Sleep disturbances, fibromyalgia and primary Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association and prevalence of sleep disturbances and fibromyalgia (FM) in a group of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Methods: Sixty-five patients with pSS were investigated. A 10-point Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ) was completed focusing on sleep complaints. The same questionnaire was also used in three control groups: Group A-67 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Group B-53 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and sicca symptoms; Group C-31 patients with osteoarthritis. All patients with pSS were also studied fro the presence of FM.

Results: Moderate or severe sleep disturbances were reported by 49 out of 65 pSS patients (75%). This frequency was significantly higher than that reported by patients in the three control groups (p < 0.001). FM was present in 36 out of 65 pSS patients (55%) and was associated with sleep disturbances. FM or sleep disturbances were not associated with any clinical or laboratory parameters.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that sleep abnormalities and FM in pSS patients are frequent and their etiology might involve other mechanisms besides joint pain or sicca symptomatology.