Try an Unexpected Technique a Sleep Doctor Swears By

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Endometriosis wrecked my sleep for more than a decade

Sleep is an essential part of life.

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At least it was for me.

In my teens and early 20s, before my diagnosis, my endometriosis pain mostly flared during my period.

But before then, I fell into a depression.

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doctor of physical therapy, owner ofFemina Physical Therapy, and author ofSex Without Pain

My life was a cycle of pain, fatigue, and loneliness.

These are referred to as chronic overlapping pain conditions, she notes.

This subsequently affects multiple hormones as well as throws off cortisol levels, which also disrupt sleep.

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Heres what Ive found helpful:

1.

Once I had excision surgerythe gold standard treatment for endomy debilitating sciatica pain disappeared.

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Ultimately, I thought it best to find a doctor who treats the disease, not just the symptoms.

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doctor of physical therapy, owner ofFemina Physical Therapy, and author ofSex Without Pain

in addition to their endometriosis, says Dr. Orbuch.

I identify and treat every etiology of their pain.

(While not everyone has to or evenshouldgo gluten- and dairy-free, its what worked for me.)

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To be clear, theres limited research around anti-inflammatory foods and endometriosis.

Id pop one in 30 minutes before bed, and it would make a noticeable difference.

Id find myself drifting off a little easier.

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I also love the brandsIntimacy Melts with CBDto help whenever Im dealing with painful sex.

Dr. Orbuch says she recommends CBD to her patients with endometriosis because it helps relax the pelvic floor muscles.

These practices are well known forhelping with sleep, but research also connects these practices to pain relief.

reviewed byAngela Holliday-Bell, MD

Chaichian, Shahla et al.

Sleep disorders in patients with endometriosis; a cross-sectional study.BMC womens healthvol.

2024, doi:10.1186/s12905-024-03185-x

Ishikura, Isabela A et al.

16,8 (2020): 1387-1388. doi:10.5664/jcsm.8464

Anvari Aliabad, Roghayeh et al.

Cannabidiol as a possible treatment for endometriosis through suppression of inflammation and angiogenesis.Immunity, inflammation and diseasevol.

12,8 (2024): e1370.

doi:10.1002/iid3.1370

Tedeschi, Roberto.

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