A new sleep disturbance questionnaire for people with atopic dermatitis

Linked article: Puelles et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:285–294.

Understanding the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD), a common form of eczema, on sleep is important but there is a lack of suitable sleep measures specific to AD. A new questionnaire with just a single question, with response options ranging from 0 (no sleep loss related to the symptoms of AD) to 10 (I did not sleep at all due to the symptoms of AD), was created to assess sleep disturbance daily. This international study examined the measurement qualities of this sleep questionnaire using data from a clinical study involving 218 adults with moderate-to-severe AD.

We found that the reliability (its ability to produce consistent results) of the new sleep questionnaire, which was completed twice, 1 week apart, is acceptable among people with stable sleep disturbance or itch. We were also able to confirm that the questionnaire measures what it is supposed to measure. As sleep loss, itch and quality of life improve over time, the new sleep questionnaire shows a reduction in sleep disturbance, demonstrating its ability to detect a change. Finally, an improvement of 2 to 5 points on the 0 to 10 response option of the new sleep questionnaire indicates a significant change in sleep disturbance for people with AD.

Overall, the new sleep questionnaire demonstrates good measurement qualities in adults with moderate-to-severe AD. It is quick and easy to use and can be used in clinical trials and clinical practice to assess changes in sleep quality in people with AD.