Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-13-2025
Identifier
DOI: 10.2147/PHMT.S482343; PMCID: PMC11912920
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE/AIM: Sleep disturbances have been implicated as contributors to chronic pain. We undertook this review to assess the current literature regarding sleep disturbances in youth with chronic abdominal pain. We assessed studies evaluating prevalence, pathophysiology, and/or outcomes to identify gaps in knowledge and to determine whether there is an evidential basis for sleep interventions in this population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing Google Scholar, Pub Med, SCOPUS, and Embase, we searched using the terms "sleep disturbances" AND ("abdominal pain"/exp OR "abdominal pain") AND ([adolescent]/lim OR [school]/lim). Articles were included if they contained data regarding sleep disturbance prevalence, pathophysiology, or relationships to outcome. After two independent review, 32 manuscripts were included in this review.
RESULTS: Based on their high prevalence (19-75% of abdominal pain cohorts), there is sufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for sleep disturbances in youth with chronic abdominal pain. There is a broad range of negative physiologic and emotional effects of sleep deprivation.
CONCLUSION: Sleep disturbances are common in youth with chronic abdominal pain. Sleep interventions are appropriate when disturbances are identified though it is not yet known the degree to which these interventions will affect the pain experience and resultant disability. Future studies should focus on evaluation of specific sleep interventions on patient outcomes.
Journal Title
Pediatric Health Med Ther
Volume
16
First Page
67
Last Page
73
PubMed ID
40099110
Keywords
disorders of gut-brain interaction; functional dyspepsia; irritable bowel syndrome; sleep
Recommended Citation
Friesen HJ, Singh N, Schurman JV, Deacy AD, Friesen CA, Colombo JM. A Scoping Review of Sleep Disturbances in Children and Adolescents with Abdominal Pain Disorders. Pediatric Health Med Ther. 2025;16:67-73. Published 2025 Mar 13. doi:10.2147/PHMT.S482343
Comments
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