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An investigation into the association between demographic and morbidity factors, and sleep disturbance

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Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The recognition of sleep disorders is important because in the long term, they are associated with numerous deleterious health outcomes. Despite the high prevalence of sleep disorders, they are widely under-diagnosed at general practice level.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the association between demographic and morbidity factors, and self-reported sleep disturbance symptoms.

Methods

A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used. The data collection tool was an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 22 sleep symptoms categorised into four subscales: 1. Insomnia, 2. Daytime Distress, 3. Sleep Disorder, 4. Psychological Distress. Participants were adults ≥18 years of age attending their general practitioner.

Results

A total of 281 questionnaires were analysed (70.3% response rate). Participants with a diagnosis of depression and those who experienced low mood ‘very frequently’ had significantly higher median scores on all four subscales. Those with a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 had a higher median score on subscale 3, compared to those with lower BMIs. Smokers had higher median scores on subscales 1–3 compared to non-smokers. Participants >65 years of age had lower median scores on all subscales compared to younger participants. Married participants had lower median scores on subscales 1–3 compared to unmarried participants. A total of 37% reported that they would be willing to participate in an overnight sleep study, and 5.3% had been formally diagnosed with a sleep disorder.

Conclusions

A number of factors are significantly associated with sleep disturbance, particularly depression, low mood, elevated BMI and smoking. General practitioners should consider these factors to increase recognition of patients who would benefit from sleep disorder investigation.

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Abbreviations

BMI:

Body mass index

CI:

Confidence interval

GP:

General practitioner

IQR:

Interquartile range

OR:

Odds ratio

OSA:

Obstructive sleep apnoea

PSG:

Polysomnography

SD:

Standard deviation

SSC:

Sleep symptom checklist

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Practice, Brookfield Health Sciences Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

    N. Mullane & C. Bradley

Authors
  1. N. Mullane
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  2. C. Bradley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to N. Mullane.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no potential conflicts of interest.

Research involving human participants

Questionnaires were distributed at selected general practices. Questionnaires were accompanied by an information sheet for participants. Questionnaires were anonymous so no consent forms were required.

Appendices

Appendices

1. Questionnaire

figure afigure a

2. Ethical approval and application documents

figure b

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Mullane, N., Bradley, C. An investigation into the association between demographic and morbidity factors, and sleep disturbance. Ir J Med Sci 187, 163–175 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-017-1640-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-017-1640-x

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