Sleep-Wake disturbances in adolescents
with chronic pain
Tonya Palermo, Ph.D. – Principal Investigator

The purpose of this study is to improve adaptive functioning and quality of life by developing new interventions that reduce chronic pain and sleep disturbances in this adolescent population. In order to achieve this goal, the interrelationships of pain, sleep, and behavioral/psychological factors must first be delineated and interpreted.

Based on the central hypothesis that behavioral and psychological factors determine sleep quality and sleep disturbances independently of pain severity, the research team uses innovative methodology as well as established techniques to conduct subjective and objective sleep assessment in three adolescent subsets: Group 1 receives treatment for chronic pain; Group 2 has primary behavioral sleep disturbances; and Group 3 is clinically depressed. Long-term benefits of our results are expected to include the prevention of disabling, costly pain and sleep problems in adulthood.

Funding for this research is provided by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, a member of the National Institutes of Health.