Sleep quality and functional gastrointestinal disorders. A psychological issue

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Sleep Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Sleep disorders are frequently comorbid with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).
• The interplay between sleep disturbances, FGIDs, and psychological conditions requires further elucidation.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for comprehensive patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between various sleep disorders and specific FGIDs.
• To determine the role of psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, in this relationship.
• To quantify the impact of sleep changes on FGID prevalence and severity.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 1009 patients with FGIDs completed the Rome III questionnaire and underwent psychological evaluations.
• Patients were categorized into groups based on sleep patterns: drowsiness (severe to mild) and insomnia (mild to severe).
• Multinomial logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the associations, controlling for relevant variables.

Main Results:

• Two-thirds of patients (66.1%) reported sleep pattern changes, with 48.3% experiencing decreased sleep.
• Depression severity correlated positively with sleep disorder severity (P < 0.001).
• Specific FGIDs linked to sleep disorders included chest pain, epigastric pain syndrome, IBS-C, bloating, fecal incontinence, and proctalgia fugax.

Conclusions:

• Sleep disorders are significantly associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
• The presence of depressive symptoms amplifies the link between sleep disturbances and FGIDs.
• Targeting sleep issues may be beneficial in managing patients with FGIDs and psychological comorbidities.