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Review
. 2024 Dec 9;14(6):2650-2660.
doi: 10.3390/clinpract14060209.

Relationship Between Sleep Disturbances and Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review

Sejal V Jain  1 , Geoffrey D Panjeton  2 , Yuri Chaves Martins  2
Affiliations
Review

Relationship Between Sleep Disturbances and Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review

Sejal V Jain et al. Clin Pract. .

Abstract

Sleep disturbances and chronic pain are prevalent and interrelated conditions that have significant impact on individuals' quality of life. Understanding the intricate dynamics between sleep and pain is crucial for developing effective treatments that enhance the well-being of affected individuals and reduce the economic burden of these debilitating conditions. This narrative review examines the complex relationship between sleep disturbances and chronic pain. We describe the prevalence and types of sleep disturbances and sleep disorders in chronic pain patients. Posteriorly, we critically review the clinical and experimental evidence, investigating the relationship between sleep disturbances and chronic pain, aiming to clarify the impact of chronic pain on sleep and, conversely, the impact of sleep disturbances on pain perception. In conclusion, the literature largely agrees on the existence of a bidirectional relationship between chronic pain and sleep disturbances, though the strength of each direction in this association remains uncertain. Current evidence suggests that sleep impairment more strongly predicts pain than pain does sleep impairment. Additionally, addressing sleep disturbances in chronic pain patients is crucial, as poor sleep has been linked to higher levels of disability, depression, and pain-related catastrophizing.

Keywords: bidirectional relationship; chronic pain; polysomnography; sleep disorders; sleep disturbances.

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Conflict of interest statement

S.V.J. is an owner and treasurer of the Scientific Research Group, PLLC. Y.C.M and G.D.P. declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

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