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Antila H, Lilius TO, Palada V, Lohela T, Bell RF, Porkka-Heiskanen T, Kalso E. Effects of commonly used analgesics on sleep architecture-A topical review. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00539. [PMID: 38442410 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Antila
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
- SleepWell Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuomas O Lilius
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vinko Palada
- SleepWell Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Terhi Lohela
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rae F Bell
- Regional Centre of Excellence in Palliative Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Eija Kalso
- SleepWell Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
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Pain and Analgesic related insomnia. Pain Manag Nurs 2022; 24:254-264. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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3
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Van Gastel A. Drug-Induced Insomnia and Excessive Sleepiness. Sleep Med Clin 2022; 17:471-484. [PMID: 36150808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Undesirable side effects of insomnia and/or sleepiness may occur with many prescribed drugs, psychotropics as well as non-psychotropics. These central nervous system effects can be explained by the interactions of the drug with any of the numerous neurotransmitters and receptors that are involved in sleep and wakefulness. Also a close - sometimes bidirectional - relationship between disease and (disturbed) sleep/wakefulness is often present e.g. in chronic pain; drug effects may lead this vicious circle in both ways. Besides the importance for health and quality of life, effects on sleep or waking function can be a potential source of non-compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Van Gastel
- Multidisciplinary Sleep Disorders Centre and University Department of Psychiatry, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650 Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp (UA), Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Iacovides S, Kamerman P, Baker FC, Mitchell D. Why It Is Important to Consider the Effects of Analgesics on Sleep: A Critical Review. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:2589-2619. [PMID: 34558668 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We review the known physiological mechanisms underpinning all of pain processing, sleep regulation, and pharmacology of analgesics prescribed for chronic pain. In particular, we describe how commonly prescribed analgesics act in sleep-wake neural pathways, with potential unintended impact on sleep and/or wake function. Sleep disruption, whether pain- or drug-induced, negatively impacts quality of life, mental and physical health. In the context of chronic pain, poor sleep quality heightens pain sensitivity and may affect analgesic function, potentially resulting in further analgesic need. Clinicians already have to consider factors including efficacy, abuse potential, and likely side effects when making analgesic prescribing choices. We propose that analgesic-related sleep disruption should also be considered. The neurochemical mechanisms underlying the reciprocal relationship between pain and sleep are poorly understood, and studies investigating sleep in those with specific chronic pain conditions (including those with comorbidities) are lacking. We emphasize the importance of further work to clarify the effects (intended and unintended) of each analgesic class to inform personalized treatment decisions in patients with chronic pain. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-31, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Iacovides
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Peter Kamerman
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fiona C Baker
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Human Sleep Research Program, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Duncan Mitchell
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Woo
- Consultant Anaesthetist & Pain Physician, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Boschert AL, Elmenhorst D, Gauger P, Li Z, Garcia-Gutierrez MT, Gerlach D, Johannes B, Zange J, Bauer A, Rittweger J. Sleep Is Compromised in -12° Head Down Tilt Position. Front Physiol 2019; 10:397. [PMID: 31040791 PMCID: PMC6477049 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies are elucidating the interrelation between sleep, cranial perfusion, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation. Head down tilt (HDT) as a simulation of microgravity reduces cranial perfusion. Therefore, our aim was to assess whether HDT is affecting sleep (clinicaltrials.gov; identifier NCT 02976168). 11 male subjects were recruited for a cross-over designed study. Each subject participated in two campaigns each comprising 3 days and 2 nights. Intervention started on the second campaign day and consisted of maintenance of horizontal position or −12° HDT for 21 h. Ultrasound measurements were performed before, at the beginning and the end of intervention. Polysomnographic measurements were assessed in the second night which was either spent in horizontal posture or at −12° HDT. Endpoints were sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, number of sleep state changes and arousals, percentages of N3, REM, light sleep stages and subjective sleep parameters. N3 and REM sleep reduced by 25.6 and 19.1 min, respectively (P = 0.002, g = -0.898; P = 0.035, g = -0.634) during −12° HDT. Light sleep (N1/2) increased by 33.0 min at −12° HDT (P = 0.002, g = 1.078). On a scale from 1 to 9 subjective sleep quality deteriorated by 1.3 points during −12° HDT (P = 0.047, g = -0.968). Ultrasonic measurement of the venous system showed a significant increase of the minimum (P = 0.009, P < 0.001) and maximum (P = 0.004, P = 0.002) cross-sectional area of the internal jugular vein at −12° HDT. The minimum cross-sectional area of the external jugular vein differed significantly between conditions over time (P = 0.001) whereas frontal skin tissue thickness was not significantly different between conditions (P = 0.077, P = 0.811). Data suggests venous congestion at −12° HDT. Since subjects felt comfortable with lying in −12° HDT under our experimental conditions, this posture only moderately deteriorates sleep. Obviously, the human body can almost compensate the several fold effects of gravity in HDT posture like an affected CSF circulation, airway obstruction, unusual patterns of propioception and effects on the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessa L Boschert
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Elmenhorst
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Jülich, Germany.,Division of Medical Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Gauger
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Zhili Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | | | - Darius Gerlach
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernd Johannes
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jochen Zange
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Jülich, Germany.,Neurological Department, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jörn Rittweger
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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7
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Shaver JL, Iacovides S. Sleep in Women with Chronic Pain and Autoimmune Conditions: A Narrative Review. Sleep Med Clin 2018; 13:375-394. [PMID: 30098754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain and sleep disturbances are intricately intertwined. This narrative review provides comments on observations related to pain, stress-immunity, and sleep. Sleep evidence is reviewed from studies of select conditions involving pain (ie, functional somatic syndromes and autoimmune) that are predominant in women. Chronic pain and poor sleep encompass persistent stress-immune activation with systemic inflammation, cellular oxidative stress, and sick behavior indicators that increase morbidity and threaten quality of life. In painful conditions, sleep impairments are nearly ubiquitous, and exaggerated combined effects should not be underestimated or ignored, nor should crucial implications for clinical practice and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan L Shaver
- Biobehavioral Health Science Division, University of Arizona College of Nursing, 1305 North Martin Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Stella Iacovides
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
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9
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McEntire DM, Kirkpatrick DR, Kerfeld MJ, Hambsch ZJ, Reisbig MD, Agrawal DK, Youngblood CF. Effect of sedative-hypnotics, anesthetics and analgesics on sleep architecture in obstructive sleep apnea. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2015; 7:787-806. [PMID: 25318836 DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2014.966815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The perioperative care of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients is currently receiving much attention due to an increased risk for complications. It is established that postoperative changes in sleep architecture occur and this may have pathophysiological implications for OSA patients. Upper airway muscle activity decreases during rapid eye movement sleep (REMS). Severe OSA patients exhibit exaggerated chemoreceptor-driven ventilation during non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), which leads to central and obstructive apnea. This article critically reviewed the literature relevant to preoperative screening for OSA, prevalence of OSA in surgical populations and changes in postoperative sleep architecture relevant to OSA patients. In particular, we addressed three questions in regard to the effects of sedative-hypnotics, anesthetics and analgesics on sleep architecture, the underlying mechanisms and the relevance to OSA. Indeed, these classes of drugs alter sleep architecture, which likely significantly contributes to abnormal postoperative sleep architecture, exacerbation of OSA and postoperative complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan M McEntire
- Department of Anesthesiology and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, 601 N. 30th Street, Suite 3222, Omaha, NE 68131, USA
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Bohra MH, Kaushik C, Temple D, Chung SA, Shapiro CM. Weighing the balance: how analgesics used in chronic pain influence sleep? Br J Pain 2014; 8:107-18. [PMID: 26516542 PMCID: PMC4590120 DOI: 10.1177/2049463714525355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain and sleep share a bidirectional relationship, with each influencing the other. Several excellent reviews have explored this relationship. In this article, we revisit the evidence and explore existing research on this complex inter-relationship. The primary focus of the article is on the pharmacological treatment of chronic non-malignant pain and the main purpose is to review the effect of various pharmacological agents used in the management of chronic pain on sleep. This has not been comprehensively done before. We explore the clinical use of these agents, their impact on sleep architecture and sleep physiology, the mechanism of action on sleep parameters and sleep disorders associated with these agents. Pharmacological classes reviewed include antidepressants, opioid analgesics, anti-epileptics, cannabinoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, drugs most commonly used to manage chronic pain. The objective is to help health professionals gain better insight into the complex effect that commonly used analgesics have on an individual's sleep and how this could impact on the effectiveness of the drug as an analgesic. We conclude that antidepressants have both positive and negative effects on sleep, so do opioids, but in the latter case the evidence shifts towards the counterproductive side. Some anticonvulsants are sleep sparing and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sleep neutral. Cannabinoids remain an underexplored and researched group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miqdad H Bohra
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Temple
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon A Chung
- Sleep Research Laboratory, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Colin M Shapiro
- Department of Psychiatry, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada ; Sleep and Alertness Clinic Youthdale Child & Adolescent Sleep Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Abstract
Background Headache and sleep mechanisms share multiple levels of physiological interaction. Pharmacological treatment of headache syndromes may be associated with a broad range of sleep disturbances, either as a direct result of the pharmacology of the drug used, or by unmasking physiological alterations in sleep propensity seen as part of the headache symptom complex. Purpose This review summarises known sleep and circadian effects of various drugs commonly used in the management of headache disorders, with particular attention paid to abnormal sleep function emerging as a result of treatment. Method Literature searches were performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane database using search terms and strings relating to generic drug names of commonly used compounds in the treatment of headache and their effect on sleep in humans with review of additional pre-clinical evidence where theoretically appropriate. Conclusions Medications used to treat headache disorders may have a considerable impact on sleep physiology. However, greater attention is needed to characterise the direction of the changes of these effects on sleep, particularly to avoid exacerbating detrimental sleep complaints, but also to potentially capitalise on homeostatically useful properties of sleep which may reduce the individual burden of headache disorders on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander D Nesbitt
- Headache Group, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, UK
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, University of Surrey, UK
- Sleep Disorders Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Guy D Leschziner
- Sleep Disorders Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Richard C Peatfield
- Department of Neurology, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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12
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Palagini L, Tani C, Mauri M, Carli L, Vagnani S, Bombardieri S, Gemignani A, Mosca M. Sleep disorders and systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2014; 23:115-23. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203313518623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective Sleep disturbances are often seen in rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the prevalence of sleep disorders in SLE as well as the contributing factors to their occurrence remain poorly understood. The aim of this paper is to review the clinical and psychobiological data on the relationship between sleep disturbances and SLE. Method We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO, using MeSH headings and keywords for “sleep disorders” and “SLE.” Results Nine studies reporting the relationship between sleep disorders and SLE were found. Prevalence rates of sleep disorders ranged between 55% and 85%; differences in assessment techniques appeared to be a major source of this variability. In the majority of the studies an association between sleep disorders and disease activity, pain and fatigue has been reported. Psychosocial variables, depression, steroid use, and the role that sleep disruption has on pain, inflammation and cytokines, have been hypothesized as possible psychobiological factors. Conclusions Sleep disorders appear to occur in more than half of patients with SLE and appear to be associated with disease activity. Pain and fatigue are also related to sleep disorders. Among the hypotheses on the possible mechanisms underlining the association between sleep disorders and SLE, psychosocial/psychological factors, especially depression, were the most frequently reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Palagini
- Psychiatry Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Tani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Mauri
- Psychiatry Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Carli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Vagnani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Bombardieri
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Gemignani
- Department of Surgery, Medical, Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Morillas-Arques P, Rodriguez-Lopez CM, Molina-Barea R, Rico-Villademoros F, Calandre EP. Trazodone for the treatment of fibromyalgia: an open-label, 12-week study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2010; 11:204. [PMID: 20831796 PMCID: PMC2945951 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-11-204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite its frequent use as a hypnotic, trazodone has not been systematically assessed in fibromyalgia patients. In the present study have we evaluated the potential effectiveness and tolerability of trazodone in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Methods A flexible dose of trazodone (50-300 mg/day), was administered to 66 fibromyalgia patients for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Secondary outcome measures included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Patients' Global Improvement Scale (PGI). Trazodone's emergent adverse reactions were recorded. Data were analyzed with repeated measures one-way ANOVA and paired Student's t test. Results Trazodone markedly improved sleep quality, with large effect sizes in total PSQI score as well on sleep quality, sleep duration and sleep efficiency. Significant improvement, although with moderate effect sizes, were also observed in total FIQ scores, anxiety and depression scores (both HADS and BDI), and pain interference with daily activities. Unexpectedly, the most frequent and severe side effect associated with trazodone in our sample was tachycardia, which was reported by 14 (21.2%) patients. Conclusions In doses higher than those usually prescribed as hypnotic, the utility of trazodone in fibromyalgia management surpasses its hypnotic activity. However, the emergence of tachycardia should be closely monitored. Trial registration This trial has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT-00791739.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piedad Morillas-Arques
- Instituto de Neurociencias y Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.
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Plante DT, Winkelman JW. Polysomnographic Features of Medical and Psychiatric Disorders and Their Treatments. Sleep Med Clin 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2009.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Okura K, Lavigne GJ, Huynh N, Manzini C, Fillipini D, Montplaisir JY. Comparison of sleep variables between chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, insomnia, periodic leg movements syndrome and control subjects in a clinical sleep medicine practice. Sleep Med 2007; 9:352-61. [PMID: 17804292 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2007.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2006] [Revised: 07/03/2007] [Accepted: 07/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 50% and 89% of chronic pain patients report unrefreshing sleep. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to compare the sleep of normal subjects with the sleep of a clinical population presenting musculoskeletal chronic widespread pain (CWP), psychophysiological insomnia and restless legs syndrome/periodic limb movements during sleep (RLS/PLMS) in order to identify sleep variables that may explain the poor sleep complaints of CWP patients. METHODS Sleep data from 10 normal subjects and 37 patients (mean age 55+/-3 yo), matched for age and sex, were retrieved from our sleep data bank. Sub-analysis controlled for the effects of medication. RESULTS In comparison to normal subjects, sleep duration was shorter in CWP patients (-71 min; p<0.01); sleep efficiency was significantly lower in CWP and insomnia patients (-10.1% and -11.1%, respectively; p<0.05). CWP and PLMS patients lost one non-rapid eye movement (REM) to REM sleep cycle (p<0.04). An intermediate level of PLM was observed during the sleep of CWP patients in comparison to normal subjects (8.8/h vs. 2.0/h) and PLMS patients (33/h). Regular use of non-narcotic analgesics did not seem to interfere with sleep variables. CONCLUSIONS The sleep of middle-aged patients with CWP is comparable to that of insomnia patients. The moderate level of PLM during sleep suggests that such sensory motor activity needs to be evaluated in patients suffering from chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Okura
- Facultés de médecine dentaire et de médecine, Université de Montréal, CP 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Que., Canada
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