A poor night’s sleep can leave anyone feeling tired the next day, particularly after a stressful week or a busy period at work. However, if you’re regularly struggling to fall asleep, waking throughout the night or never feeling refreshed in the morning, it may be a sign that you’re experiencing insomnia.
Although many people think of insomnia as simply “not sleeping”, it’s actually much more complex than that. Good quality sleep is one of the body’s most important recovery tools. It’s when our muscles repair, our nervous system resets and our brain processes the events of the day.
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that poor sleep and persistent pain often go hand in hand. Patients living with ongoing back pain, neck pain or arthritis frequently tell me they’re sleeping badly, and equally, poor sleep can make pain feel much worse the following day.
Recognising the signs of insomnia is the first step towards improving both your sleep and your overall wellbeing.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or achieve restful, restorative sleep.
Some people experience insomnia for just a few days following a stressful event, while others struggle with it for weeks or even months.
It’s important to remember that insomnia isn’t simply about the number of hours you spend in bed. You may sleep for seven or eight hours but still wake feeling exhausted if the quality of your sleep is poor.
Three Common Signs of Insomnia
1. You Struggle to Fall Asleep
One of the most recognisable signs of insomnia is lying awake for long periods before finally drifting off.
Many people describe constantly checking the clock, changing position repeatedly or feeling frustrated that they simply can’t “switch off”.
Occasional sleepless nights are perfectly normal, but if this happens regularly it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
2. You Wake Up Feeling Tired
Another common sign is waking in the morning feeling as though you’ve hardly slept at all.
Many patients tell me they feel stiff, sluggish and lacking in energy despite spending enough time in bed.
Poor-quality sleep doesn’t just affect energy levels. It can also reduce concentration, affect mood and make everyday tasks feel much harder than they normally would.
3. You Feel More Alert in the Evening
Some people notice that they feel exhausted all day but suddenly become more awake once evening arrives.
This shift in your body’s natural sleep rhythm can make it even harder to fall asleep at a sensible time, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break.
Over time, this disrupted pattern can affect work, family life, exercise and overall health.
What I See in Clinic
Although patients often come to see me because of pain rather than sleep problems, discussions about sleep happen surprisingly often.
Many people living with persistent back pain or osteoarthritis tell me they wake several times during the night because they can’t get comfortable. Others find that worrying about their pain keeps them awake, leaving them feeling exhausted the following day.
Poor sleep can increase our sensitivity to pain, reduce our ability to cope with discomfort and slow recovery. Likewise, persistent pain can interfere with good quality sleep. The two are closely connected, which is why I always ask patients about their sleep as part of a full assessment.
Common Questions Patients Ask Me
Is poor sleep causing my pain?
Not necessarily, but it can certainly make pain feel more intense.
Research has shown that people who consistently sleep poorly often experience increased pain sensitivity and slower recovery from injury.
Will my pain improve if I sleep better?
For many people, improving sleep is one part of improving their overall health.
While it won’t solve every musculoskeletal problem, better sleep often helps people cope with pain more effectively and supports the body’s natural healing processes.
Should I just put up with it?
No.
If you’ve been struggling with poor sleep for several weeks, it’s worth discussing it with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional, particularly if it’s affecting your daily life.
Looking After Your Sleep
Simple habits that may improve sleep include:
- Keeping regular bed and wake times.
- Reducing caffeine later in the day.
- Limiting screen use before bed.
- Keeping the bedroom cool, quiet and dark.
- Remaining physically active during the day.
- Managing ongoing pain appropriately rather than simply trying to ignore it.
If pain is preventing you from sleeping comfortably, treating the underlying musculoskeletal problem may also help improve sleep quality.
How We Approach This at Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic
Although we don’t diagnose or treat insomnia itself, we regularly help patients whose sleep has been disrupted by musculoskeletal pain.
By improving movement, reducing joint stiffness and helping patients better understand their condition, many people find they’re able to sleep more comfortably.
Where appropriate, your treatment plan may include osteopathy, rehabilitation exercises, advice on activity modification and, in some cases, treatments such as dry needling or K-Laser Therapy to help support recovery. Some practitioners within our clinic also offer medical acupuncture where clinically appropriate.
If we feel your sleep difficulties require further medical assessment, we’ll always advise you to speak with your GP.
My Clinical Perspective
One thing I’ve learned after more than 20 years in practice is that recovery isn’t just about what happens during treatment sessions.
What you do between appointments—how you move, how active you remain and how well you sleep—often has just as much influence on your progress.
I encourage patients to think about sleep as part of their overall health rather than a separate issue. Looking after your sleep, staying active and understanding your pain all work together to support recovery and improve quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Everyone experiences the occasional restless night, but persistent difficulty sleeping shouldn’t simply be accepted as normal.
If poor sleep is affecting your daily life, or if ongoing pain is preventing you from getting the rest you need, seeking professional advice can help identify the underlying factors and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment.
References
- NICE Guideline NG211: Insomnia and Sleep Disorders.
- NHS. Insomnia. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/
- NHS. Sleep and Tiredness. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/sleep/
- Finan PH, Goodin BR, Smith MT. The Association of Sleep and Pain. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2013.
About the Author
Written by Luke Savage
Luke Savage is the Senior Osteopath and Clinic Director at Worthing Osteopathic & Wellbeing Clinic. Qualified since 2003, Luke has more than 20 years of experience helping people with persistent musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis and long-term rehabilitation. He believes that successful recovery comes from combining hands-on treatment with education, movement and helping patients understand their condition.