Sleep quality in chronic kidney patients: a systematic review

The maintenance of sleep quality improves an individual’s quality of life and reduces the risk of death associated with disease, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) (progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function). Poor sleep quality can negatively affect immunity, cognitive functions, and emotional manifestations. CKD patients have poor sleep quality in approximately 80% of cases. A systematic literature review was undertaken using online data bases. 73,734 studies were found, 21 of which met our inclusion criteria and were subject to detailed analysis. Although renal transplantation appears to be promising with regard to improving the quality of sleep of kidney patients, there is still a high prevalence of poor sleep even after the operation. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand better the risk factors that are involved and to indicate possible treatments that may improve the overall quality of life in this section of the population.