Sleep disruption in patients with chronic leg ulcers

To investigate the incidence of sleep disruption in people with chronic leg ulcers and to explore which factors may contribute to sleep problems.

A questionnaire survey was completed by a convenience sample of 52 leg ulcer patients attending community-based Leg Clubs in England and Wales. The questionnaire assessed wound pain, quality of sleep, factors contributing to sleep disruption and general health.

Sixty-nine per cent (n=36) of leg ulcer patients reported sleep disruption, with 88% stating that they wake at least once during the night. General wound pain was the most frequently-cited cause (58%), while pain associated with treatment affected the sleep of 38% of respondents. Additionally, nearly a third (n=14) expressed that worrying about their wound impacted on their sleep. A significant correlation was found between wound pain and sleep disruption.

The findings suggest that the majority of leg ulcer patients suffer sleep disruption, either as a direct consequence of wound pain or due to treatment-related or psychological issues associated with the wound. This has important implications for patient quality of life and also for the healing process; therefore, assessment and management of sleep problems in leg ulcer patients is essential.

This study was supported by a financial grant from Mölnlycke Health Care. The authors have no commercial or social conflicts of interest with respect to the article or its content.