Factors associated with changes in sleep quality and use of sleep medications in beneficiaries of health plans

Objective/Background

This study aimed to compare the changes in sleep quality and use of sleep medications among beneficiaries of health plans, as well as the associated factors.

Patients/Methods

Data from two cross-sectional surveys from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Survey were used. Sleep quality and use of sleep medications were assessed using structured questions. Descriptive analyses were performed using frequency and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Inferential analyses were performed using Poisson Regression, whose values were reported as Prevalence Ratio (PR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals.

Results

From 2013 to 2019, the prevalence of sleep problems increased from 27.1 (95%CI: 25.9-28.3) to 36.7% (95%CI: 35.5-38.0), whereas the use of sleep medications increased from 8.1 (95%CI: 7.4-8.8) to 10.0% (95%CI: 9.3-10.7). In comparation with men, sleep problems were associated with female sex in 2013 (PR: 1.46; 95%CI: 1.33-1.59) and 2019 (PR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.27-1.44), even when adjusted for confounding factors. Sleep medications were also associated with female sex in 2013 (PR: 2.41; 95%CI: 1.98-2.94) and 2019 (PR: 1.89; 95%CI: 1.63-2.20), as well as in the adjusted model. Smoking was associated with sleep problems and use of sleep medications, however physical activity and alcohol intake no. Both sleep problems and use of sleep medications were also associated with older age and low education.

Conclusions

We found an increase in sleep problems in the two weeks before the interview among beneficiaries of health plans, as well as in the use of sleep medications.