Sleeping problems among Chinese heroin-dependent individuals

Abstract

Background: Heroin abuse is a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment-seeking heroin-dependent subjects frequently report sleep-related problems that contribute to high relapse rates. Few studies have systematically studied the prevalence of sleep disorders among Chinese heroin-dependent subjects. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of sleep disorders with a battery of self-reported questionnaires in 140 heroin-dependent subjects in China. Methods: A self-report survey design was used to gather the data, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). A total of 140 drug users participated in the survey. Results: PSQI results revealed that poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 8) was noted in 130 (96.30%) subjects. Those who displayed depressive symptoms, smoked and drank excessively, and had long-term histories of drug use had poorer sleep quality than those who did not. No correlation was found between anxiety, quantity of drugs, and sleeping disorders. Conclusions: This study found that the majority of heroin-dependent patients reported poor sleep quality. Depression, smoking, drinking, and long-term drug use were associated with poor sleep quality in heroin-dependent individuals. Scientific significance: Despite the fact that this study collected data only using self-report measures, focused only on heroin-dependent patients, and did not include long-term follow-up study, given the potential link between poor sleep quality and relapse, factoring in this link is an important consideration as part of a comprehensive heroin-dependent treatment program.

• sleeping problems
• heroin dependence
• Chinese

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The preparation of this article was aided by the support of grants from Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), Grant Nos. 30870893, 30900486, 30971050, and from National Key Basic Research and Development Program (NKBRDP) (973), Grant Nos. 2006CB500808, 2007BAI07B01, 2007CB512301. The NSFC and NKBRDP had no further role in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the article for publication.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.