Poor sleep quality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients frequently complain of poor sleep quality, but the factors responsible for disturbed sleep are not well identified.

To determine the frequency of poor sleep quality and to investigate the demographic, clinical, and spirometric factors impacting sleep quality in COPD patients.

A descriptive, cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted in department 1 of Abderrahmane Mami Hospital of Ariana from January to June 2022 including COPD patients followed up at the external consultation. After their oral consent, all patients answered the questionnaire assessing sleep quality: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Poor sleep quality was defined by a PSQI score≥5.

The mean age was 66 years, with a sex ratio of 24. Our study included 100 patients. We counted 68 patients with comorbidities at admission. The most frequently reported comorbidity was arterial hypertension. A mean PSQI score was 6.59. Poor sleep quality was noted in 63% of the patients. The patients with arterial hypertension had significantly more impaired sleep quality (p=0.031). Chronic sputum was significantly associated with poor sleep quality (p<0.001). A CAT score≥ 10 was associated with poor sleep quality (p<0.001). The percentage of patients with significantly impaired sleep quality who belonged to group D was 65% (p<0.001). Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with GOLD stage 4 (p=0.039) and lower spirometry data (p=0.001 for FEV1).

Poor sleep quality is frequent in COPD patients. It is associated with more severe disease. This calls for early diagnosis of sleep disorders and early initiation of adequate treatment.