Definition: The National Sleep Foundation defines microarousal as a “change in sleep state to a light stage of sleep”1. In people who do NOT experience chronic pain, microarousals present no problem. However, for those WITH chronic pain, microarousals tend to be numerous. With an increase in lighter sleep states to experience each night, awakenings during the night also tend to increase in persons with chronic pain.
Bibliography
1 Lavinge, Gilles, DDS, MSc, FRCD. Ask the Expert. Pain and Sleep. National Sleep Foundation Website. Retrieved from: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/hottopics/index.php?secid=14&id=127 March 26, 2006.
Date Created: March 26, 2006.
Bibliography
1 Lavinge, Gilles, DDS, MSc, FRCD. Ask the Expert. Pain and Sleep. National Sleep Foundation Website. Retrieved from: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/hottopics/index.php?secid=14&id=127 March 26, 2006.
Date Created: March 26, 2006.
