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Back Pain Left Untreated Can Disrupt Sleep in Later Life.

Back pain is often seen as a routine part of ageing, but growing research shows it can have long-term consequences beyond mobility, particularly on sleep health in later life. Ignoring or delaying treatment for back pain after the age of 60 may increase the risk of chronic sleep disturbances, which can affect overall health and quality of life.

Recent long-term studies have shown that older adults who experience back pain are more likely to develop sleep problems years later. These issues include difficulty falling asleep, frequent night awakenings, poor sleep satisfaction, daytime fatigue, and irregular sleep patterns. Importantly, back pain often comes first, and sleep problems follow — not the other way around. This indicates that pain itself may play a direct role in disrupting healthy sleep over time.

From an orthopaedic perspective, untreated back pain can interfere with sleep in several ways. Pain and stiffness make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, leading to repeated awakenings during the night. Muscle spasms, reduced spinal flexibility, and nerve irritation can worsen at rest, especially when lying down for long periods. Over time, these nightly disruptions prevent the body from reaching deeper, restorative stages of sleep.

Poor sleep has serious consequences for older adults. It can slow tissue healing, worsen pain perception, reduce balance and coordination, and increase the risk of falls. Sleep deprivation also affects mood, memory, and immune function, creating a cycle where pain and poor sleep reinforce each other. When back pain becomes chronic, this cycle is harder to break.

Early intervention is therefore very important. Addressing back pain at an early stage can help prevent progression to chronic pain and long-term sleep disruption. Orthopaedic care focuses on identifying the underlying cause of pain, whether it is degenerative changes, muscle weakness, posture-related strain, or spinal conditions common with ageing.

Management usually includes physiotherapy, posture correction, core-strengthening exercises, weight management, and appropriate pain relief. In many cases, simple lifestyle adjustments, guided exercise programs, and timely treatment can significantly reduce pain and improve spinal function. Maintaining regular physical activity also helps keep the spine flexible and supports better sleep.

Protecting sleep health is especially important after 60, as sleep plays a key role in maintaining bone health, muscle strength, balance, and cognitive function. By treating back pain early, older adults not only improve their mobility but also support long-term sleep quality and overall well-being.

Back pain should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. Persistent pain is a signal that needs attention. Timely attention & treatment can make the difference between ageing with comfort and independence or struggling with chronic pain and disturbed sleep in later years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of any medical body or organization. 
The author is not a medical doctor; however, the insights shared are based on over a decade of working experience in the healthcare sector start-ups. 
Readers should consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information related to their specific situation.

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