Musculoskeletal pain is associated with poor sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness in dental students: a cross-sectional pilot study.

This article focuses on the relationship between musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and sleep health among dental students. In a cross-sectional study of 80 dental students, 76.3% reported MSK pain, predominantly in the neck and shoulders, which was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness. While the number of painful body sites did not significantly affect sleep or psychological outcomes, specific pain locations, particularly back pain, were linked to worse insomnia severity, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. These findings highlight the prevalence of MSK pain in dental students and its association with impaired sleep health, suggesting the need for early interventions addressing sleep and ergonomic factors during dental training.