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Sleep problems and their correlates in a working population

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of sleep problems in a working population and examine their association with health problems, health-related quality-of-life measures, work-related problems, and medical expenditures. Also, to explore the usefulness of a sleep-problems screen for mental health conditions and underlying sleep disorders.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey administered via voice mail and telephone interview.

SETTING: A San Francisco Bay Area telecommunications firm.

PARTICIPANTS: Volunteer sample of 588 employees who worked for a minimum of six months at the company and were enrolled in its fee-for-service health plan.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirty percent of respondents reported currently experiencing sleep problems and were found to have worse functioning and well-being (general health, cognitive functioning, energy), more work-related problems (decreased job performance and lower satisfaction, increased absenteeism), and a greater likelihood of comorbid physical and mental health conditions than were the respondents who did not have sleep problems. They also demonstrated a trend toward higher medical expenditures.

CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceived sleep problems were common among the respondents and were associated with poorer health and health-related quality of life. A single question about sleep problems may serve as an effective screen for identifying primary care patients with mental health problems, as well as underlying sleep disorders.

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Supported by The Upjohn Company. Dr. Buesching is a former employee of The Upjohn Company but owns no stock or options to purchase stock in that company. Drs. Kuppermann. Lubeck, Mazonson, Patrick, Stewart, and Fifer own no stock or options in The Upjohn Company.

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Kuppermann, M., Lubeck, D.P., Mazonson, P.D. et al. Sleep problems and their correlates in a working population. J Gen Intern Med 10, 25–32 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02599573

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