Prevalence and structure of sleep disorders in neurological, psychiatric and somatic hospitals

Background. Today it is well known that the structure of sleep disorders and frequency of complaints about sleep disorders depend on the diseases profile. Emotional and behavioral features of patients with different disease profile are important factors affecting the development of sleep disorders.

Aim. To estimate difference of sleep disorders according to the profile of the disease and to assess the emotional and psychological factors that may influence sleep disorders.

Materials and methods. A total of 300 patients participated in the study: 100 from every department (neurological, psychiatric and pulmonological). To assess the quality of sleep Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used; data from the Spielberger anxiety scale, a 5-factor personality questionnaire, and a questionnaire for evaluating coping strategies (coping strategies) were used to assess personal and emotional factors.

Results. Patients from the psychotherapeutic group appeared to be more likely to complain of sleep disorders in general. They also had an average Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score higher than patients from neurological and somatic hospitals. In the group of patients with a neurological profile loud snoring is more often reason for sleep disturbing. Awakenings due to difficulties in breathing were more often detected in the group of somatic profile. Situational and personal anxiety influenced the structure of sleep disorders regardless of the disease profile.

Conclusion. The use of various coping strategies has the greatest impact on the presence of sleep disorders in the group of patients with a somatic profile, to a lesser extent – in the group of neurological profile.