OBJECTIVES: PD patients who are younger than the average dialysis patient, are more likely to be still actively engaged in the workforce. Automated PD (APD) is a treatment that uses a machine to automatically perform fluid exchanges while the patient sleeps. This treatment can impact the sleep quality of patients due to machine-related noise and potential disruptions. This research aims to analyze the potential economic burden of poor sleep quality in PD patients and the impact of a quieter APD cycler on sleep quality.

METHODS: To evaluate the current evidence, we systematically identified and analysed published literature from 2010 onwards on the economic impact of sleep quality in PD Patients. The findings were categorized into main topics identified. Furthermore, we performed a targeted literature review to identify studies that specifically address the impact of a more silent APD cycler and the association with alarms on sleep quality.

RESULTS: Four primary categories of economic burden in PD Patients with poor sleeping quality were identified: (1) increased healthcare costs because of increased medical visits and hospitalizations; (2) reduced productivity due to daytime fatigue and reduced cognitive function; (3) decreased disease-specific quality of life; (4) long-term economic impacts due to exacerbated chronic conditions and early retirement or disability. Studies investigating a quieter APD cycler demonstrated minimal noise and few overnight disruptions. Additionally, one study reported an increase in sleep duration among users.

CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep quality in PD patients imposes considerable economic burdens across multiple dimensions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve sleep and reduce associated costs. Improving sleep quality by using a more silent cycler could have a beneficial impact by reducing night-time disruptions and potentially increasing sleep duration, potentially further mitigating these economic burdens.