JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Dermatological conditions, especially when severe, can lead to sleep disturbances that affect patient quality of life. However, limited research exists on the efficacy of treatments for improving sleep parameters in skin conditions.

Objective:

The goal is to investigate the effects of different treatments on sleep disturbances across dermatological conditions.

Methods:

A literature review was performed using the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Clinical Trials databases in the years spanning from 1945 to 2021. After filtering based on our exclusion criteria, studies were graded using the SORT algorithm and only those receiving a grade of “2” or better were included.

Results:

25 treatment studies assessing sleep parameters and relating to dermatological conditions were found. Dupilumab appeared to be the best supported and most effective treatment in improving sleep in atopic dermatitis (AD), but had frequent adverse effects. Topical treatments for AD were mostly ineffective, but procedural treatments showed some promise. Treatments for other conditions appeared efficacious.

Conclusions:

Evaluation of sleep parameter changes in dermatological treatments is predominantly restricted to AD. Systemic interventions such as dupilumab and procedural interventions were most efficacious. Sleep changes in other dermatoses were limited by a paucity of available studies. Inclusion of a sleep assessment component to a broader range of dermatological treatment studies is warranted.