Experience of sleep disruption in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: A focus group study

Hackett, Katie L, Deary, Vincent, Deane, Katherine HO ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0805-2708, Newton, Julia L, Ng, Wan-Fai and Rapley, Tim (2018) Experience of sleep disruption in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: A focus group study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81 (4). pp. 218-226. ISSN 0308-0226

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Abstract

Introduction: Primary Sjögren’s syndrome is the third most common systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease, following rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and results in dryness, fatigue, discomfort and sleep disturbances. Sleep is relatively unexplored in primary Sjögren’s syndrome. We investigated the experiences of sleep disturbances from the viewpoint of primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients and their partners and explored the acceptability of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. Method: We used focus groups to collect qualitative data from 10 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome and three partners of patients. The data were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes emerged from the data: (a) Experience of sleep disturbances; (b) variation and inconsistency in sleep disturbances; (c) the domino effect of primary Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms; (d) strategies to manage sleep; (e) acceptability of evidence-based techniques. Sleep disturbances were problematic for all patients, but specific disturbances varied between participants. These included prolonged sleep onset time and frequent night awakenings and were aggravated by pain and discomfort. Patients deployed a range of strategies to try and self-manage. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia was seen as an acceptable intervention, as long as a rationale for its use is given and it is tailored for primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Conclusion: Primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients described a range of sleep disturbances. Applying tailored, evidence-based sleep therapy interventions may improve sleep, severity of other primary Sjögren’s syndrome symptoms and functional ability.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: sleep,long-term conditions,qualitative research
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Dementia & Complexity in Later Life
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
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Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 29 Jan 2018 11:30
Last Modified: 19 Oct 2023 02:08
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/66114
DOI: 10.1177/0308022617745006

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