Pain-induced depression is related to overestimation of sleep quality in a very elderly population with pain

Abstract

Objective:: To study the quality of sleep in very elderly people with chronic pain.

Methods:: We investigated 51 very elderly people without dementia and with chronic pain according to the Geriatric Pain Measure. Katz and Lawton questionnaires were used to evaluate functionality. The Geriatric Depression Scale and Geriatric Psychosocial Assessment of Pain-induced Depression were also used. Self-perceptions of sleep and quality of sleep were checked using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Results:: Moderate pain was seen in 64.7% participants. The tracking of depression was positive for 41.2%. Poor quality of sleep was noted in 49% of them, but 82.3% perceived that they had a very good, or a good, sleep. The main factors associated with poor sleep quality were measurement of pain, self-perception of sleep, and pain-induced depression.

Conclusion:: Very elderly people with chronic pain, and without dementia, had a higher prevalence of poor sleep; however, they overestimated their sleep quality. Poor quality of sleep was associated with a poor self-perception of sleep and pain-induced depression.