Friday, December 7, 2012

Chronic Pain and Sleep Deprivation

The symptoms of chronic pain may be able to be partially relieved through adequate sleep.  A small new study covered in an article by the Huffington Post spoke about the benefits of sleep aiding many chronic pain conditions.  The study, which used 18 people between 21-35 years of age, tested pain sensitivity after a period of sleep deprivation.  Some subjects then went to bed for a normal amount of time, while others received 10 hours of sleep per night.  All subjects then completed a pain tolerance test which consisted of having subjects leave their finger over a source of heat for as long as possible.  The subjects who stayed in bed longer could keep their fingers over the heat source for 25% longer than those subjects who received less sleep.   Researchers hypothesized that this difference in pain tolerance may have to do with cytokines, which may increase inflammation.  Cytokines are activated when sleep is disrupted or restricted.

People who suffer from chronic pain due to an injury may be able to receive compensation if the injury was due to the fault of another.  Injuries sustained through car crashes, slip and falls, or elder abuse may lead to chronic pain that is long-lasting and detrimental.  If you or a loved one are now dealing with chronic pain due to an accident at the fault of another person, it might be time to consult with an attorney.  Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving western and central Pennsylvania.  For more information on his law practice, please visit his website athttp://www.stoehrlaw.com or call his law firm at 814-946-4100.

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