Painsomnia and the Pain–Sleep Cycle

A closer look at the link between pain and insomnia — and practical steps you can use to ease both.

It’s late. You’ve turned off the lights, plugged in your phone, and tried every sleeping position you can think of. But your pain won’t let you sleep. You drift in and out, checking the time until morning.

If this sounds familiar, there’s a name for what you’re experiencing: painsomnia.

What Is Painsomnia?

“Painsomnia” is a portmanteau — a word formed by blending pain and insomnia. It describes the sleeplessness that many people experience when ongoing discomfort makes it hard to fall or stay asleep.

It isn’t an official diagnosis, but it perfectly describes those nights when pain makes rest hard to find.

While everyone’s experience is different, many people who live with ongoing pain say that nighttime can be the hardest. The quiet makes discomfort feel louder. The mind starts to race, and before long, stress joins in, making sleep even harder.

Why Pain and Sleep Don’t Mix

Pain and sleep are deeply connected. When pain interrupts rest, the body doesn’t get enough time to repair and recover. That lack of restorative sleep can, in turn, make pain feel worse. This can create a frustrating pain-sleep cycle that might last for weeks or months if not addressed.

In other words, the less you sleep, the more sensitive you may become to pain, and the more pain you feel, the harder it becomes to sleep.

Common Triggers That Make Painsomnia Worse

Everyone’s body reacts differently, but a few factors can make nighttime pain feel more noticeable:

• Stress or worry that tightens muscles and heightens discomfort

• Feeling too hot or too cold during the night

• Stiffness from staying in one position for too long

• Mattresses or pillows that don’t support your body’s natural alignment

• Screen time or late-night scrolling that keeps your mind alert

Recognizing these triggers is the first step toward creating a more restful night.

Non-Medicated Ways to Find Relief

While there’s no single fix for painsomnia, many people find comfort through small, non-medicated adjustments that reduce stress, support the body, and quiet the discomfort that makes rest difficult.

Signal Relief works by interacting with your body’s natural electrical signals through antenna-like particles in the patch. By helping reduce the “noise” of pain, it can make it easier to relax and focus on rest — all without medication, batteries, or side effects.

Creating a Better Sleep Routine (Even When You Can’t Eliminate Pain)

Consistency is one of the most powerful tools you have. Building a predictable nighttime rhythm signals your body it’s time to unwind.

Try starting with small, realistic steps:

• Lower lights and limit screens an hour before bed.

• Do a few minutes of gentle stretching.

• Apply comfort tools like the Signal Relief Patch to ease discomfort.

• Journal or practice breathing exercises to release mental tension.

• Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.

Even a modest increase in restful sleep can make a meaningful difference. According to Medical News Today, research shows that every additional 30 minutes of deep sleep is associated with better energy, focus, and mood the next day.

For those living with painsomnia, that’s encouraging news.

The Takeaway

When pain and sleeplessness feed off each other, getting a good night’s rest is tough. But small, steady changes can help interrupt the pain-sleep cycle and give your body a better chance to rest.

If nighttime pain keeps you awake, explore the Signal Relief Patch as a non-medicated option to support restful nights.