Impairment in sleep health in young adults with chronic pain: a modifiable risk factor

Background Impairments in sleep health are associated with the development or worsening of chronic pain. Further, chronic pain can cause sleep health disruption by impacting sleep onset, sleep maintenance, sleep quality, and causing daytime somnolence. However, the association between chronic pain and sleep disturbances in the young adult population is unclear. Aim We describe our initial experience in establishing and running a clinic for managing sleep health and chronic pain in young adults. We also describe the prevalence and the pattern of sleep disruption as well as its relationship with self-efficacy in pain management, depression, and quality of life in this cohort. Methods After approval from the Institutional Review Ethics board, chart review and data extraction were conducted for patients who presented at the Young Adult Clinic (YAC) at Women’s College Hospital from March 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019. Results Medical charts of 55 patients were reviewed with the majority being females (71%). Chronic widespread pain was the most common pain syndrome diagnosed in our patients. Insomnia was the most common sleep-health related diagnosis in our patients. Patients with disorders of sleep were more likely to report lower self-efficacy for managing pain as compared to those with no sleep disorders ( p = 0.023) but there was no significant difference between these two groups as regards risk for pain-related catastrophizing. Conclusion Impairments in sleep health may be an important modifiable risk factor for alleviating pain in young adults with chronic pain. Sleep disorders should be evaluated and addressed in this population.