Relationship between traditional Chinese medicine body constitution and sleep quality among high-speed railway crew in Beijing, China: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) body constitution and sleep quality among high-speed railway crew in Beijing, China. Evaluate TCM body constitution and sleep quality by using the constitution in Chinese medicine questionnaire (CCMQ) and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). From March 19, 2022, to November 20, 2023, a total of 799 questionnaires were distributed and returned 742 copies of the CCMQ and PSQI. The univariate analysis results showed significant association between sleep quality and Yang-deficiency constitution, Yin-deficiency constitution, phlegm-dampness constitution, dampness-heat constitution, blood-stasis constitution, Qi-stagnation constitution, Inherited-special constitution, academic degree (P < .05). In the multivariate analysis, Yin-deficiency constitution (OR = 2.492, 95% CI = 1.824–3.405) and Qi-stagnation constitution (OR = 2.097, 95% CI = 1.429–3.076) were associated with the sleep quality (P < .001). This cross-sectional study showed an association between Yin-deficiency and Qi-stagnation constitutions and sleep disorder in Beijing high-speed railway crew. However, the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, and improving TCM body constitution may not necessarily lead to improved sleep quality. Further longitudinal research is needed to establish causal relationships. Nevertheless, this study provides a case for the potential role of TCM in supporting occupational health.