Perceived sleep quality and quantity before acute myocardial infarction: A pilot study

Background: Sleep plays a vital role in disease prevention and rejuvenation. Diet and exercise are emphasized in the prevention of diseases, whereas sleep is often overlooked. The consequences of poor sleep often go unnoticed. Insufficient and poor sleep has been associated with various health problems and is considered an important risk factor. The objective of this study was to explore the association between perceived sleep quality and quantity before acute myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and Methods: It was a prospective observational study. Thirty hospitalized patients of acute coronary syndrome with an index event of first-time MI satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered to the patients. Other basic investigations done for the diagnosis and work-up of the cases by the treating doctors were noted and data were analyzed. Results: In our study, the mean Global PSQI score was 7.16 (standard deviation = 3.79). In our study, based on Global PSQI scores (based on the details of the past 1 month before acute MI), sleep quality was found to be “POOR” (Global PSQI score >5) in 23 (76.7%) patients with acute MI which was statistically significant (Spearman's Rho: r = 1) and “Good” (Global PSQI score <5) in 7 (23.3%) patients. All the patients >60 years of age had poor sleep quality. The average duration of sleep was 5 h 30 min. The majority of the patients (71%) with acute MI slept for <6 h which was statistically significant (Spearman's Rho: r = –1). Conclusion: This pilot study, based on PSQI, establishes the association between perceived sleep quality and quantity and acute MI.