Analysis of the relationship between insomnia and adult chronic diseases with regard to working conditions

Background
Sleep is one of the most important physiological needs of man. It ensures health, regeneration and the concentration necessary to fulfil professional roles.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between insomnia and selected adult chronic diseases, taking into account working conditions and employment status.

Material and methods
The study involved 597 individuals, including 360 (60.3%) women and 237 (39.7%) men, as well as 396 (66.33%) employed and 201 (33.67%) unemployed subjects. The instruments used in the study were the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and a self-developed sociodemographic questionnaire.

Results
The most common disease was hypertension (116; 19.43%). There was a statistically significant relationship between hypertension and employment status (p ≤ 0.001), as well as between asthma/COPD and employment status (p = 0.012). COPD was more prevalent in unemployed subjects. Every fourth person with hypertension suffered from insomnia. Insomnia was observed in every fifth person working shifts, and one-third of them was at risk of insomnia.

Conclusions
Unemployed respondents more often suffered from various diseases. The age factor and working and living conditions (contract work, shift work, unemployment) are factors contributing to the occurrence or worsening of insomnia and chronic diseases. Insomnia and a lack of depth and quality of sleep can be due to the level of professional and life stress, working and living conditions, social instability and chronic diseases.