A recent Italian study revealed an unexpected relationship between psoriasis and sleep disorders, indicating that the impact of this disease is not limited to the skin but extends to impair the ability of those affected to sleep easily.
Scientists analyzed data from 136 patients with psoriasis, assessed the disease activity using the PASI index, and compared those data with indicators related to the sleep quality of the participants.
The results showed that those suffering from severe symptoms of psoriasis were significantly more likely to experience difficulty sleeping, and they also reported daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and decreased activity. However, it is noteworthy that the overall quality of sleep did not differ significantly between them and those with milder symptoms.
According to the researchers, the disease does not affect sleep as a whole, but rather specific aspects of it, particularly the speed of falling asleep and the sense of comfort upon waking.
Scientists believe that physicians should pay greater attention to the sleep-related complaints of psoriasis patients, stressing that these disorders could significantly weaken their quality of life, and should be taken into consideration when formulating an appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
Psoriasis is a disease that causes a skin rash and scaly patches that often appear on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp, causing itching. It is considered a non-contagious skin disease, and although there is no definitive cure, advanced medications and treatment plans effectively control the symptoms.