Evaluation of Sleep Disorders in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

 Objective: To assess the prevalence of sleep disorders in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Study Design and Setting: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted over six months (1st August 2024 to 31st January 2025) at the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) General Hospital, Islamabad.

Methodology: A total of 200 adult patients with CKD (stages 3 to 5) were enrolled. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), daytime sleepiness with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and restless leg syndrome (RLS) using IRLSSG diagnostic criteria. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with t-tests and chi-square tests applied where appropriate. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Among the 200 participants, 84% had at least one sleep disorder. Poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was reported in 76%, excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10) in 39%, and RLS in 32%. Sleep disorders were significantly associated with dialysis status (p=0.006), CKD stage 5 (p=0.009), lower hemoglobin levels (p=0.001), higher serum phosphate (p=0.001), and reduced serum calcium levels (p=0.001). Dialysis patients had significantly worse PSQI and ESS scores compared to non-dialysis patients.

Conclusion: Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in CKD, particularly in dialysis and advanced-stage patients. The regular assessment and proactive management of associated factors, such as anemia and mineral imbalances, are critical to optimizing patient care.