Sleep Disturbances and Pain – A Bidirectional Challenge in Musculoskeletal Treatment

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are a significant public health concern and are highly prevalent among individuals with musculoskeletal pain. Given the link between sleep disturbances and various health issues, this article aims to explore the association between pain and sleep disturbances in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Main Part: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase, resulting in the inclusion of four studies. Three out of four studies reported an association between shoulder pain and sleep disturbances in patients with rotator cuff tears. However, the relationship between pain and sleep is complex and bidirectional, influenced by both physiological and psychological factors such as sensitization, immune system alterations, and affective states. Furthermore, sleep disturbances have a substantial impact on treatment outcomes in patients experiencing pain. Conclusion: Physiotherapists are well positioned to identify underlying causes of sleep disturbances and provide appropriate treatment. Therefore, assessing sleep quality in clinical practice deserves greater emphasis in the management of musculoskeletal pain.