Prevalence and Correlates of Sleep Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis found a pooled prevalence of sleep-related problems of 60.9% among rheumatoid arthritis patients in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Key associated factors included depression, pain, fatigue, female gender, and older age.

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Sleep disorders are common in RA, contributing to physical disability and psychological distress. Understanding the prevalence and correlates of sleep-related problems in this population is crucial for improving patient management.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The pooled prevalence of sleep-related problems in RA patients was 60.9%.
• Insomnia symptoms had a pooled prevalence of 58%.
• Obstructive sleep apnea-related measures had a pooled prevalence of 65%.
• Depression was the strongest associated factor with an odds ratio of 2.65.
• Other associated factors included pain (OR = 2.18), fatigue (OR = 1.91), female gender (OR = 1.67), and older age (OR = 1.42).

Clinical Implications

Routine screening for sleep-related problems in RA patients is recommended due to their high prevalence and association with other comorbidities. Multidisciplinary management strategies should be considered to address these issues effectively.

Conclusion

The findings highlight a significant burden of sleep-related problems among RA patients in the WHO EMRO region, necessitating further research and standardized diagnostic criteria.

Related Resources & Content

1. Conexiant, Conexiant, 2023 -- Sleep Disorders Linked to Higher RA Prevalence
2. Clinical Rheumatology, Clinical Rheumatology, 2020 -- An Examination of Sleep Patterns and Depression Among Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis
3. Clinical Rheumatology, Clinical Rheumatology, 2025 -- Nonlinear relationship between sleep midpoint and osteoarthritis
4. Clinical Rheumatology, Clinical Rheumatology, 2021 -- Frequency of Sleep Disturbances and Their Link to Disease Management in Individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis
5. Sleep disorders in rheumatoid arthritis: Incidence, risk factors and association with dementia - ScienceDirect
6. EULAR Guidelines for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
7. Practice Guidelines | American Academy of Sleep Medicine
8. Sleep disorders in rheumatoid arthritis: Incidence, risk factors and association with dementia - ScienceDirect