A review of sleep disturbance in hepatitis C

J Clin Gastroenterol. 2010 Jan;44(1):38-45. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0b013e3181b314ea.

Abstract

Sleep disturbances occur in up to 60% of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and is often interrelated with comorbid psychiatric disorders. Moreover, neuropsychiatric complications of interferon-alpha during CHC treatment can manifest as sleep problems. Newly diagnosed sleep disturbance occurs in up to 60% and 30% of untreated CHC patients and patients undergoing interferon-alpha therapy, respectively. However, the presentation of insomnia in patients with CHC is influenced by significant psychiatric comorbidity, such as depression, and medical conditions, such as anemia and hypothyroidism. Therefore, prompt recognition using screening tools and exclusion of comorbid conditions contributing sleep pathology can enhance treatment outcomes. Owing to the paucity of studies, treatment recommendations for sleep disorders in CHC patients are derived from recommendations from general sleep disorder treatment guidelines. Further research is needed to elucidate the efficacy of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments of sleep disorders in CHC patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Mental Disorders / complications*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / epidemiology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / therapy

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha