Sleep Banking for Chronic Pain

This trial explores how extra sleep before joint replacement surgery might aid recovery. Participants will either increase their sleep by two hours each night for a week before surgery or maintain their usual sleep routine. The goal is to determine if "sleep banking" can ease recovery from knee or hip surgery. Suitable candidates are those scheduled for joint replacement at Naval Medical Center San Diego, without untreated sleep disorders or major schedule changes before surgery. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance surgical recovery for future patients.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that getting more sleep can safely help manage pain. In one study, people with mild sleep issues who slept more felt less sensitive to pain. Another study found that sleeping longer helped people tolerate pain better. These results suggest that "sleep banking," or getting extra sleep, is generally well-tolerated. Participants in these studies reported no major side effects from sleeping more. Therefore, considering a trial involving sleep banking appears to be a safe option.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Sleep Banking technique because it offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing chronic pain. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medications like NSAIDs or opioids, Sleep Banking involves extending sleep duration to build up a "reserve" of rest before a challenging event, like surgery. This method is unique because it leverages the body's natural ability to heal and manage pain through enhanced rest, potentially reducing the need for medication and its related side effects. By focusing on improving sleep habits, it could offer a safer and more holistic way to enhance recovery and manage pain.

This trial will compare the effects of sleep banking with habitual sleep on pain management. Research has shown that getting extra sleep, known as sleep banking, can reduce pain perception. Studies have found that more sleep can increase pain tolerance, allowing people to cope with pain better. This is especially important for those with ongoing pain, as poor sleep can exacerbate pain. By increasing sleep, pain sensitivity may decrease, potentially aiding recovery after surgery. Overall, sleep banking appears to be a promising method for managing pain.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰