. Long pillows designed for use in pregnancy can help, especially if you sleep on your side. Propping up your body with pillows takes the strain off sore joints and pressure points and makes it easier to find a position to rest. With a variety of fabric choices such as cuddly teddy bear pillows and smooth, silky options, these tactile items can also be comforting to cuddle when you’re unwell.
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- 【Fights Dryness and Acne】Silk pillowcases are made of high-quality silk fabric,rich in 18 amino acids,which are believed to effectively stimulate the metabolism of skin cells.So your skin will maintain the balanced moisture needed to form a protective layer.The more moisture your skin is hydrated,the less visible fine lines and wrinkles are.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our article about comfortable bedding to reduce painsomnia.
5. Heating Pads, Hot Water Bottles, and Heating Patches to Help You Fall Asleep Despite Chronic Pain
If your pain is localized, you may find it helps to apply warmth to the affected area. A hot water bottle can help relieve pain as well as being easy to move if you have multiple parts of your body which are causing discomfort. For specific pain, it can be helpful to apply a heat patch that sticks to the skin. This ensures the warmth targets the area causing pain. Some people find that the soothing effect of the heat can ease the aches enough to get a better night’s sleep.
HomeTop Premium Classic Rubber Hot Water Bottle w/Cute Knit Cover (2 Liter, Purple)
- PACKAGE INCLUDED - 1 Rubber Hot Water Bottle, 1 Cute Knit Cover with Fox Pattern
- SAFE & CUTE - This hot water bottle is manufactured to B.S.1970:2012 to ensure maximum safety. Moreover, this hot water bottle with cover is designed with a cute fox pattern. Give it as a gift to your kids and friends , and they will love it very much
ThermaCare Portable Heating Pad, Lower Back and Hip Pain Relief Patches, L/XL Heat Wraps, 5 Count
- Back Pain HeatWraps: These air activated HeatWraps provide up to 16 hours of pain relief. Set Includes 5 Lower Back wraps (L/XL Size)
- Advanced Design: Single use wraps that are thin enough to be worn discreetly. Heat cell placement that stays close to your skin; Designed to adapt to your movements and easy readjustment
Looking for cuddly heated buddies to combat chronic pain? Check out our article on Warmies and microwavable stuffed animals.
With chronic illnesses affecting everyone differently, it can take trial and error to find what works for you. If you are regularly having difficulty falling or staying asleep, it is worth talking to a healthcare professional such as a pharmacist or GP. If you feel your pain isn’t being managed, speak to your doctor or consultant about available medication. Sleep is important for everyone, but especially those with a chronic illness. Don’t suffer alone!
What helps you sleep despite chronic illness symptoms such as pain and fatigue?
Share your ideas with our spoonie community in the comments!
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