The Relationship Between Pruritus Severity and Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background: Pruritus is a frequently encountered problem in patients undergoing hemodialysis and may negatively affect sleep quality. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between pruritus and sleep quality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Between June and December 2025, 150 patients receiving treatment at dialysis centers in Istanbul who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using an information form to determine the patients’ sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics, the 5-D Itch Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: A positive association was found between the total pruritus score and several dimensions of sleep quality, including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction (p < 0.05). Higher scores for the impact of pruritus on daily life (disability), duration, course, and severity of pruritus were associated with poorer sleep quality. In the multiple regression analysis, gender, income level, duration of diagnosis, smoking status, and pruritus severity were significantly associated with PSQI scores. The model explained 38.3% of the variance in PSQI scores. Conclusions: Pruritus severity was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality and greater impairment in daily life. Sociodemographic characteristics were also associated with sleep quality. Therefore, a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of patients may be important in managing pruritus and sleep disturbances.