Study of sleep disorders and polysomnographic evaluation among primary chronic daily headache patients

Objective: Studies related to sleep disorders and polysomnography (PSG) among chronic daily headache patients are rare. We studied this and compared chronic migraine (CM) with chronic tension-type headache. Methods: Eighty-three patients were recruited. They were evaluated by semi-structured interview, headache, and sleep diaries along with Epworth Sleepiness Scale score and insomnia symptom score. Overnight PSG was performed and data compared. Results: Chronic tension-type headache was more common than CM, both having female preponderance. Insomnia followed by excessive daytime sleepiness was prevalent sleep disorder. Sleep efficiency and Stage 3 sleep were lower in CM compared to chronic tension-type. ESSS was significantly increased among chronic tension-type patients. No significant correlation was found among PSG parameters in patients with or without sleep disorders. Conclusion: Insomnia being most common sleep disorder among chronic headache population. Chronic tension-type headache had slightly better slow-wave sleep than CM and significantly increased daytime sleepiness.