Title:Non-Analgesic Effects of Opioids: Opioids’ Effects on Sleep (Including Sleep Apnea)
Volume: 18
Issue: 37
Author(s): Irene Panagiotou and Kyriaki Mystakidou
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Opioids, sleep, disturbance, sedation, breathing, central, obstructive apnea.
Abstract: The exact effect of opioid analgesics on sleep is to be determined. Although literature data are sporadically reported, the aim of
this review is to summarize the already known effects of such medications on sleep.
A variety of effects, both positive and negative, has been suggested, when opioids are used for pain treatment, but in the absence of pain
as well. Although often thought to promote restful sleep, the reality is much more complicated. Sleep disturbances and alterations of
sleep quantity and quality have been reported. In addition, their sedative effects have been relatively well established and opioids can
cause respiration to slow and become irregular, leading to hypercapnia and hypoxia. As a result, their usage has been linked to irregular
or ataxic breathing (Biot’s breathing) and their use has been associated with both central and obstructive sleep apnea. One could estimate
that central apnea is a common complication of such chronic therapy, affecting between 30% and 90% of patients. Thus, sleep disturbances
can be induced or deteriorated. On the other hand, extended release opioid formulations have been suggested to improve sleep due
to no analgesic gaps and less walking because of breakthrough pain. Furthermore, several reports have shown significantly improved
sleep quantity and adequacy, with reduced sleep disturbances.
Still, as no prospective trials on the effect of opioid therapy on sleep are available and evidence is scarce, definitive conclusions cannot be
drawn. Future studies with their effect on sleep as primary end-point are needed to draw permanent conclusions.
