How do you get ready for bed with your chronic pain? ❤️‍🩹

1 week agoEdited to

... Read moreLiving with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) means managing pain effectively is key to a good night's sleep. From my personal experience, creating a calming and consistent nighttime pain relief routine has made a huge difference. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing like sweats and an oversized T-shirt helps reduce skin irritation and allows me to move more freely at night. One essential part of managing my pain is using my pain pump, which delivers medication directly to my cervical spine, targeting the areas that hurt the most. I always make sure to take the last bolus before midnight to maintain pain control through the night. Alongside this, I use different types of massagers – foam massagers for my back, knees, and hands, and even portable heat and vibration devices. These offer soothing relief and promote relaxation before bed. In addition, red light therapy lamps have become a favorite in my routine. They provide a comforting warmth that feels like it melts my pain away, improving my ability to relax. After that, I apply a topical relief balm, which is especially helpful for stubborn muscle pain, often referred to as 'coat hanger pain' due to its location around the upper back and neck. Incorporating these tools and rituals enables me to reduce chronic nighttime pain, helping me fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. For others managing hEDS or chronic pain, experimenting with combinations of medication, gentle massage, heat therapy, and topical balms might be beneficial. Remember, everyone's pain and needs are different, so find what brings you the most comfort and relief.