Mouse Study Connects Chronic Pain with Altered Sleep Patterns

Recent research from Washington University in St. Louis has established a significant link between chronic pain and sleep disturbances through a pioneering mouse model. Pain and sleep issues frequently coexist, affecting over 30% of the U.S. population, yet their biological connection has remained elusive. The new model accurately reflects sleep disruptions reported by people suffering from chronic pain, offering a valuable tool for scientific investigation.

In the study led by Dr. Jose Moron-Concepcion, Dr. Erik Musiek, and Dr. Khairunisa Ibrahim, researchers observed that mice experiencing chronic pain exhibited increased sleep during periods when they would normally be awake. This mirrors the excessive daytime sleepiness many individuals with chronic pain report. Such sleep alterations can significantly diminish daily functioning, impair quality of life, and lead to higher healthcare costs.

The findings, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, shed light on the complex relationship between pain and sleep. The model provides a foundation for future research aimed at developing interventions to improve sleep quality for those enduring chronic pain conditions. Overall, this work advances our understanding of the biological mechanisms linking pain with sleep disruptions, potentially guiding more effective treatments and management strategies.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-mouse-links-chronic-pain-disrupted.html