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Dermatology and Therapy

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Open Access 01-09-2017 | Review

Frequency and Management of Sleep Disturbance in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

Authors: Caleb Jeon, Di Yan, Mio Nakamura, Sahil Sekhon, Tina Bhutani, Timothy Berger, Wilson Liao

Published in: Dermatology and Therapy | Issue 3/2017

Abstract

Introduction

Intense nocturnal pruritus as well as the complex pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) can severely affect sleep and become a major factor in negatively impacting quality of life in adults. However, much of the literature on sleep disturbance in AD patients is on the pediatric population, and it is not well studied in adults. Furthermore, limited studies are available to guide effective management of sleep disturbance in AD in general. We review the literature to present the studies that have investigated the relationship between AD and its effect on sleep in adults and provide an approach for clinicians caring for this population.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted through the PubMed and EMBASE databases using the search terms “atopic dermatitis” OR “eczema” AND “sleep.” The articles generated by the search and their references were reviewed.

Results

A high prevalence of sleep disturbance is experienced by adults with AD. The likelihood of sleep disturbance is much higher in patients with AD compared to those without AD. Sleep disturbance appears to worsen with AD severity. Pruritus and scratching appear to be large contributors to sleep disturbance in adult patients with AD.

Conclusion

It is important that clinicians evaluate the severity of AD and ask general questions about itching, sleep, impact on daily activities, and persistence of disease during each patient visit and follow-up with the complaint of sleep disturbance. Management of sleep disturbance in AD should focus on adequate disease control of AD as well as possible medical interventions to help improve sleep. The pathophysiology of sleep disturbance in AD is extremely complex, and further research is needed to better understand the interplay of the immune system, circadian rhythm, and environmental factors implicated in both AD and sleep.

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Title: Frequency and Management of Sleep Disturbance in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Caleb Jeon
Di Yan
Mio Nakamura
Sahil Sekhon
Tina Bhutani
Timothy Berger
Wilson Liao
Publication date: 01-09-2017
Publisher: Springer Healthcare
Published in: Dermatology and Therapy / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 2193-8210
Electronic ISSN: 2190-9172
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-017-0192-3

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Frequency and Management of Sleep Disturbance in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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