SLEEP QUALITY, OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME, AND SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH VARICOSE VEIN: THE EFFECT OF REGULAR PRESSURED VARICOSE VEIN STOCKING USAGE

Abstract

Introduction: Lower extremity varicosity is an important health problem frequently seen in society that decreases the quality of life and can cause serious complications under certain circumstances. This study was aimed to determine the effect of pressured varicose vein stockings on sleep quality, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome symptoms, and symptoms of patients with varicose veins who were suggested for conservative treatment. Materials and methods: The study was designed according to a pretest posttest single study group pattern from experimental research methods. In gathering data for the study, a questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, The Berlin Sleep Questionnaire, and the Sleep Quality Scale were used. Results: One month of varicose vein stocking use was seen to decrease Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) risk (p<0.05). When the sleep quality of patients for the last month was evaluated using the The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale (PSQS), a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the first inventory application and the last inventory application was found (p<0.01), and statistically meaningful decreases in pain, cramps, edema, itching, weight feeling and leg fatigue perceptions were seen in patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: Regular varicose vein stocking use was found to increase sleep quality and improve OSAS symptoms. In addition, regular varicose vein stocking use was found to decrease symptoms of patients with varicose veins.