The Impact of Sleep Quality on Sexual Function in Women with Hypothyroidism: A Cross-Sectional Study
摘要
Hypothyroidism can lead both to sleep disturbances and sexual problems. This study aimed to determine the relationship between sexual dysfunction and sleep problems and the factors affecting these in women with clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism. The study, which had a descriptive and correlational design, was conducted between July 2021 and March 2022 at an education and research hospital in Kırklareli, Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 157 married women with clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, the Post-Sleep Inventory (PSI), the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The mean age of the participants was 45.24 ± 10.01 years. The average duration of the disease was 10.28 ± 6.73 years. Of the participants, 51.6% were being followed up for clinical hypothyroidism, while 58% were receiving pharmacological treatment for hypothyroidism. The women with sexual dysfunction had significantly higher PSI mean scores. There was a negative and significant correlation between the participants’ FSFI and PSI average scores, as well as age and disease duration. Additionally, the sexual function of the women with hypothyroidism was explained by sleep quality and duration of the disease at a rate of 20%. The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between sleep problems and sexual function and that the women with sexual dysfunction had worse sleep quality. Health professionals should evaluate sleep problems and sexual function together in women with hypothyroidism. Providing sleep hygiene education to patients will help to relieve their sleep problems.