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Poor sleep quality is independently associated with increased odds of neck, upper-back, and knee pain among university employees

In a cross-sectional study of 460 university employees, poor sleep quality was independently associated with increased odds of neck pain (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.24), upper-back pain (OR=2.47, 95% CI: 1.08-5.67), and knee pain (OR=4.28, 95% CI: 1.70-10.80). The study also found high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, with low back (65.9%) and neck (65.0%) being most common.

Last updated: Aug 20, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Musculoskeletal disorders in relation to computer workstation ergonomics and sleep quality among university employees: A cross-sectional study.

observational

El-Setouhy M, Abdelmola A, Khired ZA, Ahmed MM, Komeit SA, Remely RR, Hakami SA, Moafa NA, Ghalib AH, Magrashi EG, Shawish RM, Alareefy AA, Alharbi AA, Altherwi T, Zaino M · Medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: December 2024 to April 2025
Intervention: None (observational study); assessed sleep quality using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Outcome: Musculoskeletal disorder complaints (neck, upper-back, knee pain) measured via Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire
Effect Size: OR=1.13 for neck pain; OR=2.47 for upper-back pain; OR=4.28 for knee pain
Population: University employees at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia (n=460)

Result:

PubMed: 42601694DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000050099

Mechanism Graph

Poor sleep quality may impair tissue repair and increase inflammation
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Sleep deprivation can alter pain perception and sensitivity
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Reduced sleep may lead to muscle fatigue and poor posture
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Result: Increased odds of musculoskeletal pain in neck, upper-back, and knee

Limitations

  • ⚠Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
  • ⚠Self-reported measures may introduce recall bias
  • ⚠Potential unmeasured confounders (e.g., physical activity, stress) not fully adjusted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among university employees?▼

The study found high prevalence: low back (65.9%), neck (65.0%), shoulders (57.2%), and upper back (46.3%).

How was sleep quality measured in this study?▼

Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Which musculoskeletal disorders were associated with poor sleep quality?▼

Poor sleep quality was independently associated with increased odds of neck pain, upper-back pain, and knee pain.

What are the implications of these findings for workplace interventions?▼

The findings highlight the importance of implementing workplace ergonomic interventions and employee wellness programs to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders.

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References

  1. 1.El-Setouhy M, Abdelmola A, Khired ZA, Ahmed MM, Komeit SA, Remely RR, Hakami SA, Moafa NA, Ghalib AH, Magrashi EG, Shawish RM, Alareefy AA, Alharbi AA, Altherwi T, Zaino M. "Musculoskeletal disorders in relation to computer workstation ergonomics and sleep quality among university employees: A cross-sectional study.." Medicine, 2026. PMID: 42601694 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000050099
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.