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Disease severity impairs sleep quality in allergic rhinitis (The SOMNIAAR study)
C Colás1, H Galera, B Añibarro
1Allergy Department, Hospital Clínico-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain. ccolas@salud.aragon.es
Summary
Sleep quality is significantly impaired in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, especially those with moderate-to-severe disease. Nasal obstruction and asthma are key factors contributing to poor sleep and reduced quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Sleep Medicine
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) frequently disrupts sleep, impacting daily functioning and quality of life (QOL).
- Validated tools and consensus classifications have been underutilized to assess sleep quality in AR patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep quality and daytime somnolence in AR patients.
- To correlate sleep disturbances with AR severity (ARIA classifications), QOL, and comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, observational, multicenter survey in Spain involving 2275 adult AR patients.
- Assessment of symptoms (TSS), QOL (RQLQ), sleep quality (Pittsburgh scale), and diurnal somnolence (Epworth-based scale).
Main Results:
- Over half (52.8%) of AR patients reported poor sleep quality (median Pittsburgh score 6).
- Moderate-to-severe AR and nasal obstruction were significantly associated with worse sleep quality.
- Nasal obstruction and comorbid asthma were identified as major contributors to sleep impairment.
Conclusions:
- Sleep quality is demonstrably altered in AR patients, particularly in moderate-to-severe forms.
- Nasal obstruction and RQLQ scores are linked to poorer sleep outcomes.
- Addressing nasal obstruction and asthma is crucial for improving sleep in AR.
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