Longitudinal relationship of sleep disturbances on quality of life in bipolar affective disorder: a 10-year follow up study

  • Wai Lok CHU
  • , Ka Ying Heidi LO
  • , Tommy H. NG
  • , Kwun Nam Joe CHAN
  • , Ka Fai CHUNG
  • , Ting Kin NG
  • , Chit Tat LEE
  • , O. P. A. LEUNG
  • , Suet Ying YUEN
  • , Wai Tung TSUI
  • , Tim-Wai NG

Research output: Other Conference ContributionsPresentation

Abstract

Objective: Sleep disturbances in patients with bipolar affective disorder (BAD) during their interepisode euthymic state are associated with poorer Quality of Life (QoL). This 10-year follow-up study aimed to investigate the longitudinal relationship between sleep disturbances and QoL, that might offer insights into improving long-term outcomes in BAD.

Methodology: This follow-up study (IRB: UW24-299) targeted 84 patients with BAD who had their sleep parameters and mood episode characteristics initially assessed in 2013. The sleep parameters included Insomnia Sleep Scale (ISI), Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep-16 (DBAS-16), Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) and Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (SHPS). In 2024, participants’ QoL were assessed using the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale (WHOQoL-BREF). Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between sleep parameters, mood episode characteristics and QoL over the 10-year period.

Result: The study had a low retention rate, 24 cases were closed, 60 participants were traced, and 17 of them consented to assessment in 2023. Despite the small sample size, baseline CSM score (Pearson Correlation = 0.519, p-value = 0.039) , DBAS score (-0.607, p-value = 0.013), PSQI score (-0.609 , p-value = 0.012), SHPS scores ( -0.630, p-value = 0.009) were significantly associated with QoL 10 years apart. In contrast, baseline mood episode characteristics, including type and number, showed no significant association with QoL 10 years apart.

Conclusion: Although the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings, this study provides valuable insights into the potential long-term impact of sleep disturbances on QoL in patients with BAD. Despite the challenges of retention in this vulnerable population, this study underscores the feasibility and importance of longitudinal research in psychiatric conditions. These findings may inspire future studies with larger cohorts to further explore the role of sleep in interepisode BAD.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jun 2025
EventThe 2025 HKCPsych International Mental Health Congress - , Hong Kong, China
Duration: 27 Jun 202529 Jun 2025
https://www.psy2025.hk/

Conference

ConferenceThe 2025 HKCPsych International Mental Health Congress
Country/TerritoryHong Kong, China
Period27/06/2529/06/25
Internet address

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