Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objectives of this scoping review were to identify (1) study designs and participant populations, (2) types of specific methodology and (3) common results, conclusions and recommendations from the body of evidence regarding our research question; is there a relationship between sleep posture and spinal symptoms.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesPEDro, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Medline, ProQuest, PsycINFO, SportDISCUS and grey literature from inception to 10 April 2018.Data selectionUsing a modified Arksey and O’Malley framework, all English language studies in humans that met eligibility criteria using key search terms associated with sleep posture and spinal symptoms were included.Data extractionData were independently extracted by two reviewers and mapped to describe the current state of the literature. Articles meeting the search criteria were critically appraised using the Downs and Black checklist.ResultsFrom 4186 articles, four articles were identified, of which three were epidemiological and one interventional. All studies examined three or more sleep postures, all measured sleep posture using self-report and one study also used infrared cameras. Two studies examined symptoms arising from the lumbar spine, one the cervical spine and one the whole spine. Waking pain and stiffness were the most common symptoms explored and side lying was generally protective against spinal symptoms.ConclusionsThis scoping review highlights the importance of evaluating sleep posture with respect to waking symptoms and has provided preliminary information regarding relationships between sleep posture and spinal symptoms. However, there were not enough high-quality studies to adequately answer our research question. It is recommended future research consider group sizes and population characteristics to achieve research goals, that a validated measure be used to assess sleep posture, that characteristics and location of spinal symptoms are clearly defined and that the side lying posture is subclassified.

Examining relationships between sleep posture, waking spinal symptoms and quality of sleep: A cross sectional study

“…Sleep posture was not explored in either study. Further, the lack of research focus on spinal symptoms associated with sleep posture was highlighted in a recent scoping review, in which only four studies were found to address these topics [ 61 ].…”

A Blanket Accommodative Sleep Posture Classification System Using an Infrared Depth Camera: A Deep Learning Approach with Synthetic Augmentation of Blanket Conditions

“…Furthermore, sleep-associated musculoskeletal disorders and pain can manifest as significant consequences of sleep complaints and deprivation. Sleep posture itself cannot indicate whether the posture is poor or problematic, although this risk factor is modifiable and can be mitigated by using the proper mattress and pillows or engaging in physical exercise [ 12 , 47 , 48 ]. We are aiming for a machine learning-based measurement of spinal alignment and limb placement with a classification of sleeping postures that could be important in identifying related problems such as neck and back pain [ 12 , 36 ].…”

“…Apart from sleep quality, sleep posture constitutes another important category in the field [ 8 ]. Different lying or recumbent positions in sleep alters spinal loading, intervertebral disc pressure, and muscle activity [ 9 , 10 ], potentially leading to sleep-related musculoskeletal pain and disorders such as neck spasm, back pain and waking symptoms [ 11 , 12 ]. For example, a prolonged non-symmetrical sleeping posture might lead to structural spinal changes and symptoms [ 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Different lying or recumbent positions in sleep alters spinal loading, intervertebral disc pressure, and muscle activity [ 9 , 10 ], potentially leading to sleep-related musculoskeletal pain and disorders such as neck spasm, back pain and waking symptoms [ 11 , 12 ]. For example, a prolonged non-symmetrical sleeping posture might lead to structural spinal changes and symptoms [ 12 , 13 ]. Moreover, sleep apnea, sleep paralysis, and nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux can also be associated with poor sleeping posture [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Traditionally, measurement of sleep posture relied on videotaping with manual labeling or self-reported assessments, which could be inaccurate [ 12 , 21 ]. Tang et al [ 22 ] reviewed the nonintrusive technology applied for recognition of sleep posture, including visible light, infrared, and depth cameras [ 23 , 24 ], inertia measurement units with wireless connection [ 25 ], and radar/radio sensors [ 1 , 8 , 26 ].…”