Sleep disturbances associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: prevalence and impact of treatment in French primary care patients.

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of sleep disturbances in French patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and the impact of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease treatment on sleep.

Methods: A registry was compiled of all gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients seen during a 2-week period by 1983 French primary care physicians. Data from the first two patients with nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-related sleep disturbances seen by each physician were derived from physician questionnaires and medical records. These patients completed a questionnaire during the initial consultation and after 1-month treatment.

Results: A total of 33,391 patients were included in the study: physician questionnaires were available for 3269 patients and patient questionnaires for 2876. Nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms were reported by 21,337 patients (63.9%) and regular (at least once weekly) gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-related sleep disturbances by 19,313 (61.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms, use of hypnotic drugs, and age over 50 years were significant independent predictors of sleep disturbances. The proportion of patients reporting at least one nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptom during the previous week decreased following treatment, from 98.8% to 39.3% (P<0.001).

Conclusions: Nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms are common in the French population and are associated with sleep disturbances. Effective treatment can significantly improve sleep duration and quality.