Perceived Stress and Quality of Sleep in Patients on Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease remains a prevalent global health concern, necessitating effective renal replacement therapies such as hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Beyond the physiological challenges, these patients often grapple with profound psychosocial burdens, particularly concerning stress perception and sleep disturbances. In recent years, the intricate relationship between perceived stress and sleep quality among patients undergoing hemodialysis has garnered substantial attention within the medical community.
Methods: About 38 participants above 18 years of age with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis of ≥3 months, undergoing hemodialysis at least two times a week, were taken as subjects for the study. The perceived stress scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, and insomnia severity index were used to assess perceived stress, quality of sleep, and insomnia, respectively.
Results: Among the participants, 60.5% reported high perceived stress, while 34.2% had moderate stress. Approximately half of the study sample suffered clinically significant insomnia of moderate severity. A significant association was observed between perceived stress and insomnia ((p = 0.04), poor sleep quality, and clinically severe insomnia (p = 0.0001) in our sample of patients on hemodialysis.
Conclusion: Our results highlighted the complex interplay between stress, sleep quality, and insomnia among hemodialysis patients emphasizing the need to focus on a more comprehensive assessment while exploring interventions to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for this specific patient population.