Behavioral Interventions for Sleep in Pediatric Pain

Abstract

C hronic pain, defined as recurrent or persistent pain lasting more than 3 months, is a prevalent condition among children and adolescents with capacity for significant effects on overall functioning and quality of life. Estimated prevalence of chronic pain in US children and adolescents ranges between 6% and 38% and a major proportion will continue to struggle with chronic pain in adulthood. 1 Annual costs of chronic pain among American youth are estimated to be $11.8 billion, exceeding the costs of other major chronic conditions, including pediatric asthma and obesity. 2 When attempting to promote pain management, attention must be devoted to different behavioral, psychological, and physiological factors that may serve to promote or inhibit pain coping.Sleep is one important health habit to review when addressing quality of life in children with pain. This article briefly reviews the relationship between pain and sleep and provides assessment and intervention approaches that can be incorporated into practice.