Understanding How Sleep and Pain Affect Each Other in Medical Care

Sleep disturbances are a robust predictor of pain onset, escalation, and chronification.

• Chronic pain and sleep disturbances interact through complex mechanisms involving neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral factors.
• Neuroinflammation, autonomic imbalance, and impaired pain modulation may link sleep and pain.
• Circadian disruption and cognitive-affective processes are also associated with the relationship between sleep and pain.
• Poor sleep quality is linked to meaningful disruptions in sleep continuity and overall quality due to chronic pain.
• Behavioral, physical, and pharmacological interventions may be integrated into coordinated care pathways.

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