Behavioral management of sleep disturbances secondary to chronic pain

J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 1989 Dec;20(4):295-302. doi: 10.1016/0005-7916(89)90060-8.

Abstract

The clinical efficacy of a behavioral management program for treating insomnia secondary to chronic pain was evaluated within a multiple-baseline design across subjects. Treatment consisted of a combination of stimulus control and sleep restriction procedures. Daily sleep diaries and all-night polysomnographic (PSG) measures were used to document changes in sleep/wake patterns. The results showed that treatment was effective in improving sleep patterns in all three patients. A substantial decrease of time awake at night was obtained and this was reflected by reductions of sleep onset latency, wake time after sleep onset, and early morning awakenings. Sleep improvements were well maintained at follow-ups and were also paralleled by improved mood states. The findings indicate that behavioral procedures are effective for treating sleep disturbances associated with chronic pain conditions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Back Pain / complications*
  • Back Pain / psychology
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Tests
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / psychology
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy*
  • Wakefulness