Exploring Associations Between Dysphagia and Insomnia: Results From the 2022 National Health Interview Survey

Purpose: We explored associations between self-reported swallowing and sleep problems (dysphagia and insomnia, respectively) in a nationally representative sample in the United States. Method: We analyzed data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey. Multinomial logistic regression models examined the odds of insomnia among adults reporting dysphagia. The models were adjusted for relevant demographic and clinical factors. Population-based estimates were also calculated. Results: The weighted prevalences of dysphagia and insomnia symptoms were 6.2% (95% CI [5.84, 6.52]) and 49.2% (95% CI [48.5, 49.9]), respectively. Dysphagia was more common in individuals who were older; were female; have higher body mass index; have history of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COVID-19, dementia, myocardial infarction, and stroke; and reported more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms. Individuals with dysphagia had higher odds of reporting trouble falling asleep some days (adjusted odds ratio [ OR ] = 1.35, p < .0001), most days (adjusted OR = 1.59, p < .0001), and every day (adjusted OR = 1.31, p = .0291) compared to those who never having trouble falling asleep. When compared to those who never had trouble staying asleep, those with dysphagia had higher odds of reporting trouble staying asleep some days (adjusted OR = 1.29, p = .002), most days (adjusted OR = 1.74, p < .0001), and every day (adjusted OR = 1.45, p = .0006). Lastly, for individuals who reported dysphagia, there were higher odds of reported never waking up feeling rested (adjusted OR = 2.25, p < .0001) and only some days feeling rested (adjusted OR = 1.93, p < .0001) compared to those who woke up feeling rested every day. Conclusion: Population estimates indicate that individuals with dysphagia symptoms are at greater risk of insomnia. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.30128671