Sleep quality predicts quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

PurposeChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients may suffer from poor sleep and health-related quality of life. We hypothesized that disturbed sleep in COPD is correlated with quality of life.MethodsIn 180 patients with COPD (forced expired volume in 1 second [FEV1] 47.6 ± 15.2% predicted, 77.8% male, aged 65.9 ± 11.7 years), we administered general (Health Utilities Index 3) and disease-specific (St George’s Respiratory) questionnaires and an index of disturbed sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index).ResultsOverall scores indicated poor general (Health Utilities Index 3: 0.52 ± 0.38), disease- specific (St George’s: 57.0 ± 21.3) quality of life and poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh 11.0 ± 5.4). Sleep time correlated with the number of respiratory and anxiety symptoms reported at night. Seventy-seven percent of the patients had Pittsburg scores >5, and the median Pittsburgh score was 12. On multivariate regression, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was an independent predictor of both the Health Utilities Index 3 and the St George’s scores, accounting for 3% and 5%, respectively, of the scores. Only approximately 25% of the patients demonstrated excessive sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale >9).ConclusionsMost patients with COPD suffer disturbed sleep. Sleep quality was correlated with general and disease-specific quality of life. Only a minority of COPD patients complain of being sleepy.

Symptom burden in stable COPD patients with moderate or severe airflow limitation

“…Patients with mild to moderate airflow limitations are more likely to report insomnia and difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep compared with the general population 43 . Poor sleep is associated with lower quality of life in patients with severe airflow limitation 44 . However, patients with COPD report that support from healthcare providers is rare concerning sleeping difficulties 45 .…”

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Improves Subjective Sleep Quality in COPD

“…1 In previous studies, 61-75% of patients with COPD had poor sleep quality. [2][3][4] Another study suggested that poor sleep quality happens in these patients regardless of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification of COPD. 4 Even those with mild-to-moderate COPD have poor sleep quality.…”

“…[2][3][4] Another study suggested that poor sleep quality happens in these patients regardless of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification of COPD. 4 Even those with mild-to-moderate COPD have poor sleep quality. 5 However, poor sleep quality is frequently ignored by physicians in the management of COPD.…”

Respiratory symptoms are more common among short sleepers independent of obesity

“…28 Furthermore, patients with COPD often experience sleep problems that lead to impaired quality of life. 29 We have previously reported an association between asthma and reduced sleep quality and increased daytime sleepiness, 30 31 and an association between asthma and short sleep duration was recently reported in a large sample of Korean females, aged 19-29 years. 32 Others have reported similar associations in children.…”