Factors associated with sleep disorders in chronic haemodialysis patients: an analytical cross-sectional study at the National Teaching Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou, Benin

Abstract

Context and objective. Sleep disorders (SD) in hemodialysis patients are frequent and disabling. The aim was to investigate factors associated with SD in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods. This was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out in the Hubert Koutoukou Maga hospital in Cotonou, Benin, between April 1 and July 31, 2022. SD included insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea syndrome and restless legs syndrome. SD were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index, the Epworth Scale, the STOP BANG questionnaire and the International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Scale, as appropriate. Results. A total of 194 patients (mean age 49.3 ±12.9 years, male sex 61.7%) were examined. High blood pressure was predominant (95.36%). Length of time on dialysis was < 5 years (33.33%). The proportion of patients on twice-weekly sessions was 84.15%. The frequency of SD was 94.33%. The frequency of sleep apnea syndrome and excessive daytime sleepiness was 81.42% and 69.40%, respectively. Insomnia and restless legs syndrome were encountered in 48.09% and 29.51%, respectively. Factors associated with SD were age > 50 years (p=0.03; aOR 9.48; CI [1.12; 79.72]) and a hemoglobin level ≥ 10 g/dl (p=0.02; aOR 0.21; CI [0.05; 0.84]). Conclusion. SD are very frequent and multiple in dialysis patients, particularly in elderly subjects and those without anemia. Integrated management would improve patients' quality of life.

Received: May 23rd, 2024
Accepted: May 2nd, 2025

https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/aamed.v18i3.11