Poor sleep quality experience and self-management strategies in fibromyalgia: a qualitative metasynthesis

Abstract

Poor sleep quality is a major concern and a highly prevalent symptom in fibromyalgia. We aimed to develop a metasynthesis of qualitative studies to assess how people diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience and manage poor sleep quality following the concepts of the Symptom Management Theory. The principles of metasynthesis established by Sandelowski and Barroso were utilized. A pre-planned comprehensive search was implemented in PubMed, Scopus, ISIWebofScience, and Cinahl Plus databases. The methodological quality was assessed following the CASP Qualitative Checklist. The findings of the studies were subjected to a metasummary and a metasynthesis. Seventeen studies were included in the metasynthesis. Two overarching themes were pre-established: (1) experience of poor sleep quality in Fibromyalgia and (2) poor sleep quality management strategies in Fibromyalgia. Four sub-themes emerged from the results: (1) evaluation of poor sleep quality, (2) response to poor sleep quality, (3) management strategies to favor sleep, and (4) managing the consequences of a sleepless night. Poor sleep quality is a severe and disabling symptom that negatively impacts the general health status of people diagnosed with FM. Prescribed treatments are commonly seen as ineffective and self-management strategies are a last resort and do not show beneficial effects

The principal investigator of this research was supported by a grant for predoctoral researchers at the University of Lleida for 2016. Ordinary call (BUL2016B) and Promotion of research (BUL2016P). This work was funded by the Institute for Social and Territorial Development of the University of Lleida, grant number X19005 and by the “Cátedra de Salud, Educación y Calidad de Vida” of the UdL-ASISA Foundation.