Hi there! 

I was recently skimming articles on how lifestyle factors, particularly sleep, relate to CRPS—and these sleep stats really stood out to me:

• ~30% of people experience sleep disorders (link)
• ~50% of those with chronic pain face sleep issues (link)

A whopping 80-90% of those with CRPS struggle with sleep disorders (link, link)

These numbers can feel frustrating, overwhelming, and validating all at once. And when you look at the relationship between pain and sleep, it’s no surprise:

Pain can make sleep harder:

• Discomfort from pain, swelling, and movement can make it tough to get comfortable.
• Interrupted sleep cycles can prevent the sleep you do get from being restorative.

Sleep issues can make pain worse:

• When your nervous system isn’t getting the rest it needs, it can affect how your body handles pain. (link)
• When you’re tired, you might not have the battery to do the other activities that help you manage your health and CRPS management.
• Daytime fatigue and nighttime insomnia can leave you stuck in a sleep/wake cycle that doesn’t support your nervous system.

But here's the silver lining: This relationship works both ways. Just as sleep problems can amplify pain, small improvements in sleep can radiate out and help improve pain, nervous system regulation, and even energy levels. For example, improving your sleep by just 5% might help reduce pain by 5%, which in turn could lead to even better sleep. It's all interconnected!

If this resonates with you, or if you’re ready to take that first step toward better sleep and less pain, I’d love to invite you to consider working with an occupational therapist. As part of our transdisciplinary team approach, we can develop a personalized plan to help improve your sleep, lifestyle habits, and overall well-being—so you can get back to doing the things you love.

Looking for more regulation resources that might be specific to you? 

Autonomic Workshop

Regulation Playlist by Vicki (our former OT student + previous care coordinator) 

Meet with Michael, our CRPS director, for a free consultation via zoom!

Wishing you restful nights and brighter days,
Malia and Michael Chung 

Malia is our occupational therapist who works with folks with CRPS in a really unique ways. Not squishing sponges or constantly desensitizing but tackles CRPS from a lifestyle management perspective to reduce pain.