Coping mechanisms as moderators in the association between sleep and pain problems in young adults with chronic overlapping pain conditions

Abstract

Sleep disturbances and chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) frequently co-occur, yet the role of coping strategies in moderating this relationship remains unclear. This study investigated whether self-reported coping mechanisms moderated the association between sleep quality and pain intensity in young adults with COPCs. Forty-seven participants (18–34 years) reporting persistent pain for at least 3 months and reporting symptoms of at least two COPCs completed online assessments, including sleep quality, pain intensity, and coping strategies. Regression analyses indicated that poorer sleep quality predicted higher pain intensity (B = 0.163, p = 0.041) after accounting for multiple confounders. Moderation analyses revealed that “positive self-statements” (B = −0.160, p = 0.019) and “distancing from pain” (B = −0.150, p = 0.003) weakened this association, suggesting a protective effect. Other coping strategies, including distraction, catastrophizing, ignoring pain, and praying, did not significantly moderate the relationship. Findings suggest that adaptive coping strategies may help mitigate poor sleep impact on pain intensity, potentially serving as a target for future interventions.