The relationship between dialysis adequacies and sleep problems in hemodialysis patients.

This research examined the relationship between the incidence of sleep problems and hemodialysis adequacy (Kt/V) in hemodialysis patients. In addition, this study identified demographic variables that may be related to sleep problems of hemodialysis patients. The research design was cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational. A convenience sample (n = 50) included 25 male and 25 female hemodialysis subjects from a private, for profit ambulatory dialysis clinic. The primary researcher interviewed subjects using a questionnaire that included demographics and questions regarding sleep habits. Two significant results were found. For subjects in the study aged 65 and older, increased dialysis adequacies were associated with a decreased number of awakenings at night. Second, women, regardless of age and education, reported using more sleep medications than men. Overall, this study did not find a relationship between sleep problems and dialysis adequacies. Further research is needed to increase awareness and understanding of the complexities of sleep problems in renal patients.