Examination of the Effect of Existing Sleep Disorders in Patients on Post-Extraction Discomfort

Structured Abstract Background: Postoperative pain and discomfort following tooth extraction are common complications that can impair quality of life. However, the influence of pre-existing sleep disorders on these postoperative symptoms remains unclear.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-existing sleep disorders on postoperative pain intensity, emotional impact, and functional limitations in patients undergoing routine tooth extraction.Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study included 111 patients who underwent tooth extraction at Hacettepe University. The Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS) was used to assess preoperative sleep disorders, and participants were divided into Group A (JSS ≥ 12) and Group B (JSS < 12). Postoperative discomfort was evaluated on the first day using the American Pain Society Patient Outcomes Questionnaire–Revised (APS-POQ-R). Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U, Chi-square, and Generalized Linear Model tests.Results: Patients with sleep disturbances (Group A) exhibited significantly higher pain intensity (p < 0.001), greater emotional distress (p = 0.030), and more pronounced limitations in daily activities (p = 0.002). Satisfaction with pain management was lower in Group A compared with Group B (p = 0.016). No significant differences were observed in nausea, numbness, itching, or dizziness between groups.Conclusion: Pre-existing sleep disorders significantly and adversely influence postoperative pain perception and patient satisfaction following tooth extraction. Implementing routine preoperative assessment of sleep quality and targeted sleep-improvement interventions is essential to enhance postoperative comfort and optimize patient outcomes