Comparison between home and hospital set-up for unattended home-based polysomnography: a prospective randomized study

The Role of Telemedicine in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS): A Review of the Literature

The advent of telemedicine marked a significant turning point in the healthcare landscape, introducing a revolutionary approach to the delivery of medical care. Digital technologies easily connect health professionals and patients, overcoming geographical and temporal barriers. Telemedicine has been used for sleep disorders including obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) since the mid-1990s. In adult patients with OSAS, telemedicine is helpful both for consultation and diagnosis, the latter obtained through remote recordings of oxygen saturation and further parameters registered with telemonitored respiratory polygraphy or polysomnography. Remote monitoring can be used to follow up the patient and verify adherence to daily treatments including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In children, studies on the role of telemedicine in OSAS are scarce. This narrative review aims to describe the application of telemedicine in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), assessing its advantages and disadvantages. In patients with OSA, telemedicine is applicable at every stage of patient management, from diagnosis to treatment monitoring also in pediatric and adolescent ages. While telemedicine offers convenience and accessibility in healthcare delivery, its application in managing OSAS could be associated with some disadvantages, including limitations in physical examination, access to diagnostic tools, and education and counseling; technology barriers; and privacy concerns. The adoption of a hybrid approach, integrating both in-office and virtual appointments, could effectively meet the needs of children with OSAS. However, more studies are needed to fully assess the effectiveness and safety of telemedicine in the pediatric population.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Stroke: Determining the Mechanisms Behind their Association and Treatment Options

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) can be a sequela of stroke caused by vascular injury to vital respiratory centers, cerebral edema, and increased intracranial pressure of space-occupying lesions. Likewise, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contributes to increased stroke risk through local mechanisms such as impaired ischemic cerebrovascular response and systemic effects such as promoting atherosclerosis, hypercoagulability, cardiac arrhythmias, vascular-endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome. The impact of OSA on stroke outcomes has been established, yet it receives less attention in national guidelines on stroke management than hyperglycemia and blood pressure dysregulation. Furthermore, whether untreated OSA worsens stroke outcomes is not well-described in the literature. This scoping review provides an updated investigation of the correlation between OSA and stroke, including inter-relational pathophysiology. This review also highlights the importance of OSA treatment and its role in stroke outcomes. Knowledge of pathophysiology, the inter-relationship between these common disorders, and the impact of OSA therapy on outcomes affect the clinical management of patients with acute ischemic stroke. In addition, understanding the relationship between stroke outcomes and pre-existing OSA will allow clinicians to predict outcomes while treating acute stroke.

Collagen peptide supplementation before bedtime reduces sleep fragmentation and improves cognitive function in physically active males with sleep complaints

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this study was to examine whether a glycine-rich collagen peptides (CP) supplement could enhance sleep quality in physically active men with self-reported sleep complaints.

METHODS

In a randomized, crossover design, 13 athletic males (age: 24 ± 4 years; training volume; 7 ± 3 h·wk1) with sleep complaints (Athens Insomnia Scale, 9 ± 2) consumed CP (15 g·day1) or a placebo control (CON) 1 h before bedtime for 7 nights. Sleep quality was measured with subjective sleep diaries and actigraphy for 7 nights; polysomnographic sleep and core temperature were recorded on night 7. Cognition, inflammation, and endocrine function were measured on night 7 and the following morning. Subjective sleepiness and fatigue were measured on all 7 nights. The intervention trials were separated by ≥ 7 days and preceded by a 7-night familiarisation trial.

RESULTS

Polysomnography showed less awakenings with CP than CON (21.3 ± 9.7 vs. 29.3 ± 13.8 counts, respectively; P = 0.028). The 7-day average for subjective awakenings were less with CP vs. CON (1.3 ± 1.5 vs. 1.9 ± 0.6 counts, respectively; P = 0.023). The proportion of correct responses on the baseline Stroop cognitive test were higher with CP than CON (1.00 ± 0.00 vs. 0.97 ± 0.05 AU, respectively; P = 0.009) the morning after night 7. There were no trial differences in core temperature, endocrine function, inflammation, subjective sleepiness, fatigue and sleep quality, or other measures of cognitive function or sleep (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CP supplementation did not influence sleep quantity, latency, or efficiency, but reduced awakenings and improved cognitive function in physically active males with sleep complaints.

Comparison of clinical pathways for hypoglossal nerve stimulation management: in-laboratory titration polysomnography vs home-based efficacy sleep testing

STUDY OBJECTIVES

We conducted this study to evaluate whether laboratory or home-based hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) management would have equivalent objective and subjective obstructive sleep apnea outcomes 6 months after activation.

METHODS

Patients undergoing standard-of-care HNS implantation were randomly assigned in a prospective, multicenter clinical trial to either a 3-month postactivation in-laboratory titration polysomnography (tPSG) or an efficacy home sleep study (eHST) with tPSG by exception for eHST nonresponders at 5 months. Both groups underwent an eHST 6 months postactivation.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were randomly assigned. Patients experienced equivalent decreases in the apnea-hypopnea index (mean difference: -0.01 events/h [-8.75, 8.74]) across both groups with HNS; the selection of tPSG or eHST did not associate with therapy response rates (tPSG vs eHST: 63.2% vs 59.1%). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (median of differences: 1 [-1, 3]) and device usage (median of differences: 0.0 hours [-1.3, 1.3]) outcomes were similar but did not meet a priori statistical equivalence criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial demonstrated that patients undergoing HNS implantation experienced statistically equivalent improvements in objective obstructive sleep apnea outcomes and similar improvements in daytime sleepiness regardless of whether they underwent tPSG. HNS titration with tPSG may not be required for all postoperative patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Inspire Home Study: Utilization of Home Monitoring During Therapy Optimization in Patients With an Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation System (Comparison of Home Sleep Testing vs. In-lab Polysomnography Testing) (HOME); URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04416542; Identifier: NCT04416542.

CITATION

Kent D, Huyett P, Yu P, et al. Comparison of clinical pathways for hypoglossal nerve stimulation management: in-laboratory titration polysomnography vs home-based efficacy sleep testing. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(11):1905-1912.

Nocturnal Polysomnography without Technical Supervision in the Diagnosis of Respiratory Sleep Disorders, Diagnostic Performance of Home and Sleep Laboratory Studies

Introduction  Unattended Polysomnography (type 2 PSG) is a procedure for the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Published evidence on its performance and efficacy is limited. Available studies reveal a high rate of lost records that could limit its application. Objective  To assess the efficacy of type 2 PSG and the rate of studies that must be repeated due to critical loss of signals. Methods  prospective, descriptive study. Adult patients with suspected SDB were included. Unattended PSG was performed using portable equipment. 75 patients were connected at home and another 75 in the laboratory, without subsequent monitoring. Records were evaluated to determine the percentage of the night with adequate quality for each of the signals, considered as an evaluable signal for = 70% of the total recording time (TRT). The need to repeat the studies was also estimated. Results: 150 patients were recruited; 44% women; age 57.3 ± 15.4 years; BMI 29.4 ± 6.5. EEG and EOG signals were adequate in 149 records. Flow signal by pressure cannula was adequate in 146 and by thermistor in 67.8%. In only one study the signal of both effort bands were inadequate. Oximetry was lost in 4 cases. Ten tracings (6%) met the criteria for repetition; 8 hospital and 2 home. Conclusions  Acceptable records were obtained in most unattended PSG studies, both at home and in the sleep laboratory. The rate of repetition of studies due to loss of signal was 6%, with failure in SaO2 or in flow signals being the main cause of the indication.

Mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia for older adults with sleep difficulties: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Poor sleep is a modifiable risk factor for multiple disorders. Frontline treatments (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia) have limitations, prompting a search for alternative approaches. Here, we compare manualized Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia (MBTI) with a Sleep Hygiene, Education, and Exercise Program (SHEEP) in improving subjective and objective sleep outcomes in older adults.

METHODS

We conducted a single-site, parallel-arm trial, with blinded assessments collected at baseline, post-intervention and 6-months follow-up. We randomized 127 participants aged 50-80, with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score ⩾5, to either MBTI (n = 65) or SHEEP (n = 62), both 2 hr weekly group sessions lasting 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included PSQI and Insomnia Severity Index, and actigraphy- and polysomnography-measured sleep onset latency (SOL) and wake after sleep onset (WASO).

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat analysis showed reductions in insomnia severity in both groups [MBTI: Cohen's effect size d = -1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.61 to -0.89; SHEEP: d = -0.69, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.43], with significantly greater improvement in MBTI. Sleep quality improved equivalently in both groups (MBTI: d = -1.19; SHEEP: d = -1.02). No significant interaction effects were observed in objective sleep measures. However, only MBTI had reduced WASO_actigraphy (MBTI: d = -0.30; SHEEP: d = 0.02), SOL_actigraphy (MBTI: d = -0.25; SHEEP: d = -0.09), and WASO_PSG (MBTI: d = -0.26; SHEEP (d = -0.18). There was no change in SOL_PSG. No participants withdrew because of adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

MBTI is effective at improving subjective and objective sleep quality in older adults, and could be a valid alternative for persons who have failed or do not have access to standard frontline therapies.

A meta-analysis of the first-night effect in healthy individuals for the full age spectrum

OBJECTIVES

The first-night effect (FNE) affects the accuracy of polysomnography (PSG) findings. However, the levels of FNE in different ages are unclear.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science. The studies that reported sleep parameters by PSG for at least 2 consecutive nights from healthy individuals were included. The weighted mean differences were used to assess the effect size of differences in each sleep parameters between the first and second nights, as well as between the second and the third.

RESULTS

A total of 53 studies from 1422 subjects with mean age of 9.2-85.5 years were included. Meta-analyses showed that prolonged sleep onset latency, wake time after sleep onset and rapid eye movement sleep (REM) latency, accompanied by decreased total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and REM and increased non-rapid eye movement sleep stage 1 (N1) during the first night compared to the second (all P-value ≤ 0.001). No significant differences were observed in N2 and slow wave sleep, apnea-hypopnea index or periodic limb movement index (all P-value > 0.5). A non-linear association between FNE and age was observed: young adults (age 20-29 years) had the lowest level of FNE compared to other age ranges. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in most sleep parameters between the second and third night except more N2 and less REM in the second night (both P-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The FNE exists in most cases but only in the first night of PSG recording and is less pronounced among young adults.

A critical review of the pharmacological treatment of REM sleep behavior disorder in adults: time for more and larger randomized placebo-controlled trials

Rapid Eye Movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia causing sufferers to physically act out their dreams. These behaviors can disrupt sleep and sometimes lead to injuries in patients and their bed-partners. Clonazepam and melatonin are the first-line pharmacological treatment options for RBD based on direct uncontrolled clinical observations and very limited double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Given the risk for adverse outcomes, especially in older adults, it is of great importance to assess the existing level of evidence for the use of these treatments. In this update, we therefore critically review the clinical and scientific evidence on the pharmacological management of RBD in people aged over 50. We focus on the first-line treatments, and provide an overview of all other alternative pharmacological agents trialed for RBD we could locate as supplementary materials. By amalgamating all clinical observations, our update shows that 66.7% of 1,026 RBD patients reported improvements from clonazepam and 32.9% of 137 RBD patients reported improvements from melatonin treatment on various outcome measures in published accounts. Recently, however, three relatively small randomized placebo-controlled trials did not find these agents to be superior to placebo. Given clonazepam and melatonin are clinically assumed to majorly modify or eliminate RBD in nearly all patients-there is an urgent need to test whether this magnitude of treatment effect remains intact in larger placebo-controlled trials.

Differences in Sleep Disorders between HIV-Infected Persons and Matched Controls with Sleep Problems: A Matched-Cohort Study Based on Laboratory and Survey Data

Objectives: Sleep disturbances are prevalent problems among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. The recognition of comorbid sleep disorders in patients with HIV is currently hampered by limited knowledge of sleep-related symptoms, sleep architecture, and types of sleep disorders in this population. We aimed to compare the differences in sleep-related symptoms and polysomnography-based sleep disorders between HIV-infected persons and controls. Methods: The study evaluated 170 men with a Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores greater than 5, including 44 HIV-infected men and 126 male controls who were frequency-matched by sex, age (±3.0 years) and BMI (±3.0 kg/m²). For all participants, an overnight sleep study using a Somte V1 monitor was conducted. Differences in sleep-related symptoms and sleep disorders between HIV-infected patients and controls were examined using t-tests or chi-square tests. Results: HIV-infected persons with sleep disturbances more often had psychological disturbances (72.7% vs. 40.5%, p < 0.001) and suspected rapid eye movement behavior disorder (25.0% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.01) than controls. Sleep-disordered breathing was less common in HIV-infected persons than in controls (56.8% vs. 87.3%, p < 0.001). The mean percentage of rapid eye movement sleep was higher among HIV-infected patients than among controls (20.6% vs. 16.6%, p < 0.001). Nocturia was more common in HIV-infected persons than in controls (40.9% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Psychological disturbances and sleep-disordered breathing can be possible explanations of sleep disturbances in HIV-infected persons in whom sleep-disordered breathing is notable. Further studies are warranted to examine the underlying factors of rapid eye movement behavior disorder among HIV-infected persons with sleep disturbances.

Predictors of obstructive sleep apnea misclassification when using total bed time versus total sleep time

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Untreated, it is associated with multiple medical complications as well as a reduced quality of life. Home sleep apnea tests are increasingly used for its diagnosis and evaluation of severity, but using total bed time rather than total sleep time may underestimate OSA severity. We aim to uncover the extent and predictors of OSA misclassification when using total bed time. A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the sleep laboratory of the National University Hospital, Singapore, a tertiary hospital with 1200 beds. Misclassification of OSA was defined as any OSA severity that was less severe using total bed time versus total sleep time. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of OSA misclassification. A total of 1621 patients were studied (mean age 45.6 ± 15.9 years; 73.4% male). 300 (18.5%) patients were misclassified. Risk factors for OSA misclassification included age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, P = 0.001) and body-mass index (BMI) (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99, P = 0.015). Risk for misclassification was significant in patients aged ≥ 57 years old, with BMI < 32.3 kg/m². Using total bed time rather than total sleep time to quantify OSA severity was associated with a significant risk of misclassification, particularly in patients aged ≥ 57 years old, with BMI < 32.3 kg/m².

Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery positioning on the use of telemedine in sleep-disordered breathing and mechanical ventilation

The rapid introduction of new information and communication technologies into medical practice has prompted Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic SurgeryR to publish a position paper on sleep-disordered breathing, especially in relation to positive pressure treatment. It should be pointed out that the scientific literature is to some extent controversial due to a paucity of large randomized multicenter studies with long-term follow-up. Moreover, the telematics devices and systems on the market vary widely. As a result, the recommendations are based primarily on a consensus of expert professionals. Another very important aspect addressed extensively in this document is the obvious lack of regulations on legal matters and the operations of commercial companies. The most important recommendations included in this position paper are that telemedicine is primarily advocated in subjects with travel problems or who live far from the hospital, in patients with poor CPAP compliance, and in most cases treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation. A key element is patient individualization. It is imperative that the relevant technical, legal and ethical requirements (medical device regulations, data protection, and informed consent) are met. Finally, expert professionals from our society must contribute to and become involved in spearheading this technological change.

Overlapping sleep disturbances in persistent tic disorders and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of polysomnographic findings

INTRODUCTION

Persistent tic disorders (PTDs) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common neurodevelopmental conditions which tend to co-occur. Both diagnoses are associated with sleep problems. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates overlaps and distinctions in objective sleep parameters based on diagnosis (PTD-only, PTD + ADHD, and ADHD-only).

METHODS

Databases were searched to identify studies with objective sleep measures in each population. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Polysomnography was the only measure included in all three groups. Twenty studies met final inclusion criteria, combining PTD-only (N = 108), PTD + ADHD (N = 79), and ADHD-only (N = 316). Compared to controls (N = 336), PTD-only and PTD + ADHD groups had significantly lower sleep efficiency and higher sleep onset latency. PTD + ADHD also had significantly increased time in bed and total sleep time. No significant differences were observed between ADHD-only groups and controls.

DISCUSSION

Different sleep profiles appear to characterise each population. PTD + ADHD was associated with more pronounced differences. Further research is required to elucidate disorder-specific sleep problems, ensuring appropriate identification and monitoring of sleep in clinical settings.

Self-setup of home respiratory polygraphy for the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome: cost-efficiency study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the differences in reliability and costs of home respiratory polygraphy (HRP) when installed by the patient and by a nurse, in order to determine the factors affecting and to consider the possible generalization of self-setup procedure. Several HRP devices have been validated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis but convenience of a nurse intervention in HRP installation has been scarcely studied.

METHODS

This is a prospective and interventional study. About 301 participants were assigned to 2 groups: self-setup and nurse intervention. Sleep study, questionnaires, and diagnostic procedures were performed following the clinical practice in 2016. Signals were considered lost above 3 min, and success of the test was established according to guidelines. Costs were calculated according to a previous multicenter study.

RESULTS

Both groups (self-setup and nurse intervention) resulted homogeneous in age, gender, BMI, and final diagnosis of OSA. Signal losses during the test were similar in both groups. Slightly higher percentage of unsuccessful tests were obtained in the self-setup procedure (5.3 vs 2.0%, p = 0.121). The costs were similar (107 vs 105 €) in the self-setup group as compared to the nurse setup group.

CONCLUSIONS

The setup of HRP by either the patient or nurse had similar costs and data acquisition. Both installation procedures of HRP were similar regarding test reliability and costs. Main findings are that self-installation by the patient could be similarly reliable and economic as installation by a nurse, as far as consensus guidelines are followed. This study demonstrates that self-setup of HRP is a potentially viable option for the diagnosis of OSA.

The association between traffic-related air pollution and obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review

Recent evidence suggests that air pollution exposure may be a contributing risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), however, current evidence is conflicting. This systematic review aims to determine the association between air pollution and OSA in the general population, and examine for potential effect modification by seasonality, temperature and humidity. Five full-text articles were included in the review out of 905 articles found by systematically searching PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases. The included studies were limited to OSA in adults that were conducted in middle to high-income countries. The results highlight heterogeneity in the diagnostic criteria for OSA and method used to assess air pollution exposure. There is some evidence to support a relationship between air pollution exposure and OSA. However, the duration of exposure to different air pollutants including particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and nitric oxides (NO₂) in relation to OSA varied across different seasons, temperatures, and countries. This variability of the pollutants across studies warrants a more robust study design using time-series analysis with multiple follow-ups to strengthen the evidence for this relationship before considering its implications.

A machine learning-based test for adult sleep apnoea screening at home using oximetry and airflow

The most appropriate physiological signals to develop simplified as well as accurate screening tests for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) remain unknown. This study aimed at assessing whether joint analysis of at-home oximetry and airflow recordings by means of machine-learning algorithms leads to a significant diagnostic performance increase compared to single-channel approaches. Consecutive patients showing moderate-to-high clinical suspicion of OSA were involved. The apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) from unsupervised polysomnography was the gold standard. Oximetry and airflow from at-home polysomnography were parameterised by means of 38 time, frequency, and non-linear variables. Complementarity between both signals was exhaustively inspected via automated feature selection. Regression support vector machines were used to estimate the AHI from single-channel and dual-channel approaches. A total of 239 patients successfully completed at-home polysomnography. The optimum joint model reached 0.93 (95%CI 0.90–0.95) intra-class correlation coefficient between estimated and actual AHI. Overall performance of the dual-channel approach (kappa: 0.71; 4-class accuracy: 81.3%) significantly outperformed individual oximetry (kappa: 0.61; 4-class accuracy: 75.0%) and airflow (kappa: 0.42; 4-class accuracy: 61.5%). According to our findings, oximetry alone was able to reach notably high accuracy, particularly to confirm severe cases of the disease. Nevertheless, oximetry and airflow showed high complementarity leading to a remarkable performance increase compared to single-channel approaches. Consequently, their joint analysis via machine learning enables accurate abbreviated screening of OSA at home.

Better sleep quality could reinforce the relationship between sleep posture and kidney stone laterality in obstructive sleep apnea patients

Urolithiasis is a common urologic problem among adults worldwide. It is interesting that urinary stones tend to recur on the same side and the pathophysiology of unilateral stone formation is not clearly understood. Researchers found that sleep posture could alter renal perfusion, and subsequent vascular injury may lead to urolithiasis formation. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the correlations between the specific sleep postures recorded in polysomnography (PSG) and the stone laterality in unilateral urinary stone formers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We retrospectively reviewed patients receiving PSG for the diagnosis of OSA in our institutes between January 1st 2002 and September 30th 2016. Those had a history of unilateral urinary stones which surgical intervention was warranted were included. Supine, prone, right decubitus, and left decubitus sleep postures were determined as patients remained specific postures for more than 50% of their sleep time. The laterality of stones with sleep posture was analyzed with Chi-square test. A student t test was used to assess factors that influenced the ipsilateral stone formation. IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software was adopted to analyze the data, and p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 117 patients were enrolled in this study, among which 105 (89.7%) were male and 12 were female. The mean age at PSG examination was 53.5 ± 11.5 years. 66 patients were diagnosed as left-side urolithiasis, and 51 patients had urinary stones at right side. 58 (49.6%) patients slept predominantly in supine posture, while 53 (45.3%) patients, in decubitus posture, and no patient, in prone posture. A total of 51 patients' stones appeared at the same side as their decubitus posture (p < 0.0001). Shorter sleep stage I ratio (24.3 ± 15.5% versus 52.4 ± 24.7%, p = 0.017), longer sleep stage II + III + IV ratio (66.2 ± 21.9% versus 30.9 ± 2.8, p = 0.049), and less sleep stage change (176.6 ± 69.6 times versus 282.5 ± 91.2 times, p = 0.041) were correlated with stone formation on the same side. Age, gender, body mass index, and other polysomnographic parameters failed to demonstrate associations between the sides of urinary calculi and sleep postures. We discovered that sleep posture is associated with unilateral urolithiasis formation. Favorable sleep quality and less sleep stage changes could consolidate the correlations. Further prospective study is warranted to evaluate the effect of sleep posture and quality on non-OSA patients as well as the preventive effect of sleep posture modification on repeated unilateral stone formers.

Telemedicine in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnoea

Telemedicine (TM) is a current tool in the landscape of medicine. It helps to address public health challenges such as increases in chronic disease in an ageing society and the associated burden in healthcare costs. Sleep TM refers to patient data exchange with the purpose of enhancing disease management. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) syndrome is a chronic disorder associated with a significant morbidity, mainly cardiometabolic, and mortality. Obtaining adequate compliance to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the greatest challenge related to OSA treatment, and the adoption of TM to support OSA management makes sense. In addition, the prevalence of OSA is growing and OSA is associated with increased healthcare costs that could be streamlined by the application of TM. In OSA, multiple modalities of TM are utilised, such as telediagnostics, teleconsultation, teletherapy and telemonitoring of patients being treated with CPAP. In the present article, I aim to provide an overview of current practice and the recent developments in TM for OSA management. Concerns related to TM use will also be addressed.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Reduces Fear of Sleep in Individuals With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Our study aims were to examine (1) the association between fear of sleep and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, (2) the association between fear of sleep and subjective and objective insomnia symptoms and disruptive behaviors during sleep, and (3) whether fear of sleep decreases following cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

METHODS

Forty-five adults with PTSD and insomnia participated in the study. Fear of sleep was assessed using the Fear of Sleep Inventory; PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale; and sleep disturbance symptoms were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index, polysomnography, sleep diaries, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Addendum for PTSD. Participants were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of CBT-I (n = 29) or a waitlist control condition (n = 16).

RESULTS

Greater fear of sleep was associated with greater PTSD symptom severity, greater nightmare frequency, and greater hypervigilance intensity. Greater fear of sleep was associated with decreased wake after sleep onset (WASO), reduced total sleep time, and greater disruptive nocturnal behaviors. Following CBT-I, there was a significant reduction in fear of sleep compared to the waitlist condition. These improvements persisted 6 months later.

CONCLUSIONS

Fear of sleep was related to sleep disturbances specific to trauma rather than "classic" insomnia symptoms. Unexpectedly, greater fear of sleep was associated with reduced WASO. These results may be related to having a truncated sleep period and thus more consolidated sleep. Fear of sleep deceased following CBT-I despite not being a permissible target for this research protocol and not being related to insomnia symptoms.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: CinicalTrials.gov; Name: Treating People with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia; Identifier: NCT00881647; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00881647.

Success Rate and Technical Quality of Home Polysomnography With Self-Applicable Electrode Set in Subjects With Possible Sleep Bruxism

Using sleep laboratory polysomnography (PSG) is restricted for the diagnosis of only the most severe sleep disorders due to its low availability and high cost. Home PSG is more affordable, but applying conventional electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes increases its overall complexity and lowers the availability. Simple, self-administered single-channel EEG monitors on the other hand suffer from poor reliability. In this study, we aimed to quantify the reliability of self-administrated home PSG recordings conducted with a newly designed ambulatory electrode set (AES) that enables multichannel EEG, electrooculography, electromyography, and electrocardiography recordings. We assessed the sleep study success rate and technical quality of the recordings performed in subjects with possible sleep bruxism (SB). Thirty-two females and five males aged 39.6 ± 11.6 years (mean±SD) with self-reported SB were recruited in the study. Self-administrated home PSG recordings with two AES designs were conducted (n = 19 and 21). The technical quality of the recordings was graded based on the proportion of interpretable data. Technical failure rate for AES (both designs) was 5% and SB was scorable for 96.9% of all recorded data. Only one recording failed due to mistakes in self-applying the AES. We found that the proportion of good quality self-administrated EEG recordings is significantly higher when multiple channels are used compared to using a single channel. Sleep study success rates and proportion of recordings with high quality interpretable data from EEG channels of AES were comparable to that of conventional home PSG. Self-applicable AES has potential to become a reliable tool for widely available home PSG.

Sleep continuity, architecture and quality among treatment-seeking cannabis users: An in-home, unattended polysomnographic study

The objective of the study was to describe self-report and objectively measured sleep characteristics of adult treatment-seeking cannabis users. Study participants (n = 87) were adults who were screened for a 12-week outpatient cannabis treatment research program in Baltimore, MD. Participants completed objective and self-report measures of sleep quality. Data were analyzed for the sample overall and after stratifying by sex (54 men, 33 women). Participants were primarily urban, socioeconomically disadvantaged African Americans. Participants were frequent, heavy cannabis users; among a subset of participants assessed, 76.7% used cannabis on the day/night of the assessment. Participants had low rates of other substance abuse and of psychiatric comorbidities. Polysomnography indicated 19.5% of participants received the recommended 7 to 9 hr of sleep, with women averaging more sleep than men. One third (31.0%) had sleep latencies >30 min, one half spent >30 min awake after sleep onset, and more than one half of the sample (55.2%) had sleep efficiency scores of <85%. Most participants met criteria for subthreshold (36.8%) or clinical insomnia (25.3%) on the Insomnia Severity Index, 77.0% had scores of >5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Most had average scores on the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes About Sleep (DBAS) questionnaire (M = 51.1, SD = 18.8) that were higher than average among clinical insomnia patients. Women had higher DBAS scores than men. Most participants exhibited characteristics of disordered sleep, and sex differences were observed on polysomnography and self-report measures. Findings extend prior research concerning the association between cannabis use and disordered sleep. Data presented in this article come from Clinical Trial NCT01685073. (PsycINFO Database Record

Improvement of sleep architecture parameters in cirrhotic patients with recurrent hepatic encephalopathy with the use of rifaximin

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Sleep disorders are frequently reported in patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This study assessed the effect of rifaximin on sleep architecture parameters in patients with recurrent HE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This sequential, prospective, and exploratory study involved all patients with cirrhosis and recurrent HE admitted between June 2014 and September 2015. HE was assessed according to the West-Haven Classification. Patients underwent 24-h polysomnography (PSG) and 7-day actigraphy. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was considered to be an indicator of good sleep quality. Patients completed questionnaires assessing the quality of sleep and sleepiness. After a 28-day course of rifaximin, the same assessment was repeated.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included (nine men, mean age: 57±11 years). Child-Pugh scores ranged from B7 to C15. Before rifaximin, the mean HE score was 2.7±0.7. Data from PSG analysis indicated long total sleep time (TST): 571±288 min, and limited REM sleep: 2.5% TST (0-19). Seven-day actigraphy showed an impaired number of steps: 1690/24 h (176-6945). Questionnaires indicated that patients experienced impaired sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. After rifaximin, HE scores decreased to 1.7±0.6 (P<0.001). REM sleep increased to 8.5% TST (0-25) (P=0.003). No changes were observed for TST, number of steps, and on questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

Patients with recurrent HE suffer from poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. On 24-h PSG, rifaximin improves objective sleep architecture parameters with no changes in the subjective quality of sleep and sleepiness.

A novel postal-based approach to diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea in a high-risk population

OBJECTIVE

More than 50% of patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO) have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but the majority remain undiagnosed. We used a four-channel device (ApneaLink [AL], ResMed, UK) to establish a remote postal-based diagnostic service for patients with DMO. Here we describe our experience.

METHODS

Patients with DMO were invited to participate. Interested patients returned a free-post reply slip to the study team, who posted an AL with pictorial and written instructions to them. Following a single night study, the AL was returned by a freepost service.

RESULTS

Responses from 733 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were received, comprising 469 males and 264 females, mean age 64 years (standard deviation 10.4 years). ALs were issued to 718 patients, of whom 606 completed a diagnostic study. A total of 71 patients (12%) required a repeat study due to inadequacy of the first attempt. Completed sleep studies showed that 75% of respondents had sleep disordered breathing: 4% ODI 0-4/h, 24%; 5-9/h, 19%; 10-19/h, 23%; ≥20/h, 34%; and AHI 0-4/h, 25%; 5-14/h, 38%; 15-29/h, 20%; ≥30/h, 17%. Among 1592 postal events through the national post service, 20 ALs were lost.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that a remote postal-based diagnostic service for populations with a high risk of OSA can be successfully performed. This novel approach, which avoids clinic attendance, may be useful in clinical practice.

Immediate effect of CPAP titration on perceived health related quality of life: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Perceived Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is impaired in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study examines changes in HRQoL aspects occurring immediately after CPAP titration. Furthermore, we analyzed variations in each gender and in patients undergoing home or laboratory-based CPAP titration pathways.

METHODS

Twohundredfive outpatients (151 M) (56.7 ± 10.3 years) were evaluated, before first visit and nocturnal diagnostic examination (T0), and the morning after CPAP titration (T1). Two self-reported HRQoL questionnaires were administered: Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), composed by six subscales, and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), including Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summaries (MCS). CPAP titration was performed using auto-adjusting CPAP units at patients' home or in the sleep laboratory.

RESULTS

PGWBI scores at T1 improved compared to T0 (p < 0.0001). A similar improvement was observed in SF-12 MCS (p = 0.0011), but not in SF-12 PCS. Changes were independent from anthropometric parameters, OSA severity and excessive daytime sleepiness. Gender comparisons showed better HRQoL in males at both times. At T0, patients who received home or laboratory CPAP titration pathways did not show any differences in PGWBI and SF-12 scores. At T1, PGWBI and SF-12 MCS improved in both home and laboratory groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study gives evidence that first time CPAP application for titration can lead to a general increase in perceived well-being. Gender comparisons showed better perceived HRQoL with more subscales improvements in males after CPAP titration. The improvement was similar with both home and laboratory CPAP titration pathways.

Sleep Duration and Obesity in Adults: What Are the Connections?

Collectively, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on self-reported sleep duration and obesity do not show a clear pattern of association with some showing a negative linear relationship, some showing a U-shaped relationship, and some showing no relationship. Associations between sleep duration and obesity seem stronger in younger adults. Cross-sectional studies using objectively measured sleep duration (actigraphy or polysomnography (PSG)) also show this mixed pattern whereas all longitudinal studies to date using actigraphy or PSG have failed to show a relationship with obesity/weight gain. It is still too early and a too easy solution to suggest that changing the sleep duration will cure the obesity epidemic. Given novel results on emotional stress and poor sleep as mediating factors in the relationship between sleep duration and obesity, detection and management of these should become the target of future clinical efforts as well as future research.