Effect of oral L-carnitine supplementation on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients

Background & Poor sleep quality is common among hemodialysis patients. On the other hand, hemodialysis patients are encountered with carnitine deficiency. L-carnitine is a dietary supplement that has various metabolic functions and decreases the complications during dialysis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oral L-carnitine supplementation on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 59 qualified hemodialysis patients were gone under investigation in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Shirvan during 2013. Patients were divided into intervention and control groups by permutation blocking method. Patients in the intervention group received 500 mg of L-carnitine supplement twice a day, and the placebo group was similarly taking placebo for 12 weeks. Tools for data collection consist of demographic form and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index which were completed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS statistical software version 11.5 and using independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, chi-square, Fisher, Wilcoxon tests, Analysis of Covariance and significance level of P0.05. Before intervention, the mean PSQI scores were 9.6±4.2 and 10.1±4.13, respectively in the drug group and the placebo group and, after the intervention, the scores were, respectively, 6.4±2/8 and 9/7±3/48 that showed significant differences in both groups, compared to baseline(P0.05). Also, The PSQI score decreased by 33% in the intervention group and by 3/9% in the control group. Based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the lower score demonstrates a better condition of sleep qualiy. This study showed that oral L-carnitine supplementation can improve sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.