Differences in sleep quality and health-related quality of life in young adults with allergies and asthma and their healthy peers.

OBJECTIVE

The current study examined the relationship between sleep quality and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 501 undergraduate students with allergies (167), asthma + allergies (167), or with no history of a chronic illness (167) completed study measures from August 2011 to April 2012.

METHODS

The undergraduate students completed questionnaires online as part of a larger study of psychosocial adjustment of young adults.

RESULTS

Young adults with allergies and asthma + allergies reported significantly worse sleep quality and HRQOL than healthy peers. Additionally, those with allergies and asthma + allergies had significantly more sleep disturbances and used sleeping medication significantly more often in the previous month than healthy peers.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight concerns regarding quality of life and sleep problems in an often-overlooked population. Importantly, sleep difficulties can result in difficulties in daily living and impairment in academic functioning.