Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Sleep

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Sleep

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at  Maimonides Medical Center recently completed a study evaluating the impact of carpal tunnel syndrome on sleep quality and duration. This study was presented at the American Society for surgery of the hand as well as the New York Society surgery for surgery of the hand.

The critical relationship between sleep, health and well-being is gaining greater attention. The national sleep foundation recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately sleep curtailment has become increasingly prevalent in modern day society do higher demands, long longer working hours and introduction of radio television and the Internet. There is growing evidence that significant correlations exist between poor sleep quality and the development of conditions such as obesity, hypertension diabetes. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome consistently report nighttime symptoms and multiple awakenings. There are few studies that have looked at the effect of sleep in carpal tunnel patients and the purpose of this study was to evaluate patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and the impact on their sleep.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve compression syndrome affecting millions of people. This study established a clear relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome and the effect on sleep quality. We found that patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were sleeping 2 1/2 hours less than national sleep foundation recommendations. They were taking more sleeping pills and there was a direct relationship between the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome and the effect on sleep duration and quality.

We recommend that patients with carpal tunnel syndrome or any condition that affects their sleep, seek attention from their Doctor.

Dr. Jack Choueka is an Adult and Pediatric Upper Extremity Surgeon

and Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center. 

Award winning hand surgeon Dr. Jack Choueka provides treatment for

all disorders of the upper extremity, including carpal tunnel syndrome,

arthritis, trauma, rotator cuff disease, and sports-related shoulder, elbow and wrist problems. He performs state-of-the-art surgery, including shoulder, elbow and wrist replacements. Dr. Choueka is a summa cum laude graduate from State University of New York Health Science Center’s Medical School; he completed his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute.

Dr. Choueka can be reached at 718-283-7400