The Association between Sleep and Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed with Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid disorders are frequently associated with sleep problems, and quality of life is adversely affected at the same time. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sleep problems on quality of life in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH). METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed with patients presenting on an outpatient basis to two separate clinics in the internal diseases department of a training and research hospital between February and July 2021. The study population consisted of 103 patients. p values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 44.46+-14.12 years, and the mean duration of disease was 7.01+-4.90 years. The participants' total Rolls Royce Quality of Life score mean was 104.99+-18.48, and the mean PSQI total score was 7.11+-3.75. A moderate negative correlation was observed between the participants' mean Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and mean cognitive function, social relationships and quality of life scores. According to the linear regression analysis performed to examine the effect of sleep quality on quality of life, 10% of the change in the quality of life is explained by sleep quality. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this study, the quality of life of the participants was below moderate, and it was determined that the impairment of sleep quality adversely affected the quality of life. Since sleep quality affects the quality of life in patients followed up with subclinical hypothyroidism, sleep assessment is recommended. In addition, it is recommended to take initiatives to increase sleep quality and to investigate different factors affecting the quality of life.

Keywords

• quality of life
• sleep
• subclinical hypothyroidism.