Self-Reported Sleep Disturbances and Daytime Complaints in Women with Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objectives: Various sleep and related daytime complaints are frequent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [RA]- and fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS], but also in the general population. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of these symptoms in the two patient groups to a control population. Methods: Forty-four women with RA, 43 with FMS and 756 normal women [NC] completed a standardized questionnaire on various questions regarding sleep, musculoskeletal, cognitive and mood complaints. Data from the 2 patient groups were compared to the answers given by the normal subjects. Results: Difficulties falling asleep, frequent and early awakening and non-restorative sleep were prevalent in patients compared to NC. Eighty-three percent of FMS, 55% of RA patients and 19% of NC reported tiredness all day. Most patients took daytime naps, but only 14% of FMS and 38% of RA patients felt refreshed after these. Consumption of hypnotics was 33% in FMS and 15% in RA, compared to 6% of NC. More than 80% of pati...