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5 Illnesses That Can Get Worse With Sleep

Bethaney Wallace on 17th Dec 2014

Sleep is a time for rest and relaxation. Where you can recharge your body for the day, and get rid of previous tension or pains. Just by sleeping and letting your body do all the “work,” while you’re konked out and dreaming. An ideal situation for anyone. Especially after a particularly awful day or when you’re body’s due for extra downtime. However, for those who actually suffer more during sleep than while awake, this nighttime routine can become more of a pain than it is a time of rest.

From recurring sore muscles to troubles breathing and staying asleep, these five ailments have been shown to increase with rest. Such as:

5. Acid Reflux

If you’re familiar with the nagging esophagus burn that is acid reflux, you know just how painful and uncomfortable its symptoms can become. Eating too close to bedtime can also increase these pains (caused from stomach acid that rises) and cause them to carry over into the night.

Avoid these sleeping pains by sleeping on an inclined surface. Or eating an earlier supper. Staying away from alcohol before sleep can also reduce these symptoms. Using a wedge cushion for acid reflux can help alleviate night time symptoms.

4. Sleep Apnea

Technically, this illness only takes place during sleep. Its effects, however, can be felt throughout the entire day. Leaving you tired and on edge for long periods of time.

See your doctor if you think you might have sleep apnea; a CPAP machine can help cure this sickness and leaving you with better nights of rest.

3. Headaches

Sleeping on a pillow that doesn’t support can cause some serious headaches. Especially if one is dehydrated or hasn’t taken in the proper levels of nutrition. Headaches can also stem from not getting enough sleep … or, in extreme cases, too much.

To reduce your head pains, drink more water, eat healthier meals, and consider a pillow that can better cradle your head and neck. No matter what type of position in which you like to sleep.

2. Insomnia

Technically existing from a lack of sleep, insomnia affects thousands of people each and every day. And when trying to sleep, the inability to get rest becomes far more stressful. The harder to try and get to sleep, the more your mind races and keeps you up … anxiously waiting to be able to fall sleep.

If you regularly suffer from insomnia, talk with your doctor or schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist. There are also a number of at-home remedies that can help naturally coax the body back into a natural resting pattern. For instance, avoiding caffeine or getting to bed (and waking up) at the same time each day.

1. Back Aches

Without the proper mattress or pad, those who suffer from back pains are likely to only increase the pain(s) overnight. This can also take place without leg alignment or when lying flat on one’s back without a sturdy enough pillow.

To avoid these pains (or at least to not make them worse), consider sleeping on your side, or with a foam that better adheres to your body’s specific shape. Regular movement and stretching can also help kick back pains to the curb. (Though it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about recurring flare ups.)

No matter your sleep-induced ailment, there’s no denying that nighttime rest doesn’t always do the body consistent justice. Look to one of these simple cures for a nightly routine that will leave the rest of the body as rejuvenated and recuperated as before your ailment started.

And for even more sleep-based tips, be sure and check back in!