Psoriasis is one of the most predominant skin disorders affecting many individuals. Psoriasis also impairs multiple areas of quality of life (QoL) in affected individuals. A common symptom observed in patients with psoriasis is pruritus. Pruritus can affect sleep directly but studies exploring it are limited.

A study was conducted to investigate the connection between pruritus and sleep. 104 in-patients with psoriasis were assessed who had undergone dermatological evaluation and had completed questionnaires to define the severity of psoriasis, pruritus intensity, depressive mood and anxiety, sleep quality and QoL (skin disease-specific and generic).

The results of the study showed that almost 80% of patients reported pruritus, and 39% had sleep disturbances. The most frequent awakenings during sleep was 33% and sleepiness during the daytime was 30%. Sleep impairment was more common in patients with pruritus, who had difficulty in falling asleep. In total, 14% of all patients and 34% of the patients who had reported sleep disturbances conveyed that their sleep problems were mainly caused due to pruritus. Patients with sleep disturbances had lower generic QoL. The study concluded that in patients with psoriasis, pruritus was very common and significant. It also showed the higher rate of sleep problems in this patient group was associated to a lower QoL.

Source: Hawro T, Hawro M, Zalewska-Janowska A, Weller K, Metz M, Maurer M. Pruritus and sleep disturbances in patients with psoriasis. Arch Dermatol Res. 2020; 312(2):103-111. doi:10.1007/s00403-019-01998-7