Exploring the Mediating Role of Sleep Deficit-Related Functional Status in Subacute Stroke Survivors

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Sleep Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common and debilitating condition affecting recovery.
• Understanding the factors contributing to PSF is essential for developing effective interventions.
• Sleep disturbances are frequently observed in stroke survivors and may influence fatigue levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mediating role of sleepiness-related functional status (SFS) in the relationship between sleep quality and fatigue severity.
• To examine the associations between various sleep parameters and fatigue in subacute stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 50 subacute stroke survivors.
• Utilized validated questionnaires: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Functional Outcome of the Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Main Results:

• Sleepiness-related functional status (SFS) significantly mediated the link between fatigue severity and sleep problems.
• Poor sleep quality (PSQI) and insomnia severity (ISI) were associated with increased fatigue (FSS), partly through functional status (FOSQ).
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS) also indirectly impacted fatigue severity via functional status.

Conclusions:

• Fatigue and sleep disturbances are closely interconnected in subacute stroke survivors.
• The findings highlight the importance of assessing and managing sleep issues, including daytime sleepiness, to alleviate post-stroke fatigue.
• Targeting sleep quality and daytime sleepiness may offer novel therapeutic strategies for managing PSF.