Epidemiology and Burden of Sleep Disturbances in Atopic Dermatitis in US Adults.

Background: The relationship between atopic dermatitis (AD) severity, sleep disturbance (SD), and health-related outcomes is not fully elucidated.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of SD in adult AD and its relationship with AD severity and health outcomes among the US population.

Methods: A cross-sectional, US population-based survey study of 2893 adults was performed.

Results: Among adults meeting the UK Diagnostic Criteria for AD, 255 (40.7%) reported 1 or more, 67 (11.1%) reported 3 to 4, and 57 (9.5%) reported 5 to 7 nights of SD in the past week; 475 (79.7%) reported at least some trouble sleeping in the past 3 days. Moderate and severe Patient-Oriented Scoring AD, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, and Numeric Rating Scale-itch and Numeric Rating Scale-skin pain scores were associated with more severe SD compared with those without AD. More frequent and severe SDs were associated with higher Dermatology Life Quality Index, lower 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, and higher Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. Significant mediation by SD severity was observed between Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure and Numeric Rating Scale-itch with Dermatology Life Quality Index, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey physical and mental component scores, HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression scores, diagnosed anxiety, and heart disease.

Conclusions: Atopic dermatitis and AD severity are associated with SDs. Sleep disturbances considerably impact quality of life and other health outcomes in adults with AD.