Exploring the Factors Associated with Sleep Concerns and Perceived Need for Treatment among Patients with Sleep Disorders.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting patient perceptions of sleep concerns and the need for treatment to understand and enable effective management.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data collected between November 2018 and October 2022 at the sleep clinic of a tertiary hospital. Adults aged > 19 years who completed sleep questionnaires and polysomnography (PSG) were included. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between demographic, clinical, and social factors, sleep questionnaire responses, and PSG data with self-reported sleep concerns (n = 3,457) and perceived need for treatment(n = 3,135).

Results: Insomnia-related symptoms affect both sleep concerns and need for treatment, and sleep maintenance is the most influential factor in both sleep concerns (odds ratio[OR] = 19.74, 95% confidence interval[CI] 6.17-63.20) and need for treatment (OR = 3.84, 95% CI 2.19-6.73). Young age (OR = 2.66, 95% CI 1.38-5.12), employment status, and daily life dysfunction were determinants of treatment readiness. None of the PSG parameters showed an independent association with sleep concerns or need for treatment.

Conclusions: Sleep maintenance problems had the most profound effect on sleep concerns and the need for treatment. Social needs are key factors in seeking treatment. A discrepancy has been noted between the effects of subjective and objective factors on sleep concerns and the need for treatment; therefore, patient management should pay attention to subjective sleep complaints.