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Caffeine intake is as effective as some commonly-used pain killer drugs like ibuprofen in easing pain, according to a recent animal study published in the journal Nature Medicine.
According to researchers at the Boston Children’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, chronic sleep deprivation leads to increased pain sensitivity.
The research team said that people who suffer from chronic pain may get relief from sleeping more or taking medications that promote wakefulness.
As part of the study, the research team tested the effects of acute or chronic sleep deprivation on mice and measured the animal models’ sleepiness and sensitivity to both painful and non-painful stimuli.
The scientists also assessed the efficacy of standard pain medications such as ibuprofen and morphine against wakefulness-promoting agents like caffeine and modafinil.
The research team also used tiny headsets that took electroencephalography and electromyography readings to monitor the animals’ sleeping patterns. In addition, the researchers induced sleep loss in the animals by “entertaining” them.
The researchers also found that participants who drank coffee prior to the sub-maximal exercise test exhibited a 26 percent reduction in pain.