Sleep alterations in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus and chronic pain

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with chronic pain, insomnia is reported between 50 and 88% of them. It is essential to recognize sleep disorders to estimate its repercussions on the quality of life and to seek knowledge that supports the necessary interventions. This study aims to identify the possible factors that influence sleep quality, as well as its prevalence in these patients. METHODS: Sample consisting of 68 patients (58 women, 10 men), the mean age of 45.3±10.3 years, with a positive diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus undergoing antiretroviral and chronic pain treatment in Porto Alegre, RS. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess the components of the scale as well as their overall score. For the classification of the type of chronic pain, the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs scale was used, which differentiates nociceptive and neuropathic pain. RESULTS: Patients classified with no pain, nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Overall score divided into good sleep, bad sleep and sleep disorder, where patients without pain accounted for 8.8%, 16.2 and 2.9% respectively. With nociceptive pain 4.4, 11.8 and 5.9%, respectively. With neuropathic pain 4.4, 23.5 and 22.1% respectively. Patients with neuropathic pain had the highest rates of poor sleep and sleep disorder, accounting for 50.0% and using more sleeping pills compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of sleep disorders or poor sleep in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus with neuropathic pain. The importance of assessing the sleep as an essential part of the clinical assessment should be recognized and incorporated without delay by health professionals.