Sleep Characteristics in Individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

TL;DR

People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome experience significant sleep disturbances, including shorter sleep duration and increased use of sleep aids.

Contribution

This study provides the first detailed analysis of sleep characteristics in individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Findings

65.3% of respondents slept fewer than 8 hours, and 26.2% averaged fewer than 6 hours.

67.5% of subjects had a sleep latency of more than 30 minutes.

41.4% of patients regularly used prescription medication to aid sleep.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The presence of Ehlers–Danlos Syndromes (EDSs) has significant effects on overall health and results in varying levels of pain and disability. The effects of sleep are not well documented in this population. The purpose of this study is to report the sleep characteristics of people with EDS. Methods: An electronic survey regarding sleep characteristics was created and distributed through the EDS website. Results: Sleep disturbance is common in people with EDS, with 65.3% of respondents sleeping fewer than 8 h and 26.2% averaging fewer than 6 h. Those who slept fewer than 6 h reported more days of poor mental and physical health days. Sleep aids were commonly used with 41.40% of patients regularly taking prescription medication to get to sleep. Sleep latency of greater than 30 min was also found in 67.5% of subjects. Conclusions: The results demonstrate an association between people with EDS and poorer sleep duration, increased sleep latency, and increased use of sleep aids including prescription sleep medication compared to the general population. While more research needs to be completed in this area, sleep may be an important aspect to address in the management of EDS.