Sleep quality and facial pain in fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract

Aims:

This study aims to evaluate the sleep conditions in fibromyalgia syndrome and the influence of the temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and fibromyalgia association in self-reported sleep quality.

Methodology:

Forty female patients with fibromyalgia (FMS) were compared with 40 healthy women [control group (CG)]. Three questionnaires were used (i.e. RDC/TMD to diagnose TMD and to determine pain intensity and disability and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to assess sleep conditions). Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test to ordinal variables, Student’s t-test to obtain the quantitative total scores of PSQI and chronic pain classification, Spearman’s rho to determine the correlation between facial pain and quality sleep, and Fisher’s exact test for other variables.

Results:

A moderate correlation between facial pain intensity and low sleep quality was found (rho = 0·56; P<0·0001); however, TMD and FMS association did not show worse sleep quality (P>0·05). Excessive daytime sleepiness was more prevalent in FMS (37·5%; P<0·0001) besides having the worst sleep quality (PSQI = 12·72) compared with CG (PSQI = 4·62).

Conclusion:

Fibromyalgia patients experience intense facial pain in addition to poor sleep and high disabilities. TMD and FMS association do not appear to worsen this condition; however, facial pain intensity was correlated with low sleep quality.

Keywords:

• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Sleep
• Sleep initiation and maintenance disorders