Influence of Pelvic Floor Disorders on Sleep Quality in Women

Abstract

Pelvic floor disorders, the impact of their symptoms, and their association with sleep quality and sleep disorders is a little studied area. The aim of this study was to determine if an association exists between pelvic floor disorders in women and sleep disorders. An observational study was conducted among women in Spain during 2021 and 2022. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and employment data, previous medical history and health status, lifestyle and habits, obstetric history, and health problems. A validated questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), was used to assess the quality of sleep. The presence and impact of pelvic floor problems was assessed with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20). Odds ratios (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression. A total of 1396 women participated in the study. The total PSQI indicated that 75.36% (1052) of women have altered general sleep quality. Women with pelvic floor disorders have a higher probability of developing sleep alterations (aOR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.22–1.42; for every 20 points). A high BMI (aOR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01–1.07; for each point) and the presence of musculoskeletal disorders (aOR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.20–8.27) are also associated with sleep quality in women. Women with pelvic floor disorders are more likely to develop sleep disorders, probably due to all the discomfort they entail.

Keywords

• pelvic floor dysfunction
• sleep quality
• women’s health