Relation between sleep-associated parameters and emotional status among Kaunas citizens’

Abstract

Objectives. Poor sleep quality is a frequent problem among individuals with mental health difficulties, with reported prevalence rates of up to 78 % in inpatient and outpatient populations. The objective of this study was to investigate how the subjective sleep quality and level of sleepiness are related to depression and anxiety levels among Kaunas citizens. Materials and methods. This observational study was performed in Kaunas, the 2nd largest city in Lithuania. 87 (35 men) randomly chosen participants with the mean age of 41.4 (15.5) filled in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results. The average scores of PSQI, ESS and HADS did not differ significantly between men and women. Out of 87 analysed cases, the average score of ESS was 5.43 (3.9). Excessive sleepiness (ESS >10) was noticed in 11 (12.6 %) cases. The mean of PSQI was 6.49 (3.3). PSQI > 5, that shows worse subjective sleep quality and allows to suspect sleep disorders was found in 48 (55.2 %) cases. The average of HADS anxiety score was 6.4 (3.9). Higher HADS anxiety scores (score 8-10) was found in 15 (17,2 %) persons. The mean of HADS depression score was 4.1 (3.4). Borderline abnormal (score 8-10) depressiveness was noticed in 12 participants (13.8 %). Abnormal condition (score 11- 21) was found in 3 (3. 4 %) people. Significant correlation between ESS score and anxiety level (p < 0.01), ESS score and depression level (p < 0.01), PSQI score and anxiety level (p < 0.01), PSQI score and depression level (p < 0.01) and PQSI and ESS scores (p < 0,015) were observed. Conclusions. Worse subjective sleep quality and excessive sleepiness are related to higher levels of depression and anxiety among Kaunas citizens.