somnio and chronic pain

In this article, you will learn how chronic pain and sleep problems are connected, and what role somnio can play when insomnia is present at the same time.

How can chronic pain and sleep problems be connected?
Chronic pain and sleep problems often occur together. Many people with long-lasting pain report difficulties falling asleep or sleeping through the night, frequent nighttime waking, or non-restorative sleep. Conversely, persistently poor sleep can negatively affect pain processing in the body and contribute to pain being perceived more intensely or being harder to manage. In this way, a stressful cycle of pain, poor sleep, and restricted well-being (by day) can develop.

Does somnio treat chronic pain?
What is important here is: somnio does not treat chronic pain. The app does not replace medical or pain therapy treatment. somnio is specifically aimed at people with chronic insomnia and digitally implements cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) – a recommended form of therapy for the treatment of persistent sleep disorders.

However, somnio can be useful when insomnia is present in addition to chronic pain. Treating the sleep disorder can help stabilize sleep, change sleep-related thoughts and behavior patterns, and therefore also improve general well-being.

What do studies show about the use of somnio in chronic pain?
In a randomized controlled trial conducted by us with 207 participants who suffered from both chronic pain and insomnia, somnio was used in addition to usual pain treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in insomnia symptoms. In addition, pain intensity and pain-related impairments also improved, as did daytime sleepiness, exhaustion, and general well-being. These effects also remained stable six months after completion of the treatment. The study therefore shows that digital CBT-I with somnio can be an effective addition in the case of simultaneous sleep and pain problems [Reference].

Is somnio suitable for me?
Whether somniois suitable for you should ideally be decided together with a health care professional or therapeutic specialist – especially if you are already receiving treatment because of your pain. In many cases, a combination of professional support and targeted treatment of insomnia can be useful.

When should you seek medical advice?
If your pain or sleep problems persist over a longer period of time or worsen significantly, you should seek medical advice. somnio can play a supportive role, but it does not replace medical evaluation or treatment.

Any questions?
If you have questions about the somnio app – both regarding content and technical issues – you can contact our support team at any time. You can reach us by email at support@somn.io or directly via the support feature in the app. We respond within 24 hours, seven days a week. You can reach us by phone Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 14:00 on 0341 978 528 48, excluding public holidays.