Insomnia Symptoms and Menstrual Health: Is There a Link in Women During Reproductive Phase of Life?

Author(s)

Ishikura, Isabela A. ; Porcacchia, Allan Saj ; Hachul, Helena ; Tufik, Sergio ; Andersen, Monica L.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BEHAVIORAL SLEEP MEDICINE; v. 22, n. 5, p. 9-pg., 2024-06-01.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the association between insomnia severity symptoms and menstrual health, fatigue and anxiety symptoms in women at reproductive age. Method: We used data from EPISONO (2007), an epidemiological study from the city of S & atilde;o Paulo, Brazil. Women completed the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to obtain information about insomnia, fatigue, and anxiety symptoms. For menstrual health, we collected information using our Institutional Women's Questionnaire about menstrual flow and duration, the presence of pain during menstruation and menstrual cycle regularity. The statistical analysis was performed using ordinal logistic regression, considering p < .05. Results: Of the 1,042 participants, only 282 women met the inclusion criteria to participate in this study. The mean age was 34.4 years (SD +/- 8.36), and the body mass index (BMI) was 25.7 (SD +/- 5.39). According to the model, a 1-unit higher CFS score increased the odds of having more insomnia symptoms in the ISI (OR = 1.170; 95% CI=[1.073; 1.279]; p < .001). In the same way, a 1-unit higher BAI score increased the chance of presenting insomnia symptoms, according to the ISI (OR = 1.072; 95% CI=[1.042; 1.104]; p < .001). The menstrual variables did not represent statistical significance in the model. Conclusions: Fatigue and anxiety symptoms were associated with insomnia symptoms; however, no association was observed between menstrual health and insomnia. The need to examine sleep when there are sleep complaints is essential to provide an accurate diagnosis that facilitates appropriate treatment and to provide better sleep quality for women. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/13467-8 - The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and its comorbidities with the intestinal microbiome: interface with sexuality and reproductive function
• Grantee: Monica Levy Andersen
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/05920-7 - Evaluation of the association between obstructive sleep apnea and prostate-specific antigen in the epidemiologic sleep study of São Paulo (EPISONO - 4th edition)
• Grantee: Allan Saj Porcacchia
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)