Assessment of impact of stress on objectively and subjectively measured sleep quality in the working population

Abstract

Introduction Stress is ubiquitous and has a multidirectional impact on our health. One of the most visible problems caused by stress is sleep disturbance. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of subjectively assessed stress on objectively and subjectively measured sleep quality and somnolence. Material and methods 179 healthy adults aged 25–60 were examined using survey and actigraphy methods. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and MotionWatch 8 dream recorders with MotionWare software were used. The data were analysed using Statistica 13.3 software. Results Increased sleepiness was observed in 7.8% of the population, moderate in 15.1%, poor sleep quality in 29.7%. The average intensity of stress oscillated around 3.1 pts on a 5-point scale. 27.4% had difficult and depressing problems in life, which only 45.5% of people could cope with. Stress significantly worsened the quality of sleep (PSQI) and the results of the actigraphy tests; difficult problems in life translated into a deterioration of sleep quality (PSQI), somnolence (ESS) and deterioration of the actigraphy record. The ability to cope with stress positively influenced the quality of sleep, the actigraphy record and reduced sleepiness. Conclusions Stress significantly worsens the quality of sleep, with a slight impact on daytime sleepiness. Questionnaire methods seem to be better than actigraphy to monitor the impact of stress on sleep quality. Due to the significant impact on sleep quality, it would be advisable to promote stress-coping methods as an effective method to prevent sleep disorders, especially among the working population.

Keywords

• stress
• sleep quality
• psqi
• ess
• actigraphy