Comparison of sleep quality in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study

Sleep quality is a key component of quality of life. In dialysis patients, it can be significantly affected by physical and emotional stress. Many dialysis patients experience sleep disturbances. This study aimed to evaluate sleep quality in dialysis patients and compare it between those undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD).

This observational, cross-sectional study compared sleep quality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients based on dialysis modality. Data were collected from adult patients undergoing chronic PD or HD for at least one year in the Nephrology Department of our hospital between December 26, 2024 to January 15, 2025. The study included 74 ESRD patients: 51 on HD and 23 on PD. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); a score ≥5 indicated poor sleep quality.

Poor sleep quality was observed in 56% of participants, consistent with previous research. No significant differences were found between HD and PD groups in overall sleep quality. Subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, efficiency, disturbances and use of sleep medication were similar in both groups. However, HD patients had significantly higher sleep latency and daytime dysfunction. Most patients with poor sleep quality were in the HD group.

While dialysis modality did not significantly affect overall sleep quality, HD patients experienced more issues with sleep latency and daytime dysfunction. These findings underscore the need to address sleep disturbances in dialysis care.