Evaluation of sleep disorders, anxiety and depression in women with dysmenorrhea

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to evaluate sleep disorders in dysmenorrhea patients and investigate the relationship between sleep disorders and anxiety and depression levels in these patients. This cross-sectional study included 55 primary dysmenorrhea patients who were admitted to the emergency department as well as 47 healthy control subjects. All participants were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Berlin Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Presence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) was evaluated according to International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria. Primary dysmenorrhea patients had significantly higher ISI, PSQI overall and ESS scores compared to the control group (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, p = 0.007, respectively). While 20% of primary dysmenorrhea patients met RLS criteria, this rate was 4.3% in the control group (p = 0.017). Sleep quality was significantly correlated with severity of pain, anxiety, and depression in primary dysmenorrhea patients (r = 0.409, p < 0.001; r = 0.527, p < 0.001; r = 0.567, p < 0.001; respectively). This study demonstrates increased rates of sleep disorders in dysmenorrhea patients. Furthermore, our results are indicative that sleep disorders in primary dysmenorrhea patients are induced by both physiological and psychological factors.