Episode 82 : Dr. David Gardner – Sleep and Chronic pain – Why rest matters more than you think.

Sleep is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — aspects of our health, especially for people living with chronic pain. In this episode of Pain Talk, host Maureen Allen sits down with sleep researcher and Dalhousie University psychologist Dr. David Gardner to explore the powerful connection between sleep, pain, stress, and overall well-being. Together, they discuss why sleep matters, common myths about getting a “perfect” night’s rest, the role of habits and life experiences in shaping sleep patterns, and the benefits and limitations of sleep medications. Dr. Gardner also shares practical, evidence-based strategies from cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and explains how small changes can lead to meaningful improvements in sleep health. Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain, insomnia, or simply looking to improve your sleep, this conversation offers valuable insights and hope for better rest.