Assessment of Sleep Patterns in Migraine Sufferers Using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale Publisher Pubmed



Hajikarimhamedani A^{1, 2} ; Rassa S^{1, 2} ; Tarjoman T³ ; Shafiei M¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Headache and Pain Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Migraine, a debilitating neurological disorder, is often co-occurring with sleep disturbances. This study used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to explore changes in sleep quality between individuals with migraine and healthy controls. Additionally, we examined associations between ESS scores and migraine frequency, severity, and demographic factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 404 participants, 204 with chronic migraine (diagnosed using ICHD-3 criteria) and 200 controls without neurological disorders. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed using Python3 and SPSS, using t-tests and ANOVA (P < 0.05). Results: The study analyzed demographics, clinical characteristics, and daytime sleepiness in 204 migraine participants compared with 200 controls. Individuals with chronic migraine had higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, with increased sleepiness associated with higher BMI, age, and female gender. Significant differences in sleepiness levels were observed with migraine severity, highlighting the impact of migraine on sleep patterns and quality, and no significant differences were found between control and migraine groups in ESS scores, sleep duration, or physical activity. Reliability testing confirmed high ESS consistency. Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of daytime sleepiness among individuals with chronic. Managing sleep quality emerges as an important treatment strategy. The use of standardized tools such as the Epworth Sleep Scale can guide personalized interventions, improve patient outcomes, and emphasize the role of lifestyle and overall health management. © The Author(s) 2025.