Influence of sleep quality as a determining factor in morbidity, life habits and quality of life

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep quality is a key determinant of overall health and well-being, with direct implications for quality of life (QoL) and morbidity in the population.

Objective: Analyze the association between sleep quality, QoL and prevalence of chronic diseases in adults registered at health centers in Galicia.

Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample N=350 aged 35 to 74. Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle variables were collected, and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh test, as well as QoL using the EQ-5D, VAS, and SF-12 questionnaires. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed.

Results: 53.4%(95% CI: 48;58.8) of the sample were women, median age of 54 years (IQR: 18). 40%(95% CI: 34.7; 45.3) reported poor sleep quality, with this percentage being higher in women. 18.8%(95% CI: 14.6; 23.1) reported frequent use of sleep medication. The median number of hours of sleep was 6.5 (IQR: 1), with an efficiency of 87.5%. A significant association was observed between poor sleep quality and lower scores on QoL indices (EQ-5D, VAS, SF-12), as well as a more negative overall perception of health. Poor sleep quality was associated with a higher prevalence of affective disorders 23.4%(17.5; 29.4) and diabetes mellitus 11.5%(6.9; 16), but not with cardiovascular disease or lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption, physical activity, or adherence to a Mediterranean diet.

Conclusions: Poor sleep quality is significantly associated with a poorer QoL, especially in the physical and mental spheres, and with a higher prevalence of psychological and metabolic morbidity.