Introduction:

30-35% of the population suffers from insomnia, but this proportion increases with hospitalization. Adequate sleep is necessary for a better recovery of the hospitalized patient.

Objective:

To analyze the incidence and the factors conditioning insomnia in hospitalized patients.

Methods:

Cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study. The study population consisted of patients admitted to hospitalization units and who presented insomnia during admission. Of 4650 annual admissions, a sample of 362 patients was obtained. The Athens Insomnia Scale was used for assessing the degree of insomnia of the patients and listing the causes of insomnia in order to identify triggers among patients with a declared episode.

Results:

With an incidence of 11% of acute hospital insomnia, the total average score of the Athens Insomnia Scale was 7.81 (95% CI 7.34; 8.27) in a range of 0-24. The double room worsened the results of insomnia (p<0.01). The minimum and maximum ages of the sample obtained the worst results of insomnia, and the hypnotic hospital treatment improved the results (p<0.01). Respiratory problems coincided with the worst test results (p<0.01). The causes of insomnia with an impact on the worst results were discomfort caused by the roommate, noise in the hospitalization unit, bed or mattress discomfort, fear/anxiety, and pain. Gender and family support did not influence insomnia (p>0.05).

Conclusions:

The incidence of acute insomnia in admitted patients was low, mainly due to age, sleeping treatment, respiratory disease, type of room, noise, fear/anxiety, and pain, without the influence of family support.

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