After excruciating headaches this Yom Kippur, I appreciate that this definitely seems to be a thing. From the Forward, you  can read the article here about the use of caffeine suppositories to ease the horrible effects of withdrawal on the Yom Kippur fast. For the high-minded, file this under the categories of “religion,” “ritual,” and “the body.” There is no appreciation for pain in the Jewish liturgical tradition. Against the severity of the fast and other restrictions imposed by the Mishnah and aware of the atoning power of suffering, the holiday Machzor is, for all that, more forgiving about human flesh, and more coy in its expression before the Almighty.  Between Rosh Ha’Shanah and Yom Kippur, the High Holiday liturgy returns to this thought many times. Here I am, a vessel filled with shame. Be it your will, God that I sin no more, and cleanse me of sin, but not through suffering and severe illness. Because no one should suffer too much, not even on Yom Kippur. I don’t think I’m simply making this up.

הֲרֵי אֲנִי לְפָנֶֽיךָ