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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Quantifying Infra-slow Dynamics of Spectral Power and Heart Rate in Sleeping Mice

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Published on: August 2, 2017

Sleep-Wake Disturbances in Patients With Chronic Pain-Associations With Physical Activity Levels.

Emma Varkey^1,2, Martin Olsson^3,4,5, Adam Piasecki^3,6

¹Department of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.

European Journal of Pain (London, England)

|July 7, 2026

Summary

Nearly all chronic pain patients suffer from sleep disturbances, impacting their quality of life. Addressing sleep issues is crucial for effective pain management and rehabilitation.

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Area of Science:

Pain Management
Sleep Medicine
Clinical Research

Background:

Sleep-wake disturbances are common in chronic pain patients.
Physical activity, a recommended treatment, is challenging due to pain severity.
Prevalence of insomnia and sleep issues in chronic pain requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

Assess sleep-wake disturbance prevalence in chronic pain patients.
Explore the influence of physical activity on sleep.
Investigate the impact of pain, opioid use, depression, and anxiety on sleep.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 100 chronic pain patients.
Objective sleep and physical activity assessment using accelerometers.
Validated questionnaires for insomnia (ISI), sleep quality (PSQI), sleepiness (ESS), RLS, STOP-Bang, anxiety/depression (HADS), and pain (NRS).

Main Results:

Nearly all participants (95%) had poor sleep quality (PSQI).
67% reported clinical insomnia (ISI ≥ 15p).
Significant correlations found between sleep efficiency and physical activity (rs=0.31), and insomnia severity and depression (rs=0.41).

Conclusions:

Chronic pain patients exhibit widespread sleep-wake disturbances.
Poor sleep efficiency (<85%) was universal in this cohort.
Comprehensive sleep assessment is vital for optimizing pain rehabilitation and management.