Exploring the Interplay of Sleep Disturbance, Low Back Pain and Health Care Experiences: A Mixed Methods Study
James M Puterflam1,2, Janet M Y Cheung3, Matthew Rahimi2
1Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Behavioral Sleep Medicine
|November 10, 2025
Summary
People with chronic low back pain (LBP) experience significant sleep disturbance and dissatisfaction with healthcare. They are open to digital health interventions (DHIs) for LBP and sleep management, provided they are evidence-based and clinically endorsed.
Area of Science:
- Health Sciences
- Digital Health
- Chronic Pain Management
Background:
- Chronic low back pain (LBP) significantly impacts sleep quality and patient satisfaction with healthcare.
- Understanding patient experiences is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore attitudes and experiences of individuals with chronic LBP regarding sleep, healthcare, and digital health.
- To identify preferences for digital health interventions (DHIs) in managing LBP and sleep disturbances.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining surveys (n=669) and semi-structured interviews (n=26).
- Data collection focused on self-reported LBP, sleep, healthcare satisfaction, and digital health preferences.
- Thematic framework analysis was used for interview data.
Main Results:
- 90% of participants reported LBP-related sleep disturbance; 61% were dissatisfied with LBP healthcare.
- 61% expressed willingness to use sleep-specific DHIs if recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Key themes included living with LBP and poor sleep, health-seeking behaviors, and preferences for evidence-based, clinically authoritative DHIs.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of sleep disturbance and healthcare dissatisfaction in chronic LBP.
- Patients desire evidence-based, self-directed DHIs for LBP and sleep, with a preference for clinical endorsement.
- Findings support the development of clinically integrated DHIs for chronic LBP and sleep management.
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