Assessment of sleep quality in fibromyalgia syndrome and its effect on postural balance and functional status

Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) often have sleep problems and balance disorders.

The aim of the study was to examine sleep quality and balance disorders and the relationship between sleep quality and balance, functional status and the frequency of falls in patients with FMS.

Fifty women with FMS and 50 healthy women were included in the study. Sleep quality was assessed with the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and balance and balance self-confidence were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, respectively. Functional status and symptom severity of patients were assessed with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Symptom Impact Questionnaire (SIQR). The number of falls in the last six months were recorded.

In the patient group, sleep quality scores were significantly higher, and BBS and ABC scores were significantly lower than the control group. NRS scores were significantly correlated with the BBS, FIQ, and SIQR scores, and the PSQI scores were significantly correlated with the BBS and ABC scores and the number of falls in FMS.

This study showed that the prevalence of sleep and balance disorders is higher in FMS patients. A relationship was reported between the sleep quality and balance and functional status and frequency of falls.