Grant: Operating Grant

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, waking up to early and/or waking up unrefreshed. Certain medical conditions (i.e. arthritis, cancer) appear to increase the risk of sleep disruptions, which in turn may worsen the condition, causing further complications (i.e. depression) and adding to the disability associated with the chronic condition. Yet insomnia remains underrecognized, underdiagnosed and undertreated among the chronically ill, including patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The few studies available suggest that between 42-44% of patients with CHD experience insomnia symptoms, with problems persisting up to one-year following a cardiac event. Untreated insomnia can negatively impact prognosis and further deteriorate functioning, well-being and quality of life in this patient population. Insomnia has received limited research attention in terms of identifying its prevalence, chronicity and impact on health-related quality of life in patients who have had a heart attack. This study will survey 376 patients 4 weeks following a heart attack and track the occurrence and maintenance of insomnia over the course one year. We will measure a number of variables (i.e. sociodemographic, medical, lifestyle and psychosocial) in order to identify factors associated with insomnia following in patients who have had a heart attack. This study will provide a better understanding of the factors which contribute to disrupted sleep in patients who have suffered a heart attack and will help health care professionals to better identify and manage insomnia in this patient population and ultimately improve quality of life.