Evaluation of habitual sleep and factors influencing it in patients awaiting acute or planned abdominal surgery

Abstract

Background and aims: This study aimed to clarify the incidence and severity of habitual sleep disturbances in patients undergoing surgery. Methods: A survey was conducted to collect data in a cohort of patients awaiting abdominal surgery. The Insomnia Severity Index score was used as primary measurement, while the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were used as secondary measurements. Findings: Overall, 119 patients were included in the analysis. The habitual sleep in the study cohort revealed high incidence of sleep difficulties and insomnia. Female sex and incidence of anxiety and depression were significantly related to all three scores, while age and employment were associated with Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Insomnia Severity Index scores, respectively. Conclusions: Female sex, experiencing depression or anxiety had severe negative impact on sleep in patients scheduled for elective or planned surgery. The prevalence of sleep problems in patients should be considered for optimising sleep to improve rehabilitation and reduce stress associated with surgery.