SLEEP QUALITY OF CHINESE WOMEN IN THE POSTMENOPAUSAL PERIOD WITH DIAGNOSED BONE MINERAL DENSITY DECREASE

Abstract

Introduction. Studies indicate a high prevalence of poor sleep quality among postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis. Emerging evidence suggests a complex relationship between sleep and bone health, with specific considerations for postmenopausal Chinese women.

The aim of the study – to analyze sleep quality indicators of Chinese postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis and to identify factors influencing them.

The main part. The study included 80 postmenopausal women with diagnosed osteopenia and osteoporosis. To determine the quality of sleep we used a validated questionnaire and scales from officially available sources “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)”. The total assessment of the quality of sleep of postmenopausal women showed poor sleep quality in respondents with low bone mineral density, while the quality of sleep was significantly lower in women with diagnosed osteoporosis compared to the group with osteopenia (p=0.034). It was found that in postmenopausal women with reduced BMD, those with poor sleep quality predominated, in particular, 32.8 % of those with diagnosed osteopenia and 77.3 % of those with osteoporosis had poor sleep quality. Our findings highlight several key factors that negatively influence sleep quality in postmenopausal women with diminished bone health: advanced age,  extended duration of menopause, increased comorbidity burden and higher body mass index.

Conclusions. Our findings indicate that advanced age, longer duration of menopause, increased comorbidity burden (notably cardiovascular issues and overweight/obesity), and higher BMI are key factors contributing to poor sleep in this population. These results emphasize the complex interplay of these elements and the critical need for comprehensive assessment and management of sleep disturbances in postmenopausal women with diminished bone health.