Lack of Sleep may Increase Risk of Depression Among Arthritis Patients

Lack of proper sleep for long periods of time may increase the risk of depressive symptoms, especially among those who are suffering from osteoarthritis, a new study reveals. The study was conducted by researchers at University of Alabama who observed around 288 participants suffering from osteoarthritis. Researchers made use of longitudinal analyses to predict changes in pain, depression and disability over a one year period with the help of baseline sleep disturbance readings among the participants and found that the participants who complained of high levels of pain had their depression symptoms worsened by a combination of poor sleep and pain.

“Sleep disturbance is a common complaint among those with pain, particularly among those with osteo-arthritis. Our research is unique as we investigate the complex relationships among sleep, OA-related pain, disability and depressed mood simultaneously in a single study”, lead author of the study Patricia Parmelee said.

Source-Medindia