Subjective Quality of Sleep at High Altitude and Factors Associated with Poor Sleep Quality at High Altitude

Aim: To determine the subjective quality of sleep among temporarily employed individuals at high altitude and analyze the factors associated with poor sleep quality. Study design: Descriptive cross sectional study Subjects and Methods: The sample population comprised of men living at a height of 4500 meter or more above sea level at Karakorum ranges in periphery of district Skardu for more than one month and less than three months and having normal BMI and good sleep quality at sea level. Quality of sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Relationship of Age, altitude, smoking, use of naswar, Frequent awakenings during the night, temperature-related discomfort, multiple calls for toilet, environment related issues (too many people in one room, snoring of companion, untidy room), uncontrollable worry, and breathing difficulties was assessed with the sleep disturbances. Results: A total of 103 men with good sleep quality at sea level when screened through the PSQI were included in the final analysis. Out of them, 39.8% persisted with good sleep quality, while 60.2% had poor sleep quality at HA. After applying the logistic regression we found that smoking, frequent awakenings, uncontrollable worry and breathing difficulties had significant association with poor sleep quality at HA. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of poor sleep quality among individuals at high altitude. Special attention should be paid to smokers and those who suffer from breathing difficulties or remain worried or anxious most of the times.