Implications for practice and research

• Individualised factors contributing to pain and its management in relation to sleep problems should be explored to provide tailored pain management treatments.

• Further research is needed to reveal interconnection patterns of pain medications and sleep problems.

Context

Pain and insomnia are independent major life challenges for many and are interconnected, yet poorly understood. Additionally, the complexity of how pain medications influence sleep requires further investigation. Pain can be physically discomforting, emotionally disturbing and debilitating. Lack of sleep impedes normal functioning including physical and emotional well-being. Insomnia may enhance irritability and pain sensitisation. Conversely, pain may result in insomnia and other sleep problems, which may intensify pre-existing or trigger new pain.1 Pharmacology is the frequent intervention used in pain management, which could alter neurochemistry risking interference …