Hi everybody,

I was reading today about a new study in the December 2009 issue of the reputable journal Anesthesiology about a study linking opioids to decreased brain levels of adenosine, which in turn causes poor sleep.  The gist of the article is that opioids can cause poor sleep, which in turn leads to heightened perception of pain, and thus increasing opioid requirements.  It’s a self-perpetuating cycle.  Not a new concept by any measure, but it re-affirms what we already know…. That for all of us out there, but especially important for those with chronic pain, good sleep hygeine is essential to healthy, happy living.

Jon Vu, D.O.