Self-Reported Sleep Disturbances and Daytime Complaints in Women with Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Abstract
Objectives: Various sleep and related daytime complaints are frequent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [RA]- and fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS], but also in the general population. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of these symptoms in the two patient groups to a control population. Methods: Forty-four women with RA, 43 with FMS and 756 normal women [NC] completed a standardized questionnaire on various questions regarding sleep, musculoskeletal, cognitive and mood complaints. Data from the 2 patient groups were compared to the answers given by the normal subjects. Results: Difficulties falling asleep, frequent and early awakening and non-restorative sleep were prevalent in patients compared to NC. Eighty-three percent of FMS, 55% of RA patients and 19% of NC reported tiredness all day. Most patients took daytime naps, but only 14% of FMS and 38% of RA patients felt refreshed after these. Consumption of hypnotics was 33% in FMS and 15% in RA, compared to 6% of NC. More than 80% of patients reported morning pain and stiffness, but only half of the FMS patients had decreasing pain during daytime. Musculoskeletal pain symptoms were most prevalent in FMS. Only fibromyalgics reported significantly more neurological and cognitive complaints, as well as depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Sleep disturbances and several related complaints are prevalent in RA and FMS and may contribute to symptoms in rheumatic disorders.