Study: Extra sleep more effective than painkillers

Detroit - Extended sleep is more beneficial and effective than painkillers in reducing sensitivity to pain, a new study concludes. Pain is felt more acutely by individuals experiencing daytime sleepiness through inadequate sleep.

A new study entitled "Pain Sensitivity and Recovery From Mild Chronic Sleep Loss," conducted by researchers at Henry Ford and Wayne State University, Detroit, shows that extended sleep reduces pain sensitivity. Timothy Roehrs, PhD, lead author of the study, said: “Our results suggest the importance of adequate sleep in various chronic pain conditions or in preparation for elective surgical procedures. We were surprised by the magnitude of the reduction in pain sensitivity, when compared to the reduction produced by taking codeine.” (Science Blog) The study showed that by extending sleep by an average of 1.8 hours per night for just four nights, medical problems exacerbated by lack of sleep can be reversed. According to American News Report a recent survey showed more than 20 percent of the population slept six hours or less a day, compared to an average eight hours sleep per day in the 1960's. More people suffer sleepiness as a result of insufficient time in bed.