0129 The Intensity And Impact Of Chronic Pain, A Story Of Difficulty Sleeping And Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Difficulty sleeping is one of the most prevalent symptoms in Post-traumatic stress disorder, occurring in over 90% of cases. High prevalence of sleep disturbance is also noted in populations suffering from chronic pain (71-78%). Increased alcohol use and negative consequences in individuals with depression, PTSD and chronic pain has been postulated to result from insomnia symptoms made worse by alcohol use. Given the hypothesis that self-medication and withdrawal symptoms perpetuate alcohol use disorder in PTSD, it is of interest to examine the relationship between difficulty sleeping, alcohol use, chronic pain and PTSD. Methods: As part of a larger study, participants who met the CAPS symptom endorsement requirement for PTSD were compared with non-trauma exposed controls. Participants completed inventories of pain, smoking, alcohol use and brief medical history. Results: Thirty-two participants were included in the study. Participant groups did not differ by age (37.97 ± 12.1), gender, ethnicity, or BMI. Difficulty sleeping and PTSD status were both significantly associated with 11 different inventories of pain, including 'Average pain' and 'Pain interference with mood'. Furthermore, impact of pain on relationships with others was significantly higher in individuals with PTSD vs. non-trauma exposed controls (p=0.024) but was not related to sleep difficulties. PTSD participants also reported an increased number of alcoholic drinks per week compared to non-trauma exposed controls (p=0.03). Conclusion: Similar perceptions of pain levels and the impact of pain on quality of life are endorsed by those with difficulties sleeping and those with PTSD. Additionally, increased alcohol use appears to play a role in sleep difficulties for those with PTSD and/or pain. Implications, limitation and future directions will be discussed.