Daytime and nighttime correlates of fatigue and lack of energy in adults living with HIV

Abstract

Objective To describe correlates of fatigue and lack of energy symptoms in adults living with HIV. Methods Adults living with HIV were recruited if they were ≥45 years old, unemployed, and reported either fatigue or lack of energy in the past week. HIV-associated correlates included CD4 cell count, viral load, and hemoglobin. Daytime correlates included physical activity, daytime sleepiness, napping behavior, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Nighttime correlates included use of sleep medication, sleep duration, and sleep quality. Outcomes included physical and cognitive function. Results Most (70%) of the 53 participants were male. The mean age was 56.7 ± 6.7 years and participants had been living with HIV for a mean of 22 ± 6.4 years. Controlling for all other factors, African Americans reported less fatigue and more energy than other racial/ethnic groups. Lack of energy was associated with daytime napping and cognitive function. Fatigue was associated with shorter nighttime sleep duration, anxiety, and both physical and cognitive function. Discussion Findings highlight potential differences between lack of energy and fatigue that could influence intervention outcomes. Avoiding daytime naps and encouraging longer nighttime sleep may improve fatigue as well as physical and cognitive function in this chronic illness population.