Abstract
In Japan, support systems for individuals with gender dysphoria （GD） remain underdeveloped, and access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment is limited. Furthermore, specialized clinics in this field are also scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the factors influencing sleep among individuals with GD to enhance their overall well-being. A total of 126 outpatients （69 females and 57 males, mean age＝28.0±11.7 years） who received treatment at Chiaki Clinic between April 23, 2024 and June 30, 2024, were included in the study. Data on demographics, core GD characteristics, sleep disturbances based on the Athens Insomnia Scale （AIS）, depressive symptoms checked by the Self-Rating Depression Scale （SDS）, and anxiety symptoms checked by the General Anxiety Disorder-7 （GAD-7）, were extracted from medical records. The prevalence of insomnia, as determined by AIS scores, was 53.2％ among individuals with GD. Multivariate analysis revealed several factors significantly associated with insomnia （AIS≥6）, including age, employment status, hormone therapy, and specific items from the SDS and GAD-7. Insomnia in individuals with GD was associated with similar factors as seen in general psychiatric populations, such as age and employment. Hormone therapy appeared to alleviate insomnia symptoms in patients with GD. Given the string relationship between insomnia, depression, and anxiety, careful assessment and management of psychiatric symptoms are essential in this population.
