Sleep Structure in Neuropathic Pain Patients, Psychological Factors, Brain Connectivity, and the Effect of Pregabalin on Sleep and Pain

The study focuses on understanding how sleep and pain are affected by the medication pregabalin in adults aged 18 to 75 who suffer from chronic peripheral neuropathy. Participants have been experiencing moderate to severe pain for more than three months. This study aims to discover how pregabalin, a drug often used for managing nerve pain, can influence not only pain levels but also sleep quality and patterns. The research is important as it seeks to address how chronic pain and sleep disturbances are related and whether treatment with pregabalin can improve these conditions, potentially leading to better quality of life for patients with neuropathic pain. Participants are divided into two groups based on their level of insomnia. Those with significant insomnia and those with less severe sleep issues undergo various tests to monitor their sleep and pain. Sleep is tracked through diaries, wearable devices like the Actiwatch, and detailed studies like polysomnography. Pregabalin is administered gradually over a few days until a stable dose is reached, which is then maintained for a month. Throughout the study, questionnaires assess pain, mood, and life quality, while brain activity is analyzed using MRI scans. After a month of stable medication use, the tests are repeated to compare changes. This process helps determine the effectiveness of pregabalin on improving sleep and reducing pain.