The Interaction between Sleep and Pain: How Nurses Can Improve Patient Outcomes

Abstract

There is a close inter-dependent relationship between sleep and pain. Patients in pain are more likely to have fragmented sleep and altered breathing during sleep. Patients with sleep disorders are more likely to have decreased tolerance to pain and increased incidence of negative outcomes related to interventions for pain. This presentation will include the most recent research on the underlying physiologic reasons for the relationship, the potential negative patient outcomes, and ways that nurses can assess and manage sleep problems in patients with acute and chronic pain.