Are "skinny" strings easier to play?

[mikeswals]

I used to play so heavy handed and ham fisted because my old long time original band was heavy and loud.
I had realized several years into it I need to lighten up and let the amp do the work, and work on my setups and technique. We were 1/2 step detuned, and I played 45-105 gauges.

Band ended after 15 years and I joined the cover circuits and much longer playing time, and it's back to mostly regular tuning. I went to 40-100's because I disliked how taught the former gauge strings felt tuned back up.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

I've just recently learned that the pain in my fretting hand is caused from me squeezing the neck when I play.
It was suggested that I lower my action to help with adjusting my technique.

Would it help to go thinner in the strings as well?

I'm at 45 - 65 - 85 - 105 now.

Would switching to 40 - 60 - 80 - 100 help me fret the note using less pressure?

(everything else is equal. I would be going from Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky to Hyper Slinky)

In general yes, provided we compare strings with the same core shape/steel cross section