Relationship between disease severity, scratching and sleep quality in atopic dermatitis

April 30, 2008
The relationship between sleep quality and disease severity in atopic dermatitis (AD) was examined in a 2-night pilot study in 20 adults (<50 years). Sleep efficiency was measured by polysomnography (PSG) and actigraphy. Disease severity was assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and itch by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-10 were assayed from a subset of 9 participants. The sleep measures of PSG and actigraphy were strongly associated with each other. Decreased sleep efficiency was associated with increased disease severity, scratching and IL-6 levels. However, self-reported sleep quality and quality of life were not significantly correlated with objective PSG or actigraphy measures. These data suggest a relationship between decreased sleep quality and increased AD severity. IL-6 also appears to have an important role in the sleep-wake cycle (Bender, B.G. et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008, 58(3): 415-420).

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