The Association Between Sleep Quality and Arrhythmia Symptoms in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in a Tertiary...

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia globally, causing a major burden on many determinants of quality of life, including sleep quality. The aims of the study were to describe sleep quality in a sample of patients with AF in a tertiary center in Lebanon, examine associations between sleep quality and the number and discomfort level of AF symptoms, and identify the predictors of sleep quality in these patients.

This was a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study conducted at the cardiology clinics of a tertiary center in Lebanon. A sample of patients with AF were assessed for their heart rhythm, and interviewed for sleep quality and symptoms using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Patient's Perspective of Arrhythmia Questionnaire.

One hundred and forty-four patients participated in the study. The majority of the sample (91%) suffered from poor sleep quality. The most prevalent AF symptoms were fatigue, dyspnea, heart flutter, and headache, whereas the most bothersome symptoms were fatigue, chest pressure, and dizziness. Most symptoms and their discomfort level were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. The number of symptoms, discomfort level of symptoms, intake of caffeine before bedtime, and history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independent predictors of poor sleep quality.

Healthcare professionals need to manage the symptoms of patients with AF, regularly assess the quality of their sleep, and provide interventions accordingly. Future studies need to test the effect of symptom management interventions on sleep quality in these patients.