A study recently published online in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that improving sleep, improves joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. The study evaluated 51 patients with osteoarthritis over a period of a year. The participants were divided into two groups, a study group and a control group. The study group underwent an eight week cognitive behavioral therapy training course and the control group received no treatment. After a year, the patients who received stress management and wellness, sleep-training tips and exercise had significant improvement in sleep and an overall reduction in joint pain compared to the control group. The authors concluded that improved sleep helps to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and that insomnia may not be just a symptom of chronic diseases, such as osteoarthritis, but a co-existing illness.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Vol: 05, No:04, August 15, 2009
American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Vol: 05, No:04, August 15, 2009