Self-reported subjective sleep quality and fatigue in patients with peritoneal dialysis treatment at home

The aim of this study was to describe habitual sleep, daytime symptoms, sleep-disturbing factors, current sleep during 1 week and fatigue in patients with peritoneal dialysis treatment at home and also discover predictions for sleep quality outcome. The knowledge should increase possibilities for supportive nursing health care. Fifty-five patients answered two mailed questionnaires and filled in a sleep diary. Of these, 60% had moderate, persistent sleep problems combined with daytime symptoms. Nocturnal awakenings with difficulties falling asleep again and a sleep duration predicted as 57% of sleep quality. Nocturnal pruritus and 'difficulties finding a comfortable sleeping position' were significant sleep-disturbing factors. Sleep quality predictors means progress in knowledge about the complexity of the situation for peritoneal dialysis patients. Poor sleep, daytime symptoms, sleep-disturbing factors and chronic fatigue need to be enlightened, especially for the nephrology nurses who are in a unique position to give supportive nursing health care.