The correlation between shoulder pathologies and sleep disorders

Abstract

Objective To assess and characterize the correlation between shoulder pathologies and sleep disturbances. Methods Participants enrolled into this case–control study were divided into two groups: patients with an established clinical diagnosis of active shoulder pathology (study group), and patients without any shoulder pathology (control group). All patients completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire, in addition to questions related to participant demographics, health status, medication, and other known insomnia risk factors. Results A total of 98 patients were included (46 in the study group and 52 controls). Mean ISI score was significantly higher (indicating more severe insomnia) in the study group versus control group (t[96] = –9.67), even after correcting for confounders (t[53.1] = –8.61). Additionally, in patients with shoulder pathology, those with comorbidities experienced more sleep disturbances than those without comorbidities (β = 0.36). Lastly, the shoulder pathology group was at a higher risk of having sleep disturbances compared with controls (relative risk 4.86, 95% confidence interval 2.24, 10.55). Conclusions Sleep disturbances are more common among patients with shoulder pathologies. Comorbidities and a shorter duration of pathology may predict more severe sleep disturbances.