Sleep quality predicts quality of life and mortality risk in haemodialysis patients: Results from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS).

Background. Poor sleep quality (SQ) affects many haemodialysis (HD) patients and could potentially predict their morbidity, mortality, quality of life (QOL) and patterns of medication use. Methods. Data on SQ were collected from 11 351 patients in 308 dialysis units in seven countries in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) between 1996 and 2001 through a patient self-reported SQ scale, ranging from 0 (worst) to 10 (best). A score of Results. Nearly half (49%) of patients experienced poor SQ. Mean SQ scores varied by country, ranging from 4.9 in Germany to 6.5 in Japan. Patients with poor SQ were more likely to be prescribed antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, narcotics, gastrointestinal (GI) medications, anti-asthmatics or hypnotics. Physical exercise at least once a week (vs P vs 10). The RR of mortality was 16% higher for HD patients with poor SQ. Conclusions. Poor SQ is common among HD patients in DOPPS countries and is independently associated with several QOL indices, medication use patterns and mortality. Assessment and management of SQ should be an important component of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]