Chinese researchers at Zhejiang University School of Medicine have discovered a direct relationship between lower back pain and insomnia. According to the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience, previous studies have shown a reciprocal relationship between lower back pain and various psychological and social factors, including gender, body mass, smoking, and mood disorders. Now, researchers have found a direct link between sleep disorders and lower back pain, revealing that each of these conditions can stimulate the other.
This study involved an analysis of survey results and genetic data from over 400,000 individuals, focusing on various factors associated with poor sleep, its duration, and daytime sleepiness. Researchers then employed Mendelian randomization, which involves using genetic information to evaluate or eliminate the relationship between risk factors that lead to health deterioration. It was found that insomnia can cause lower back pain, and vice versa. Additionally, lower back pain can lead to daytime drowsiness, but not the other way around.
These findings may serve as a foundation for future research into the relationship between poor sleep and insomnia, as well as for developing new treatment methods.
