A study of sleep quality and its correlates in end-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis

Background: Poor sleep quality is reported to be frequent in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on haemodialysis. The aim of this study was to assess sleep quality and its predictors among haemodialysis patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 70 consecutively recruited ESRD patients on haemodialysis, who were assessed for sleep quality and sleep disorders by administering Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin Questionnaire for sleep apnoea, and International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group rating scale. Depression and anxiety were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory II and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale respectively. Sleep quality and its association with sleep disorders, psychological and sociodemographic factors were studied. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 46.2±9.42 years, most of the patients were males (65.7%), literate (55.8%), married (82.8%), Hindu by religion (82.8%), hypertensive (81.4%), and diabetic (30%). 65.7% of the sample were classified as poor sleepers. There was a statistically significant difference between poor sleepers and good sleepers in terms of severity of anxiety, increasing age, having comorbid anxiety and depression, and having a high risk of sleep apnoea. The severity of anxiety and increasing age were found to be independent predictors of poor sleep quality. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality was frequent among haemodialysis patients and it correlated with severity of anxiety and increasing age in the present study. Assessment of sleep quality in all patients undergoing haemodialysis is necessary as poor sleep quality is associated with greater psychopathology.