Prospective randomized controlled study on improving sleep quality and impact of zolpidem after total hip arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a proven surgical option for patients with end-stage osteoarthritis in terms of improved function and pain relief. A prospective study was conducted to examine and evaluate the effect and impact of zolpidem postoperatively on the sleep quality, pain alleviation, and quality of life of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty. A total of 160 patients was randomized 1:1 to receive either zolpidem or placebo 2 days preoperative to 5 days postoperatively. Pain scores using visual analog scale (VAS), sleep quality using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, quality of life using QoR-40, and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were recorded. The total amount of opioid analgesics and antiemetics taken was recorded as well. Patients in the intervention group had higher VAS score and took less analgesic and antiemetic. Moreover, the study demonstrated that QoR-40 was higher and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score had relatively lower mean value (P < 0.05) in the treatment group. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were also lower in the treatment group (P < 0.05). Patients taking zolpidem achieved greater improvement in the quality of life and reported better satisfaction. The study demonstrated zolpidem 10 mg can improve sleep quality effectively, relieve pain, increase early range of motion and muscle strength, reduce the perioperative anxiety and depression, and improve perioperative experience and satisfaction, thereby reducing the hospital stay and medical costs and promote the rapid recovery and quality of life. The trial was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IOR-16007861 .