What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore the prevalence of sleep disturbances in adults with cerebral palsy and their association with pain, function, and quality of life.

May 10, 2026

0397 Sleep Disturbances Among Adults with Cerebral Palsy and Associations with Pain, Function and Quality of Life

Key Points

To explore the prevalence of sleep disturbances in adults with cerebral palsy and their association with pain, function, and quality of life.
Cross-sectional analysis using data from the North American Cerebral Palsy Research Network.
Involved 541 adults aged ≥ 18 years with demographic and clinical self-report measures.
Pearson correlations were used to evaluate associations between sleep disturbance and other variables.
Mean PROMIS sleep disturbance score was 53.3±8.1, indicating elevated sleep disturbances.
Significant correlations were found between sleep disturbances and pain intensity (r=0.40), anxiety (r=0.39), and lower quality of life indicators (all p<0.05).
Robust correlations remained after adjusting for age, with implications for improving health care approaches.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sleep disturbances are common among individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) across the lifespan, but specific extent and impact among adults with CP are underexplored. In other clinical populations, poor sleep is consistently linked to increased pain, reduced physical function, and diminished quality of life (QoL). Developing a better understanding of sleep disturbances in adults with CP and associations with symptom profiles could inform strategies to improve overall health and wellbeing in this group. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the North American Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN) community registry of adults aged ≥ 18 years. The registry collects demographic and clinical data and includes validated self-report instruments: PROMIS measures (sleep disturbance, pain, anxiety, depression, social role satisfaction) and Neuro-QoL measures (extremity function, perceived stigma). T-score standardization (mean 50, SD 10) of these measures enables comparison to a normative population. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample and Pearson correlations quantified associations between sleep disturbance and other variables. Results Among 541 participants (71.5% female, mean age 45.8±14.0 years), according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System, 64.5% were ambulatory (levels I–II), 13.1% used a hand-held device to ambulate (level III) and 16.3% had limited/dependent mobility (levels IV–V). Mean PROMIS sleep disturbance was 53.3±8.1. Greater sleep disturbance was significantly correlated with higher pain intensity (r=0.40), pain interference (r=0.39), anxiety (r=0.39), depression (r=0.32), perceived stigma (r=0.26), more impaired lower extremity function (r=-0.15), and lower satisfaction with social roles (r=-0.32; all p 0.05). Upper extremity function was not correlated (r=-0.07). Correlations remained robust after adjusting for age. Conclusion Among a large community registry of adults with CP, sleep disturbances were elevated and associated with pain, lower extremity function and indicators of poorer QoL. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess causality and, if demonstrated, would support a case for routine integration of sleep evaluation into clinical care of adults with CP with potential to improve symptom burden and overall health. Support (if any) Cerebral Palsy Research Network

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