Association between pre-existing sleep disorders and post-extraction discomfort in adult patients: a comparative study

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain and discomfort following tooth extraction are common complications that may negatively affect patients' quality of life. The potential association between pre-existing sleep disturbances and postoperative discomfort remains insufficiently explored. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between pre-existing sleep disturbances and postoperative pain intensity, emotional impact, and limitations in daily activities in patients undergoing routine tooth extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study included 111 adult patients (18-65 years) who underwent tooth extraction at Hacettepe University. Preoperative sleep quality was assessed using the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS). Participants were classified into two groups: Group A (patients with sleep disturbances; JSS ≥ 12, n = 48) and Group B (patients without sleep disturbances; JSS < 12, n = 63). Postoperative outcomes were evaluated on postoperative day 1 using the American Pain Society Patient Outcomes Questionnaire-Revised (APS-POQ-R). The null hypothesis stated that there would be no difference in postoperative discomfort between the two groups. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Patients with pre-existing sleep disturbances (Group A) demonstrated significantly higher pain intensity scores (p < 0.001), greater emotional impact (p = 0.030), and increased limitations in daily activities (p = 0.002) compared with Group B. Satisfaction of pain management was significantly lower in Group A (p = 0.016). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding nausea, numbness, itching, or dizziness (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pre-existing sleep disturbances were significantly associated with increased postoperative discomfort and reduced satisfaction following tooth extraction. The null hypothesis was rejected. However, given the observational design and the lack of predictive analysis, these results should be interpreted cautiously, and further prospective studies are needed before clinical application can be recommended.