[Diurnal consequence of insomnia: impact on quality of life]

Abstract

Insomnia is not only a disease of sleep, it has also daily consequences: fatigue, irritability, impaired daytime functioning. These complaints are regent reported by the patients, however the objective tests assessing alertness in insomnia are usually not impaired when compared with good sleepers. We wanted to appreciate more accurately the daily consequences of insomnia, in terms of quality of life. 240 severe insomniacs (according to the DSM-IV criterias) and 391 good sleepers received a questionnaire on quality of life items. Depressed and anxious patients were excluded from this group. The questionnaire was built by a multidisciplinary group, based on insomniac's interviews. It was primarily tested in a small sample and then proposed in the entire group. Insomniac's quality of life appeared to be significantly impaired in comparison with good sleepers. They experienced more fatigue and more sleepiness during the daytime. They reported more attention disorders and memory complaints. They seemed to be more irritable and sensitive to the environment. At work they made more mistakes and had more sic leave. They also had poorer relationships with relatives and family than good sleepers.