We all know that a good night’s sleep can make a major impact on our day. If we have a problem, we try to “sleep it off”. When we feel sick, we are told to “get some rest.” For centuries, sleep has been recognised as vital for physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, In Ireland, many of us are struggling to get the rest we need. For those living with chronic pain, like hip, knee, or back issues, sleep can feel like a luxury.

The importance of sleep cannot be overstated. It’s the foundation of our health, helping our bodies to repair and our minds to reset. But the statistics are eye-opening. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, yet many of us regularly get fewer than 7 hours.

A consistent lack of sleep increases the risk of:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Mental health issues like depression

Even missing just one hour of sleep can reduce your brain’s performance, and chronic sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system. For people living with chronic pain, the stakes are even higher.

Pain and Sleepless Nights

When you’re tossing and turning at night because of back, hip, or knee pain, it’s not just your rest that’s disrupted—your whole life is affected. Studies show that 50-80% of people with chronic pain experience sleep disturbances, making pain and sleepless nights an all-too-common pairing.

Many of our patients have said that chronic pain robbed them of their personality—they became moody, snappy, and overall not as pleasant to be around. We know ourselves that after a bad night’s sleep we’re not in the mood for anything, or anyone for that matter.

Poor sleep leads to lower energy levels, making it harder to get through the day. It impacts mood, relationships, and even your ability to concentrate. Over time, sleep deprivation can amplify your perception of pain, creating a vicious cycle. Without adequate rest, the body struggles to repair itself, further delaying recovery.

For those on waiting lists, this cycle can stretch on for months, even years. You’re left enduring sleepless nights and painful days, often relying on painkillers just to get by. But painkillers don’t solve the problem—they mask it. What’s worse, prolonged pain can lead to compensation issues, affecting your back, other joints, and even your mental health.

Break the Cycle with Healthcare Abroad

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. At Healthcare Abroad, we’ve helped over 2,000 Irish people break free from the endless waiting lists and get the life-changing surgeries they need. Thanks to the EU Cross Border Directive, uninsured patients in Ireland can access top-class medical care in Europe without the stress of long delays.

Healthcare Abroad get you the treatment you need in as little as 20 days.Imagine going from sleepless nights topain-free rest in less than a month. From back surgeries to hip and knee replacements, we cover all treatments publicly available in Ireland. The best part? You don’t need private health insurance—the HSE reimburses your surgery costs.

A Better Year Starts with Better Sleep

As we approach the new year, it’s time to prioritise your health and well-being. Sleep is the cornerstone of a happy and healthy life, and if pain is robbing you of rest, it’s time to act. Healthcare Abroad is here to help you take that first step toward a brighter, more comfortable future.

Don’t let pain and sleepless nights hold you back. Contact us today on 01 267 8011 and let us help you reclaim your health—and your sleep. A good night’s sleep was a luxury in 2024, in 2025 it can become the norm.