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Patients after ACL reconstruction perceive significant sleep disturbances leading to poor sleep quality, which negatively impacts health outcomes in the early postoperative phase.

This qualitative study of 12 participants aged 18-35 years, 1-3 months post-ACLR, found that patients perceived significant sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality, which they believed negatively affected their physical recovery and psychological functioning. Three major themes emerged: sleep disturbances, repercussions of sleep disturbances, and prior knowledge of sleep hygiene.

Last updated: Jul 19, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Qualitatively Characterizing Sleep Behaviors After ACL Reconstruction.

observational

Brinkman-Holland CA, Marmura H, Cruise A, Hughes J, Register-Mihalik JK, DeFreese JD, Spang J, Baez S · Journal of athletic training (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 1-3 months post-ACLR
Intervention: N/A (qualitative study; no intervention tested)
Outcome: Patient perceptions of sleep disturbances, sleep quality, and perceived impact on recovery (physical and psychological)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: 12 participants aged 18-35 years, 1-3 months post-anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)

Result:

PubMed: 42453595DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0500.25

Mechanism Graph

ACLR surgery and rehabilitation cause sleep disturbances
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Sleep disturbances lead to perceived poor sleep quality
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Poor sleep quality is perceived to negatively impact physical recovery and psychological functioning
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Result: Patients identify sleep as a barrier to optimal recovery

Limitations

  • ⚠Small sample size (n=12) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Qualitative design cannot establish causality between sleep disturbances and recovery outcomes
  • ⚠Relies on self-reported perceptions rather than objective sleep measures

Frequently Asked Questions

What sleep disturbances do patients report after ACL reconstruction?▼

Patients report significant sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and poor sleep quality, during the first 3 months post-surgery.

How does sleep affect recovery after ACL reconstruction according to this study?▼

Patients perceive that sleep disturbances negatively impact their physical recovery and psychological functioning, suggesting sleep is an important factor in ACLR rehabilitation.

What is the recommended intervention for sleep after ACLR based on this paper?▼

The paper does not test an intervention but suggests future research should integrate sleep hygiene and lifestyle factors into ACLR rehabilitation protocols to improve recovery outcomes.

Is this study based on objective sleep measurements?▼

No, this is a qualitative study based on patient interviews and self-reported perceptions, not objective sleep measures like polysomnography or actigraphy.

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References

  1. 1.Brinkman-Holland CA, Marmura H, Cruise A, Hughes J, Register-Mihalik JK, DeFreese JD, Spang J, Baez S. "Qualitatively Characterizing Sleep Behaviors After ACL Reconstruction.." Journal of athletic training, 2026. PMID: 42453595 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0500.25
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.