Inadequate sleep hygiene as a key factor in poor sleep quality in systemic sclerosis: an observational,...

This study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep hygiene and sleep quality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to compare the sleep hygiene and sleep quality outcomes across three distinct groups: SSc patients, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and healthy controls (HC). This study employed an observational, cross-sectional, and parallel group design. SSc-related and RA-related variables, depression and anxiety were assessed. Physical function and quality of life, pain and fatigue of SSc patients were also evaluated. Sleep quality using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and sleep hygiene using the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) were evaluated for all participants. Linear regression analysis was performed to show the relationship between the SHI scores and the other variables. Total PSQI and SHI scores were found to be significantly higher in SSc patients than in RA patients and HC. Fatigue, smoking, all SF-36 domains, depression and anxiety scores were associated with SHI scores in SSc patients. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, SSc patients exhibited 4.50 times higher odds (95% CI 2.165-9.353, p < 0.001) of experiencing poor sleep than RA patients and HC. In SSc patients, for every incremental increase in SHI score, the odds of poor sleep quality were 1.15 times higher (95% CI 1.093-1.220, p < 0.001). Sleep hygiene and sleep quality exhibit a more pronounced deterioration in SSc patients. Inadequate sleep hygiene is associated with compromised sleep quality in SSc. Therefore, improving sleep hygiene practices may be a key strategy to enhance the overall sleep quality in this population.