Publication:

Comprehensive study of insomnia and its association with specific burn characteristics: an experience from a tertiary care centre in North-West India

Background Burn injuries are devastating, sudden and unpredictable forms of trauma which affect the victims both physically and psychologically. Recent advances in medical management have drastically decreased mortality rates of burn patients. There is a significant relationship between acute burn pain and sleep. Alteration in sleep patterns are commonly seen in post burn patients. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of insomnia in burn patients compared with a group of adequately matched controls; to determine risk factors associated with insomnia; to study the quality of sleep in post burn patients compared with a group of adequately matched controls.

Methods Sleep quality in post burn patients was analyzed and measured with the help of Pittsburg sleep quality index questionnaire and compared with a group of adequately matched controls. Post burn patients experienced prolonged and long lasting pain which is assessed with visual analogue scale. Data were tabulated and analyzed statistically using univariate and multivariate analysis (chi square test, odds ratio, Binary logistic regression).

Results The relationship between post burn patients with changed sleep architecture and pain was found to be statistically significant. Other important parameters were also evaluated and discussed.

Conclusions Post burn patients are more prone for disturbed sleep patterns. Any variation in sleep patterns and quality is significantly related to pain experienced by the post burn patients, thus this problem should be evaluated and analyzed meticulously.