Sleep disorder increases risk of psychiatric disorder in burn survivors

Sleep plays a crucial role in the post-burn period, yet the relationship between sleep disturbances and psychological disorders following burn remains largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate this association and elucidate the role of sleep in the development of psychological disorders after burn injury.

Using the TriNetX database, a large, federated research network of de-identified patient data, we identified patients with burns and compared those who developed a first-time sleep disorder post-injury and those who did not. Cohorts were propensity-matched by age, gender, race, ethnicity, and total body surface area burned (TBSA). We evaluated new incidences of 26 psychological disorders, excluding patients with pre-existing mental disorders.

9.54 % of patients developed a first-time sleep disorder post-burn injury, with this group being older (43.9 ± 21.3 vs 30.2 ± 22.3, p < 0.001), predominately female (49.3 % vs. 45.4 %, p < 0.001), and more likely to be White (65.4 % vs. 53.9 %, p < 0.001). They exhibited a significantly increased risk of new psychological diagnoses such as eating disorders, 5.88 times higher, 95 % CI [4.85, 7.13] and obsessive-compulsive disorder, 3.77 times higher, 95 % CI [3.15, 4.52]. Anxiety-related disorders were also three times more likely in those with a new sleep disorder after burn (p < 0.05).

The emergence of new psychological diagnoses after burn is strongly associated with the onset of sleep disorders. These findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring sleep patterns in burn survivors, implementing environmental changes, and providing tailored treatment to optimize long-term outcomes.