Psychophysical changes after total sleep deprivation and experimental muscle pain

Abstract

SummarySleep disturbances exacerbate chronic pain, increase psychological load, and increase inflammation. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) mimics aspects of chronic pain, predominantly affecting peripheral pain mechanisms, while experimental sleep provocations have been shown to impact central pain mechanisms. This study aimed to combine a DOMS model with total sleep deprivation (TSD) to create a novel model affecting both peripheral and central pain mechanisms. A total of 30 healthy participants attended two sessions (baseline and follow‐up) separated by 24 h of TSD and a home rating after 48 h. Assessments of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) levels, sleep quality, pain catastrophising, affect, and symptoms of depression and anxiety were included in the baseline and follow‐up sessions. Additionally, pressure pain and tolerance thresholds, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) were assessed using cuff‐pressure algometry in the baseline and follow‐up sessions. DOMS was induced with eccentric calf raises during the baseline session followed by 24 h of TSD. At follow‐up pain tolerance (p = 0.012) was significantly reduced, and CPM (p = 0.036) was significantly impaired compared to baseline. Psychological changes included decreases in pain catastrophising (p = 0.027), positive affect (p < 0.001), negative affect (p = 0.003), and anxiety (p = 0.012). Explorative regression models predicted 58% and 68% of DOMS pain intensity after 24 and 48 h, respectively, based on baseline body mass index, pain thresholds, psychological measures, and IL‐6 (p < 0.01). Combining DOMS with 1 night of TSD induced pain hypersensitivity, impaired CPM, and altered psychological states. A combination of baseline inflammation, psychological measures, and pain sensitivity significantly predicted DOMS pain intensity after 24 and 48 h.