Determinants of sleep quality in individuals with musculoskeletal pain and its effects on fatigue, attention, cognition, and physical performance.

PURPOSE: Sleep is a necessity to maintain many vital functions. Sleep disorders can result in negative consequences such as fatigue, drowsiness, and decreased neurocognitive performance. This study aimed to explore sleep quality determinants in individuals with musculoskeletal pain and assess its impact on fatigue, physical performance, attention, and cognition.

METHODS

The study involved 65 patients aged 40-65 years. Sleep quality, pain severity, physical activity levels, anxiety and depression levels, rumination, fatigue levels, attention levels, cognitive levels and physical performance were evaluated with reliable scales.

RESULTS

Pain intensity during activity (r:0.270, p < 0.05), anxiety (r:0.521, p < 0.05), depression (r:0.484, p < 0.005), rumination (r:0.365, p < 0.05), fatigue (r:0.380, p < 0.05), attention (r:0.253, p < 0.05), and cognition (r: 0.279, p < 0.05) were found to be the factors associated with sleep quality. Anxiety and depression were identified as determinants of sleep quality (p < 0.05). It was also seen that the group with poor sleep quality had higher fatigue scores (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among those experiencing musculoskeletal pain, the quality of sleep is associated not only with pain intensity but also with anxiety, depression, rumination, fatigue, and attention. Anxiety and depression were found to be the main determinants of sleep quality, overshadowing the impact of pain intensity. A decline in sleep quality resulted in elevated fatigue scores. Recognizing the intricate web of connections between mental health and sleep underscores the importance of a holistic approach in managing musculoskeletal pain conditions.