Sleep Problems and Kidney Transplantation: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Abstract

Objectives: Sleep problems are highly prevalent among kidney transplant recipients. In this bibliometric study, we aimed to map the global scientific output related to sleep problems in the context of kidney transplantation.

Materials and methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search on May 14, 2025, using the Web of Science Core Collection database. The search strategy included title -based key words ( "sleep" OR "insomnia" OR "sleep -related" OR "hypoventilation" OR "hypersomn*" OR "narcolepsy" OR "Kleine -Levin syndrome" OR "sleep -wake" OR "jet lag" OR "nightmare" OR "parasomnia" OR "confusional arousals" OR "exploding head syndrome" OR "restless legs syndrome" OR "periodic limb movement disorder" ). Only English -language publications were included, and no year restriction was applied. We retrieved 400 articles, with articles analyzed using VOSviewer software for bibliometric mapping and visualization.

Results: Co -authorship and co -citation analyses revealed collaborative networks and influential contributions in the field. Novak (2019 ) emerged as a key author with the strongest collaborative ties. Key word co -occurrence analysis highlighted significant thematic links, particularly between "renal transplantation" and "sleep quality" and between "kidney transplantation" and "sleep apnea." The American Journal of Kidney Diseases received the highest number of citations (n = 1146 ), followed by Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation (n =468 ). These 2 journals also demonstrated a strong co-citation relationship, underscoring their central role in disseminating research in this area. Highly cited studies included Eltzschig (2011 ) with 2611 citations and Younossi (2019 ) with 1506 citations. Bibliographic coupling revealed that Artom (2014 ) and Picerillo (2017 ) shared a significant degree of relatedness based on shared references.

Conclusions: Results indicated increasing scientific interest on sleep quality and sleep disorders. The results can inform future interdisciplinary research agendas, support clinical practice improvements, and guide health policy efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life and outcomes of kidney transplant recipients.