Dysfunctional sleep in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders Journal Article


Authors: LaVela, S. L.; Burns, S. P.; Goldstein, B; Miskevics, S; Smith, B; Weaver, F M
Article Title: Dysfunctional sleep in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders
Abstract: Study design:Cross-sectional survey of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).Objectives:To describe sleep dysfunction (independent of sleep apnea) in persons with traumatic and non-traumatic SCI/D, and to examine characteristics and health outcomes independently associated with sleep dysfunction unrelated to sleep apnea.Setting:Seven Veterans Affairs SCI care facilities in the United States.Methods:Mailed cross-sectional survey with follow-up calls completed by end of 2008. Bivariate analyses to compare measures outcomes in persons with SCI/D who were dysfunctional sleepers vs those who were not. Multivariate logistic regression used to identify variables independently associated with dysfunctional sleep in veterans with SCI/D.Results:Overall, 49% of the sample had sleep dysfunction unrelated to sleep apnea. In this subgroup, bivariate analyses showed that a greater proportion of dysfunctional sleepers than non-dysfunctional sleepers were current smokers, had problems with drinking alcohol, hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and problematic weight gain. Variables independently associated with higher odds of dysfunctional sleep included white race, being a current smoker, problems with drinking alcohol, asthma, COPD and problematic weight gain.Conclusion:Consistent with epidemiological evidence for the general population, we found significant associations of sleep dysfunction with weight gain, smoking, alcohol misuse and select chronic conditions (COPD, asthma). Sustained sleep dysfunction may contribute to health deterioration and mortality, highlighting the need to address the high prevalence of sleep dysfunction (independent of sleep apnea) in persons with SCI/D. In particular, efforts aimed at modifying problematic weight gain, alcohol misuse and smoking are warranted in this cohort to improve sleep.
Journal Title: Spinal cord
Volume: 50
Issue: 9
ISSN: 1476-5624; 1362-4393
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2012
Start Page: 682
End Page: 685
Language: English
DOI/URL:
Notes: ID: 12539; JS: Allied Health; JS: Biomedical; JS: Europe; JS: Expert Peer Reviewed; JS: Online/Print; JS: Peer Reviewed; JS: UK Ireland; GI: This material is based on work supported by the Office of Research and Development, Health Services Research and Development Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs.; EM: 20120921