Sleep health association with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis: Systematic review of population-based studies

Introduction

Poor sleep health is frequent among people with three common diseases that may co-occur: asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD). However, few studies have assessed sleep health in people with coexisting diseases. The aims of this review were to systematically summarise: the proportion of people with asthma, or AR or AD, who have sleep disorders; and the evidence on the association of sleep health with these diseases in general populations.

Methods

We searched three databases (Medline, Web of Science and Google Scholar) for population-based studies regarding the association between sleep health, asthma, AR, or AD published by May 2023. After a systematic review of the studies, we summarised the evidence including the most prevalent sleep outcomes according to four groups of exposure: 1) asthma; 2) AR; 3) AD and 4) coexisting diseases.

Results

A total of 20 studies were identified of which one used coexisting diseases as main exposure. The majority of the selected studies were of fair quality. The most frequently assessed outcomes were nocturnal sleep-related dysfunctions (e.g. insomnia) and daytime sleep-related dysfunctions (e.g. daytime sleepiness). High proportions of sleep disorders were found among people with asthma, AR or AD. We found significant evidence that people with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis had impaired sleep health.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights the need for methodologically robust population-based studies focused on the assessment of sleep outcomes among people with three diseases that may co-occur.