Ge TJ, et al. – This study was carried out to examine the association between sleep disturbance, fatigue, and urinary incontinence (UI)/overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms among patients with OAB. Evidence displayed that sleep disturbance and fatigue were present in substantial percentages of OAB patients. Moreover, sleep disturbance and fatigue were associated with more severe UI/OAB symptoms, worse health–related quality of life, and poorer psychosocial health, in OAB patients.

Methods

• This study included patients who were diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB) and age–matched control subjects without OAB. 
• With the aid of PROMIS short forms, sleep disturbance and fatigue symptoms were evaluated.
• Using the ICIQ–UI, ICIQ–OAB, OAB–q, UDI–6, and IIQ–7 questionnaires, UI/OAB symptoms were determined.
• Psychosocial health (depression, anxiety, perceived stress level) was also evaluated.

Results

• In investigations, OAB patients reported significantly greater sleep disturbance compared to controls (PROMIS 8b T–scores: 54.3 ± 10.3 vs. 43.8 ± 9.2).
• OAB patients also reported significantly greater fatigue compared to controls (PROMIS 7a T–scores: 54.7 ± 9.6 vs. 46.0 ± 6.4). 
• After adjusting for nocturia, the differences in sleep disturbance between OAB and controls became insignificant (p=0.21) while the differences in fatigue between OAB and controls remained significant (p=0.014). 
•  Among OAB patients, there were positive correlations between sleep disturbance and the severity of OAB symptoms (ICIQ–OAB), poorer health–related quality of life (OAB–q QOL), the severity of urinary incontinence symptoms (ICIQ–UI), greater incontinence impact (IIQ–7) and urinary bother (UDI–6). 
• Between fatigue and worse UI/OAB symptoms and quality of life, positive correlations were reported.
• Among OAB patients, both sleep disturbance and fatigue were associated with poor psychosocial health (depression, anxiety, higher stress level).