Stress and sleep in relation to severity of building-related symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates different aspects of stress and sleep in medically examined individuals with varying severity of building-related symptoms (BRS).

METHODS: Three questionnaires were used to assess acute and long-term stress and sleep (perceived stress scale; Shirom Melamed Burnout Questionnaire and Karolinska sleep questionnaire).

RESULTS: Individuals with BRS, regardless of severity, did not differ in level of perceived stress (indicator of short-term stress). The indicators of long-term stress differed between the groups where an increased severity was associated with higher levels of burnout and sleep problems.

CONCLUSION: The study suggests an association between symptom severity and measures of long-term stress and sleep quality. This has implications for the treatment of persons affected by BRS, since not only the environment needs to be treated, but also the concurrent signs of distress, such as burnout or sleep problems.