Correlation of objective and subjective sleep parameters with fatigue and depression in kidney transplant recipients

Sleep quality in kidney transplant recipients is closely associated with symptoms of fatigue and depression. Although subjective assessment tools like the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) are widely used to evaluate sleep quality, there is a lack of studies utilizing polysomnography for objective evaluation. This study aims to investigate the correlation between sleep quality, fatigue, and depression in kidney transplant recipients using both subjective and objective methods, providing scientific evidence for improving their quality of life.

The cross-sectional study conveniently sampled 50 kidney transplant recipients from a transplant center in a general hospital between August 2018 and March 2020. Subjective and objective sleep parameters were evaluated using the RCQS and polysomnography, respectively. The Fatigue Severity Scale was used to assess fatigue, and the Hamilton Depression Scale was employed to measure depression levels.

A lower proportion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was associated with increased fatigue. Additionally, higher wake time percentages and poorer sleep quality were significantly correlated with greater depression severity.

This study underscores the critical importance of effectively managing sleep quality in kidney transplant recipients and addressing their fatigue and depression symptoms. These findings lay a foundation for developing targeted nursing and therapeutic strategies.