Symptom 14. Increased Sensitivity to Pain: The Suffer Amplifier
Sleep deprivation is often associated with feelings of tiredness and fatigue, but it can also have a significant impact on pain sensitivity. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can increase the body’s sensitivity to pain, making you more prone to discomfort and exacerbating existing pain conditions. This is due to the fact that sleep is necessary for the body to heal and repair itself, and without enough sleep, the body’s pain management system becomes less effective.
When we sleep, our bodies go through a number of important processes, including repairing tissues and regulating hormone levels. One of the key hormones involved in pain management is cortisol, which is released during sleep. When we don’t get enough sleep, cortisol levels can be disrupted, leading to increased pain sensitivity.
In addition to affecting cortisol levels, lack of sleep can also affect the body’s production of other hormones and neurotransmitters that play a role in pain management. For example, sleep deprivation has been shown to reduce the body’s levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and pain perception.
It’s also worth noting that sleep deprivation can have a cumulative effect on pain sensitivity. If you experience chronic sleep deprivation, your body may become more and more sensitive to pain over time, making it increasingly difficult to manage discomfort and pain conditions.(14)
