Poor sleep in adults with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury: associations with pain, health, and activity

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2017 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1308109 · Published: January 1, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Sleep Medicine Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study investigates sleep problems in adults who sustained spinal cord injuries as children. It looks at how medical issues, especially pain, affect sleep quality. The study found that pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, arms, and legs, is linked to poor sleep. Other medical conditions also play a role. Poor sleep is connected to reduced mobility, lower perceived health, and decreased happiness. Managing sleep issues could improve overall well-being.

Study Duration

2011-2015

Participants

180 adults with pediatric-onset SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Pain in specific locations such as the neck, shoulder, arm/elbow, and lower extremities increases the odds of poor sleep.
2
Chronic medical conditions and continuous pain are significant predictors of poor sleep quality in individuals with pediatric-onset SCI.
3
Poor sleep is associated with decreased mobility, lower perceived physical and mental health, and reduced subjective happiness.

Research Summary

The study explores medical complications, particularly pain, and their relation to poor sleep in individuals with pediatric-onset SCI. It also examines the connection between sleep quality, activity levels, and community involvement. Findings indicate that pain in specific locations, chronic medical conditions, and continuous pain significantly increase the likelihood of poor sleep. A substantial portion of the participants used medications to aid sleep. Poor sleep is associated with decreased mobility, lower perceived health, and reduced happiness. The study highlights the need for screening and treatment of sleep issues to improve overall health outcomes.

Practical Implications

Targeted Pain Management

Address pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, arms and legs, as a key strategy to improve sleep quality.

Comprehensive Medical Care

Manage chronic medical conditions alongside SCI to reduce the risk of sleep disturbances.

Sleep Screening and Treatment

Implement routine sleep screening and tailored interventions to improve mobility, perceived health, and overall well-being in this population.

Study Limitations

1
Reliance on self-reported data for sleep quality and medical complications.
2
Cross-sectional design limits the ability to determine causality.
3
Generalizability limited due to focus on pediatric-onset injury in patients from the same hospital system.

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