Folia Medica 62(4): 645-654, doi: 10.3897/folmed.62.e50705
Painful Sleep: Insomnia in Patients with Chronic Pain Syndrome and its Consequences
expand article infoTiffany Ostovar-Kermani, Daniel Arnaud§, Andrea Almaguer, Ismael Garcia|, Stephanie Gonzalez, Yamely Haydee Mendez Martinez#, Salim Surani¤
‡ Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States of America§ Horizon Clinical Research, Houston, United States of America| Texas Medical Center, Houston, United States of America¶ Clinical Research Solution, Houston, United States of America# Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas, Tampico, Mexico¤ Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, United States of America
Open Access
Abstract

Insomnia is a chronic condition that occurs a minimum of three times per week over a period of three or more subsequent months. There are multiple causes of insomnia, and even though it is considered a symptom, it can be associated with chronic illnesses. Chronic pain syndrome, which is defined as pain that persists for a period longer than 3 months, is one of several etiologies of insomnia. The prevalence of insomnia among chronic pain patients is greater in comparison with the general population (percentage or ratio). Chronic pain is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spinal pain (such as chronic back pain) and fibromyalgia. The prevalence of in-somnia is also higher in cancer patients when compared to the general population. When the clinical history indicates a straightforward diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome, patients will complain of insomnia as part of their symptomatology. It is imperative to manage their underlying illness to alleviate their sleep disorder. Various medications may be used to relieve and even improve pain symptoms. Other than pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological alternatives such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and psychotherapy can help improve the quality of life of these patients. The purpose of this article is to review the diagnosis and management of insomnia in chronic pain syndrome and its impact on the quality of life.

Keywords
chronic pain syndrome, insomnia, lifestyle impact, mental health, pain, sleep apnea, sleep disorder, somnolence