Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sleep hygiene plays a pivotal role in maintaining good health, yet nearly 30% of adults face sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia and circadian rhythm disruptions. These disturbances are associated with worse patient-reported health outcomes and higher risk of complications following surgery. In orthopedics, sleep disorders increase readmission rates and prolong hospital stays, yet their correlation with outcomes following spine surgery remains poorly understood. METHODS: We conducted a literature search using Pubmed, Embase and Scopus databases to identify studies reporting on the correlation of sleep-related disorders on spine pathologies and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Sleep disorders contribute to systemic inflammation, impaired tissue repair and hormonal dysregulation, adversely affecting spinal health and recovery. Patients with untreated sleep disturbances experience higher pain levels, delayed rehabilitation and increased dependency on analgesics. Improved management of sleep disturbances has shown potential to improve clinical and functional outcomes after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Managing sleep disorders in patients undergoing spine surgery is vital to optimize outcomes. Future research should prioritize prospective studies and the integration of comprehensive sleep-focused perioperative care strategies to minimize complications and improve recovery.