Factors influencing sleep disturbances in patients staying in general departments

Aim: The main objective was to determine how hospitalized patients subjectively perceive sleep disturbances. The study also assessed the influence of selected factors (physiological, physical, environmental, and psychological) and clinical and demographic variables on sleep disruption. Design: A multicenter descriptive study. Methods: Conducted in seven Czech hospitals from February to May 2023, the study included 397 patients in general wards. Data were collected using a modified questionnaire on sleep disturbances, and the results were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. Results: The sample comprised 193 males (48.6 %) and 204 females (51.4%). Females reported more sleep disturbances than males (p = 0.023). Psychological and physical factors had a greater impact on females. Younger patients reported poorer sleep quality (p = 0.015). Pain was the strongest clinical factor that negatively affected sleep (Ra = 0.730). Environmental factors were the leading cause of sleep disturbance in patients (Ra = 0.836). The variability associated with all the factors studied (environmental, psychological, physiological, and physical) accounted for 97.6% of the total variability in sleep disturbance. Conclusion: Females and younger patients experienced more sleep disturbance. Pain and environmental factors were the primary causes of disrupted sleep. Differences were noted in the factors affecting sleep between genders.