Validation of an Italian questionnaire to assess sleep disorders: The Sleep Disorders Score Questionnaire (SDS-Q)

Introduction: Many occupational factors disturb sleep. This can have significant consequences because sleep problems mediate the relationship between work stress and health disorders. The objective of this study is to validate the Sleep Disorders Score Questionnaire (SDS-Q), a questionnaire designed to measure sleep disorders and their consequences in workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Validity was analysed by exploratory factor analyses, and reliability by Cronbach’s alpha. Results: The study was conducted with 240 male police officers. Principal component analysis confirmed the existence of 3 subscales, regarding Insomnia symptoms, Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). The Cronbach’s alpha values of the subscales Insomnia symptoms (IS), Sleepiness symptoms (SS) and Apnoea symptoms (AS) were acceptable. Discussion and Conclusions: The Insomnia, Sleepiness and Apnoea subscales of SDS-Q have demonstrated good psychometric properties in terms of reliability and validity. The SDS-Q is a valid and reliable tool for assessing workers’ sleep problems and disorders.