Abstract

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been a contentious diagnosis for many years. Without definitive laboratory tests, specific etiology, or effective treatment, it has long been characterized as a functional disorder with a substantial psychological component. Despite the almost universal complaint that they awaken unrefreshed and experience debilitating daytime fatigue, little is known about the sleep characteristics of individuals with CFS. Although psychological maladjustment has generally been assumed in CFS, reports as to its nature and role in the illness have been inconsistent. The present study compares sleep characteristics, daytime functioning, general health and psychological adjustment in three samples: individuals with CFS, individuals with Narcolepsy and healthy Controls. Prevalence of physiologically based sleep disorder such as Sleep Apnea and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder was assessed by polysomnography. Sleep quality, daytime functioning, general health and psychological adjustment were evaluated by self-report measures. Results indicate that 58% of the CFS sample was diagnosed with a primary sleep disorder as compared with 48% of those with Narcolepsy and 13% in Controls. Insomnia problems were reported by 86% of the CFS sample, 55% of the Narcolepsy sample, and 8% of the Control sample. Individuals with CFS manifested some psychological distress relative to Controls. Individuals with Narcolepsy were generally similar to those with CFS in this respect. This pattern of findings raises some important questions regarding the role of sleep disorder and insomnia in CFS symptomatology and the assumed etiological role of psychological maladjustment in this condition. Implications of these findings to future research are discussed.