Patient characteristics as predictors of sleep disturbances in multimorbid primary care patients – A secondary analysis

The aim of the study was to identify patient characteristics (adult attachment, health status, number and severity of chronic conditions, social support) predictive sleep disturbances after 12 months. In a secondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal study dealing with adult attachment and self-management, attachment- and health-related characteristics, socio-demographic data at baseline and symptoms of insomnia at the follow up (12 month later) was recorded by 219 patients between the ages of 50 and 85 years with multimorbidity in primary care. Adult attachment was measured by the ECR-RD12. The overall health status was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a standardized list of chronic conditions. The number and severity of chronic diseases (CIRS-G) was assessed by general practitioners (GPs). Sleep disturbances was measured by the ISI 12 month later. Approximately 19% of the respondents were found to have clinically relevant symptoms of insomnia, and a further 34% to be subclinical insomnia. Attachment-related anxiety, a poorer perceived social support, the number of chronic conditions and a better general health status could predict higher levels of sleep disturbance after 12 month. Sleep disorders can play a major role in patients with multimorbidity. Attachment anxiety and lack of social support may also be possible risk factors for the development of sleep disturbances. •Health-related and individual characteristics are important predictors for insomnia.•Attachment anxiety is associated with the severity of the symptoms of insomnia.•General health and the number of chronic diseases are related to sleep disturbances.•Patients with less social support report higher scores on the insomnia.