Changes in Sleep in Children and Adults with Cystic Fibrosis and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia over Time and after CFTR Modulator Therapy

Cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are associated with sleep disturbances affecting quality of life (QOL) in both children and adults. However, little is known about the progression of these complaints over time, and the effect of CFTR modulator (CFTRm) therapies. Participants completed sleep quality (SDSC, PSQI) and quality of life questionnaires (PedQL, QOL-BE) as well as the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) at baseline and after 4 years. Medical records were reviewed for clinical data and correlations were sought between sleep, QOL, and clinical parameters. A total of 67 patients (33 pediatric), 37 pancreatic insufficient CF (CF-PI), 15 pancreatic sufficient CF (CF-PS), and 15 PCD patients, completed the study. In adults, global sleep quality decreased from 85.8% (76.2–90.5) to 80.9% (71.4–85.7); (p = 0.009). Analysis by disease cohort showed a significant deterioration only in the CF-PS group. In adults off CFTRm, sleep quality decreased from 85.7% (78.6–88.2) to 80.9% (71.4–87.3); (p = 0.021) and from 85.8% (76.2–92.9) to 76.2% (71.4–85.8); (p = 0.078) in people on CFTRm. Changes in sleep quality and changes in QOL over time were strongly associated with each other. In conclusion sleep quality deteriorates over time, correlates with QOL, and is driven primarily by adults and CF-PS patients. CFTRm has a possible effect on sleep initiation; however, results are mixed, and further long-term studies are required.