Sleep Disorders and Chronic Constipation: Relation to Other Co-morbidities?

Sleep disorders are common complaints and frequently associated with a number of disease states. Although the link between sleep disorders, respiratory diseases, and other co-morbid conditions experienced by patients has been investigated, the link between sleep disorders and chronic constipation is relatively unexplored. Given the widespread oc- currence of sleep disorders, it is important to evaluate how sleep disorders relate to respiratory diseases and other co- morbid disease states in participants with chronic constipation. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify co-morbid conditions that were significant predictors for chronic constipation participants with and without sleep disorders. Of the 311 participants with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic constipation, 84% of the sample was female with 52% having sleep disorders, approximately two-thirds reported allergies, and 30% or less reported chronic sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results from logistic regression analysis revealed significant odds ratios for sleep disorders and allergies (OR 2.4; p = 0.001), asthma (OR 2.0; p = 0.01), chronic bronchitis (OR 2.2; p = 0.014), COPD (OR 4.0; p < 0.001), sinusitis (OR 2.0; p = 0.008), and for other co-morbid conditions. Perceptions of overall health were significantly worse (p < 0.001) for chronic constipation participants with certain co-morbid conditions including sleep disorders, respiratory diseases, and disease states producing pain. Co-morbid conditions may influence in- formation provided by patients when discussing family history, diagnosing, discussing pharmacotherapy, and monitoring patient-reported outcomes. Co-morbid conditions should be considered by physicians and specialists during patient as- sessment and evaluation. Keyword: Allergic disease, upper respiratory, insomnia, Constipation, Co-morbid conditions, diagnosis, clinical evaluation.