Analysis of the determinants of sleep quality in a Spanish population: a study protocol for a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ntroduction Sleep problems are a growing public health concern being related, among others, to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases or worse cognitive functioning. In addition, they can affect aspects related to personal motivation and quality of life. However, very few studies have analysed the possible determinants of sleep quality in the adult population as a whole, establishing patterns based on these determinants. The objectives are to evaluate the determinants of sleep quality in a representative sample of the general adult population between 25 and 65 years old, and to establish patterns of sleep quality based on lifestyles, psychological factors, morbidities, sociodemographic variables, biological markers and other possible determinants. Methods and analysis Descriptive observational cross-sectional study. The study population will include a representative sample of 500 people between 25 and 65 years old from the cities of Salamanca and Ávila (Spain) selected by random sampling stratified by age groups and sex. A 90-minute visit will be performed, during which sleep quality will be assessed. The variables collected will be: morbidity, lifestyles (physical activity, diet, toxic habits), psychological factors (depression, stress, occupational stress and anxiety), socioeconomic and work-related variables, habitability conditions of the habitual residence and rest area, screen time, relaxation techniques and melatonin as a biological marker related to sleep quality. Discussion With the results of this work, improved interventions for behaviour modification could be designed, as well as intervention and education programmes or other research aimed at improving sleep quality. Ethics and dissemination This study has a favourable opinion from the Ethics Committee for Drug Research of the Health Areas of Salamanca and Ávila (CEim Code: PI 2021 07 815). The results of this study will be published in international impact journals of different specialties.