12/12/2025
✨ Sleep & Low Back Pain: The Cycle We Don’t Talk About Enough ✨
Struggling with low back pain and feeling exhausted? You’re not imagining it. Research shows a strong two-way relationship between chronic low back pain and sleep. People with persistent back pain experience more night-time awakenings, reduced total sleep time, poorer sleep quality, and longer time to fall asleep.
And here’s the kicker → poor sleep then increases next-day pain sensitivity, fatigue, and difficulty coping… feeding right back into the pain cycle.
Improving sleep isn’t just a “wellness” add-on — it’s a legitimate part of evidence-based back pain management. 😴🔥
Practical Take-Home Messages
✔️ Prioritise consistent sleep patterns
Your nervous system loves routine — aim for consistent sleep and wake times.
✔️ Create a pain-friendly sleep setup
Supportive pillows, comfortable positions, and heat can reduce night-time pain interruptions.
✔️ Build wind-down habits
Gentle mobility, breathing work, or light stretching before bed helps calm a sensitised system.
✔️ Move during the day
Regular activity improves both pain and sleep quality.
✔️ Address stress & mood
The review shows sleep, pain, and mood are linked. Mindfulness and pacing strategies help break the cycle.
✔️ Get support when needed
If pain is consistently disrupting your sleep, physio-led care + sleep strategies can make a meaningful difference.