Relationship between arthritis pain and sleep disturbance

Here's the conclusions of another recent study regarding adequate pain control on sleep disturbances in patients with osteoarthritis which underscores the importance of adequate pain control to improve quality of sleep.

"In patients with chronic osteoarthritis pain, pain reduction is associated with decreased pain-related sleep disturbance" (Kosinski et al, 2007).

Kosinski M, Janagap C, Gajria K, Schein J, Freedman J. Pain relief and pain-related sleep disturbance with extended-release tramadol in patients with osteoarthritis. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007 Jul;23(7):1615-26.

The Longitudinal Examination of Arthritis Pain (LEAP) Study

A recent study (LEAP study) highlights the impact on arthritis pain on patients daily lives including work absenteeism, sleep interference, and daily activities:

"Weekly fluctuations in pain levels and other health outcomes were identified among adults with OA. Decreases in patient-reported pain were associated with improvements in daily activities/functioning and decreases in work absenteeism, sleep interference, and healthcare resource use" (Hutchings et al, 2007).

Reference:


Hutchings A, Calloway M, Choy E, Hooper M, Hunter DJ, Jordan JM, Zhang Y, Baser O, Long S, Palmer L. The Longitudinal Examination of Arthritis Pain (LEAP) Study: Relationships Between Weekly Fluctuations in Patient-Rated Joint Pain and Other Health Outcomes. J Rheumatol. 2007 Oct 15;