Subjective Symptoms Linked to Sleep Duration: An Analysis from Japanese National Statistics

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Sleep disorders are prevalent in Japan, significantly decreasing quality of life.
• Understanding factors contributing to sleep disorders is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify background factors, including subjective symptoms and working hours, associated with sleep disorders.
• To clarify the relationship between specific symptoms and reduced sleep duration in the working population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing Japanese national statistics and household questionnaire data.
• Analysis of 3972 men and women aged 40-59, focusing on sleep duration (<6 hours vs. ≥6 hours).
• Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors and calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs).

Main Results:

• Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between reduced sleep duration and symptoms like poor sleep quality (OR: 2.24) and constipation (OR: 2.24).
• Multivariate analysis confirmed constipation (OR: 1.72) and poor sleep quality (OR: 1.66) as significant factors associated with decreased sleep duration.
• Subjective health assessment showed dizziness (OR: 4.18) as a significant factor, though poor sleep quality was not significant in this model.

Conclusions:

• Subjective symptoms, particularly constipation and poor sleep quality, are significantly associated with reduced sleep duration.
• These findings suggest that addressing specific subjective symptoms may help mitigate sleep duration deficits in the working population.