Questionnaire-based investigation of daytime sleepiness in patients with chronic pain

Abstract

Patients with chronic pain often complain of daytime sleepiness (DS) due to night pain, sleep disturbance, and the adverse effects of analgesics. DS is associated with cognitive decline and creates a daily burden on the patient. We investigated DS in 100 outpatients with chronic pain via a questionnaire. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for DS was utilized, and patients were divided into two groups based on the score: group A, VAS＜50 and group B, VAS≧50. We compared the two groups and verified the risk factors for DS using logistic regression analysis. VAS score in group B (n＝62) tended to be greater than that in group A (n＝38). Patients with chronic pain had DS and insomnia. The risk factors of DS were postherpetic neuralgia, prescription of three or more medicines, and complication of mental illness. These patients should be paid close attention in clinical practice.