Mediating Effects of Pain Catastrophizing on Sleep and Pain Intensity in Army Basic Trainees

Abstract Numerous stressors during Army Basic Combat Training can elevate pain. Previous research has shown that disrupted sleep may increase pain and pain catastrophizing. The purpose of this study is to examine the interrelationships between pain catastrophizing, sleep duration, sleep quality, and pain intensity in a military population. Measures included three standardized self-report instruments related to sleep and pain intensity. Linear mixed-model mediation analyses evaluated the direct effect of sleep on pain intensity and the indirect effect of pain catastrophizing on pain intensity. Participants (N = 478, 57.7% male, 20.8 ± 3.96 years) averaged 6.39 ± 1.01 h of sleep per night and reported mild pain intensity ratings of 3.4 ± 2.02. Significant main effects of sleep duration (b = −0.23) and quality (b = 0.11) on pain intensity (p < 0.0001) were observed, however pain catastrophizing did not mediate these relationships (p = 0.30 and p = 0.12). Overall, data suggest that female trainees with poorer sleep quality also report greater levels of pain, a relationship that was significantly mediated by pain catastrophizing. Female trainees also reported greater levels of pain intensity and rumination, which reflects observations made within the general population.