Impaired Sleep and Musculoskeletal Pain 

Written by Michael Marcello, DPT


It is easy to get caught up in the stresses of work, home and our health. With that, quality sleep has been negatively impacted. For those with chronic musculoskeletal conditions, limited sleep and chronic pain has been observed to be interconnected. Per Santos, et al (1), sleep related problems were indicators of increased likelihood of chronic pain. What has also been observed is that restricted sleep (4 hours/night, 5 days per week) is associated with increased self-reported general pain and lowered tolerance to pain (2).  

To help navigate sleep related issues and the associated pain, some beneficial sleep hygiene tips are, but not limited to (3): 

  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule 

  • Avoid coffee, nicotine and alcohol before sleep 

  • Avoid screen time before bed 

  • Maintain comfortable room temperature 

  • Create a comfortable environment with pillows or bolsters as needed 

Sleep is very important and at times undervalued. Performance recovery, pain management and our overall wellness depend on getting quality sleep for the short and long term.  


References  

1.Physiotherapy research reviews - 12 studies reviewed monthly. Physio Network - Physiotherapy CPD Courses Online. (2025, August 31). https://www.physio-network.com/research-reviews/pain/the-bidirectional-association-between-chronic-musculoskeletal-pain-and-sleep-related-problems-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis/  

2.Physiotherapy research reviews - 12 studies reviewed monthly. Physio Network - Physiotherapy CPD Courses Online. (2025a, August 31). https://www.physio-network.com/research-reviews/pain/chronic-exposure-to-insufficient-sleep-alters-processes-of-pain-habituation-and-sensitization/  

3.Sleep your way to better recovery - physio network. Physio Network - Physiotherapy CPD Courses Online. (2021, February 24). https://www.physio-network.com/blog/sleep-your-way-to-better-recovery/  

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