engleski

Changes in sleep patterns in relation to hand eczema and atopy symptoms during the first year of hairdressing apprentices’ education

Objective: Education for hairdressing profession takes place in developmental period associated with complex biopsychosocial changes including those in sleep. It also involves high risk for developing occupational skin diseases due to the exposure to skin irritants and sensitizers. Skin conditions may adversely impact well-being of adolescents, but little is still known about the relationship between these conditions and sleep-wake rhythm. To examine the interplay of these factors we explored the changes in sleep patterns with respect to hand eczema and atopy symptoms in hairdressing apprentices during the first year of their education. Method: This prospective cohort study involved 302 participants (96% girls, M=15.2 years) and collected data at baseline and the first follow-up six months later. Sleep patterns in three social situations – school weeks with morning schedule (MS), afternoon schedule (AS) and weekend (W) – were assessed by Croatian adaptation of School Sleep Habits Survey. Hand eczema and skin and/or respiratory atopy symptoms were assessed by means of Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire, International Study on Asthma and Allergy in Children Questionnaire, and clinical interview and examination. Results: Mixed ANOVAs showed progressively later bedtimes and wake-up times, and longer sleep duration across three social situations (W > AS > MS, all p < .001). In addition, apprentices significantly delayed their bedtimes (all p < .001) and shortened their sleep duration (all p < .01) at six-month follow-up when compared to baseline. They also reported more hand eczema symptoms at follow-up than at baseline (p < .001). The apprentices who reported hand eczema symptoms at baseline and follow-up went to bed later than those who did not report these symptoms (p < .01 and p < .05, respectively). Furthermore, the apprentices who reported skin and/or respiratory atopy symptoms in clinical interview at follow-up went to bed later (p < .05) and woke up later (p < .01) than the group without atopy symptoms. Conclusion: Allergic and contact skin conditions seem to be related to changes in sleep-wake patterns in adolescent hairdressing apprentices. This study points to its impact especially on bedtime. Further studies are needed to examine the impact on their wellbeing and daytime functioning.

adolescents, sleep duration, sleep timing, hand eczema, atopy

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