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Overview
This lecture explores the complex relationship between stress, pain, and sleep, highlighting how the psychophysiology of stress contributes to chronic pain and how pain itself becomes a powerful stressor.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this lecture, participants will be able to:
- Review the psychophysiology of stress and how it directly relates to chronic pain
- Discuss pain as a potent stressor
- Explore how pain can disturb, disrupt, and compromise sleep
- Demonstrate the distinction between rest and restoration and why proper sleep is critical for managing chronic, particularly, refractory pain
- Introduce some of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for enhancing sleep, and how they in turn improve pain management
Target Audience
Dentists and dental specialists who manage patients with chronic pain and sleep disturbances. It is particularly relevant for clinicians seeking to better understand the interplay between stress, pain, and sleep and to apply intergrated strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Micah Sadigh is professor, and former chair, of Psychology at Cedar Crest College. A graduate of Moravian University and Lehigh University, Dr. Sadigh is a diplomate in Franklian Psychology and Existential Analysis, is also a fellow of the International College of Psychosomatic Medicine and frequently lectures at national and international conferences. Dr. Sadigh is a reviewer for the American Medical Association’s Journal of Ethics, and the journal of Psychosomatic Research. Dr. Sadigh was the recipient of the Cedar Crest College Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2009, and has authored five books, including an internationally recognized book on the treatment of chronic pain and stress-related disorders. Dr. Sadigh’s book, Existential Journey: Viktor Frankl and Leo Tolstoy on Suffering, Death, and Search for Meaning was recently translated into Polish and Slovenian. Dr. Sadigh’s other publications include work on sleep disorders, personality disorders, applied psychophysiology, the psychophysiological treatment of pain, and treatment of post-traumatic disorder.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Dr. Sadigh has no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.
Additional Information
Content for this lecture was last reviewed and approved by the AADSM, on August 11, 2026.
Original record date: August 11, 2026
Expiration date: None*
*Course content is reviewed every 3 years to ensure it is current and accurate. Should it be determined that course content is no longer current or accurate, content will expire. The AADSM will communicate that information to all registered attendees and course access will be removed.
This educational offering was funded exclusively by the AADSM. For questions regarding the content of this program or for technical assistance, contact the AADSM at info@aadsm.org or 630-686-9875.
Continuing Education
The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ADA.org/cerp. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine designates this activity for 1 continuing education credit(s).