Sleep and pain management: a review

Woo et al., 2020 | Pain Manag | Systematic Review

Citation

Woo Adam, Ratnayake Gamunu. Sleep and pain management: a review. Pain Manag. 2020-Jul;10(4):261-273. doi:10.2217/pmt-2020-0001

Abstract

There is a complex interplay between sleep disturbance and patients in pain. There is an increasing appreciation of the direct effects of analgesic drugs and sleep quality. This review provides an overview of the effects of different analgesic drugs and their effects on phases of sleep. The effects of different pain conditions and their direct effects on sleep physiology are also discussed. A structured search of the scientific literature using MEDLINE and PubMed databases. Original human and animal studies were included. A multi-search term strategy was employed. An appreciation of the physiological effects of these drugs will allow a more considered prescription of them to better manage sleep disturbance.

Key Findings

An appreciation of the physiological effects of these drugs will allow a more considered prescription of them to better manage sleep disturbance.

Outcomes Measured

  • sleep quality

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Analgesics
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Pain
  • Pain Management
  • Sleep Stages
  • Sleep Wake Disorders

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09