Sleeping Better with Chronic Pain
A chronic pain worksheet selecting night and day sleep strategies adapted from CBT-I, with a 7-night log of sleep and pain ratings.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · CBT-I for pain
- Approach / concern
- Chronic Pain
- Technique
- CBT-I for pain
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Sleeping Better with Chronic Pain?
Insomnia frequently co-occurs with chronic pain, and sleep and pain influence each other bidirectionally. CBT for insomnia adapted for pain combines sleep scheduling, stimulus control, relaxation and pacing.
Why it works
Research suggests sleep disturbance predicts pain more strongly than pain predicts sleep disturbance (Finan et al., 2013). Insomnia in chronic pain is common and responsive to psychological interventions (Tang, 2008).
When to use it
- Chronic pain with insomnia
- Fibromyalgia and arthritis
- Pain management programs
- Medication-only approaches not enough
How to use it in session
- Explain the pain-sleep cycle.
- Choose night and day strategies.
- Coordinate pain relief timing with prescribers.
- Log for a week.
- Review and adjust.
Clinician tips
- Screen for sleep apnea and mood disorders.
- Adapt stimulus control for mobility limits.
- Expect gradual change.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Can better sleep reduce pain?
Yes. Improving sleep can reduce pain sensitivity and improve coping for many people.
Should I nap if I’m in pain and tired?
Short early naps can help; long or late naps can worsen night sleep.
References
Finan, P. H., Goodin, B. R., & Smith, M. T. (2013). The association of sleep and pain: An update and a path forward. Journal of Pain, 14(12), 1539-1552.
Tang, N. K. Y. (2008). Insomnia co-occurring with chronic pain: Clinical features, interaction, assessments and possible interventions. Reviews in Pain, 2(1), 2-7.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
