The effects of mindfulness and relaxation training for insomnia (MRTI) on postmenopausal women: a pilot study

The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on non-physiological symptoms of menopause: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Menopause, a crucial transitioning stage for women, can significantly impact mood and wellbeing. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on non-physiological symptoms of menopause (depression, anxiety, cognition, and quality of life) through systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Five databases were searched from inception to August 2023 for randomized controlled trials. Pre- and post-test means and standard deviations for groups were extracted and used to calculate effect sizes. The effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) on depression and anxiety were examined by subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty studies comprising 3501 women were included. From meta-analysis, mood symptoms significantly benefited from CBT (anxiety: d = -0.22, 95 % CI = -0.35, -0.10; depression: d = -0.33, 95 % CI = -0.45, -0.21) and MBI (anxiety: d = -0.56, 95 % CI = -0.74, -0.39; depression: d = -0.27, 95 % CI = -0.45, -0.09). Psychosocial interventions were also found to significantly improve cognition (d = -0.23, 95 % CI = -0.40, -0.06) and quality of life (d = -0.78, 95 % CI = -0.93, -0.63). Mean total therapy hours ('dose') was lower for CBT (11.3) than MBI (18.6), indicating reduced costs and burden for women.

LIMITATIONS

Data regarding menopausal status were not collected, limiting our ability to identify the optimal timing of interventions. Potential longer-term, effects of interventions were not investigated.

CONCLUSION

Our review highlighted the value of psychosocial interventions in improving non-physiological symptoms (particularly depression and anxiety) during menopause, noting the heterogeneity of findings and importance of implementing effective interventions.

Reducing Menopausal Symptoms With Mindfulness-Based Meditation

Midlife women often experience menopausal symptoms despite being treated according to clinical guidelines. The consequences of not addressing menopausal symptoms holistically are that 55% of women see primary care providers frequently with menopausal symptom complaints. The problem was women's lack of coping strategies to deal with their symptoms effectively. The interventions aimed to (1) develop a protocol to provide point-of-care mindfulness-based meditation intervention as a standard of care, (2) evaluate improvements in coping self-efficacy skills, and (3) demonstrate the intervention's impact on menopausal symptoms. Twenty women participated in a short meditation intervention at a micro practice in Oregon from January to May 2022 and continued an 8-week home practice. Self-reported measures of menopausal symptoms, coping self-efficacy, and demographic data were collected pre- and pos-tprogram. A percentage of women determined improvements, and t tests evaluated differences between pre-and postintervention assessments. Pearson correlation coefficients identified associations between the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), its subscales, and the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) postintervention. The women showed 78% improved coping self-efficacy and 89% alleviated menopausal symptoms. The t test revealed a statistically significant change between pre- and post-CSES scores (t17 = 4.19, P < .001) and MRS scores (t17 = 4.78, P < .001). The post-MRS total score was significantly negatively correlated with the post-CSES score (r = -0.49, P = .039), indicating that symptoms decreased as self-efficacy improved. The outcomes of this project show that menopausal women can cope and alleviate their symptoms with an easy and feasible mindfulness-based meditation intervention.

Effect of a lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene protocol on insomnia in postmenopausal women: A pilot randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Insomnia and vasomotor symptoms are frequently experienced during the menopausal transition and in postmenopause, worsening sleep maintenance and quality of life. Our study evaluated the use of lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene guidance on quality of life, sleep patterns and self-reported hot flashes in postmenopausal women with insomnia diagnosis.

METHODS

This study is part of a larger experimental, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. We included 35 postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of insomnia who were distributed in two groups: A Placebo group (sunflower oil) and an Aroma group (Lavandula angustifolia essential oil); both inhaled the oils before bedtime for 29 days. The groups received sleep hygiene guidelines and weekly follow-up. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the effect of the intervention, and a sleep diary was used to assess sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE) daily. Participants who complained of vasomotor symptoms at baseline kept a daily record of their frequency and intensity.

RESULTS

All participants benefited in almost all domains of quality of life and in the self-assessed TST and SE. The Aroma group achieved a significant improvement in their overall quality of life score over time. No differences were observed in respect of the hot flashes record and daytime sleepiness.

CONCLUSIONS

The aromatherapy intervention was effective in improving the overall quality of life in the Aroma group. Moreover, the sleep diary and sleep hygiene instructions helped all participants to, respectively, self-assess and improve their sleep patterns.

Sleep During Menopause

Postmenopause is defined retrospectively after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea. It represents the end of the reproductive period and ovarian failure. A decrease in estrogen leads to several changes in the short and long term. Among the early changes, vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) are particularly common, occurring in about 70% of women. In addition, there are changes in mood, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Insomnia occurs in almost 60% of postmenopausal women. Psychosocial aspects may also affect sleep. Proper diagnosis may lead to adequate treatment of sleep disturbances during menopause. Hormonal or other complementary therapies can improve sleep quality.

Effect of mindfulness on sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction among Iranian postmenopausal women: a quasi-experimental study

Background

Menopause with anatomical, physiological, and psychological changes can affect sexual satisfaction and consequently the quality of life.

Aims

The study sought to evaluate the effects of mindfulness-based counseling on sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction among Iranian postmenopausal women.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 110 women who were assigned to an intervention group (n = 55) and a control group (n = 55). The intervention group received 8 sessions of mindfulness-based training and daily mindfulness exercises. Data collection tools included questionnaires of demographics and midwifery, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual satisfaction. They were completed before and 8 weeks after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed through a t test, a chi-square test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Outcomes

Changes in sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction scores were evaluated.

Results

The mindfulness-based intervention significantly improved sexual self-efficacy (F = 146.98, P = .000, ^ƞ2 = 0.576) and sexual satisfaction (F = 129.47, P = .000, ^ƞ2 = 0.545) over time. The mean scores of sexual self-efficacy (17.03 ± 2.08) and sexual satisfaction (87.94 ± 8.26) in the intervention group increased after the intervention as opposed to the mean scores of sexual self-efficacy (12.65 ± 1.70) and sexual satisfaction (76.61 ± 6.45) in the control group.

Clinical Implications

Mindfulness training can improve sexual self-efficacy and sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women.

Strengths and Limitations

The intervention was implemented on a population of menopausal women in a culture in which the expression of sexual issues is taboo and has not been noticed in the past. The main limitation of this study was self-reporting, which may have affected the responses. The next limitation was the nonrandomized controlled design. Finally, the research sample included menopausal women who were heterosexual and married. Hence, the findings may not be generalizable to more diverse samples. In this study, psychological maladjustment or psychological distress was not analyzed. They should also be considered in future research.

Conclusion

According to the results, it is advisable to employ mindfulness-based intervention in routine care, because it can improve different aspects of menopausal women's life.

Perceptions, Benefits, and Use of Complementary and Integrative Therapies to Treat Menopausal Symptoms: A Pilot Study

Background

Menopause symptoms can be debilitating, and the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has declined significantly since the Women's Health Initiative.

Materials and Methods

We surveyed 508 peri- and postmenopausal females to determine (1) the use of complementary and integrative therapies (CIT), MHT; and pharmacotherapies; (2) the perceptions, perceived benefits/risks of CIT, MHT; and pharmacotherapy use; and (3) factors associated with CIT and MHT use for menopause symptom treatment.

Results

The majority of respondents used CIT to treat menopause symptoms based on physician recommendation and research studies. Treatments that were perceived as most beneficial included exercise, mind-body therapies, diet, and spiritual practices, with exercise and mind-body therapies chosen to treat the most common symptoms of sleep disturbances, depressive mood, and anxiety. Higher education level was the main predictive variable for choosing exercise (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, p = 0.02) and mind-body therapies (OR = 1.57, p = 0.02) to treat menopausal symptoms. Perceptions, beliefs, and use of different CIT by primarily white, affluent, and educated peri- and postmenopausal females to treat menopause symptoms, including sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety, are driven by conversations with physicians and evidence-based research.

Conclusion

These findings reinforce the necessity for both additional research in more diverse populations, as well as comprehensive, individualized personalized care from an interdisciplinary team that considers the best options available for all female patients.

Mindfulness as an Adjunct or Alternative to CBT-I

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are programs that teach mindfulness concepts through guided meditation and self-regulation practices. MBIs have been found to improve sleep and reduce cognitive arousal, which are central to the development and perpetuation of insomnia. In this article, we review theoretic frameworks and clinical trial effectiveness data supporting MBIs for insomnia. Based on this review, we provide suggestions for using MBIs as an adjunct or alternative treatment option to CBT-I with regard to how, when, and for whom. We conclude with an agenda for future directions that can clarify the use of mindfulness as a treatment option for insomnia.

Effects of Nonpharmacological Interventions on Sleep Quality and Insomnia in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: A Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to analyze the effects of nonpharmacological interventions on perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with sleep problems. Eight databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, and four Korean databases) were searched, from their inception through to 30 November 2021, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of nonpharmacological interventions versus control conditions on sleep quality and insomnia in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the severity of insomnia was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). In the meta-analysis, corrected standardized mean differences (SMDs; Hedges' g) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as effect measures by applying the random effects model and inverse variant method. Fifteen trials met our inclusion criteria. Nonpharmacological interventions were found to have positive effects on sleep quality, measured with the PSQI (SMD = -1.32; 95% CI = -1.78 to -0.86; p < 0.001), and on the severity of insomnia, measured using the ISI (SMD = -1.11; 95% CI = -1.82 to -0.41; p = 0.002), compared with the control groups. Among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with sleep problems, nonpharmacological interventions improved sleep quality and reduced the severity of insomnia.

The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety, depression, stress, and mindfulness in menopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are psychological interventions widely used in menopausal women. Currently, there is no evidence summary on the effectiveness of MBIs on anxiety, depression, stress, and mindfulness in menopausal women. This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of MBIs in improving anxiety, depression, stress, and mindfulness scores in menopausal women.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang, using relevant terms such as MBIs as keywords and covering all studies published before March 13, 2022. The outcomes were anxiety, depression, stress, and mindfulness. The screening and extraction of data were conducted by two independent reviewers.

Results

A total of 1,138 menopausal women participated in 13 studies. Meta-analysis results showed that MBIs significantly reduced stress in menopausal women (SMD = -0.84, 95% CI: -1.64 to -0.05, p = 0.04), but no statistical differences were found in reducing anxiety (SMD = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.81 to 0.01, p = 0.06) and depression (SMD = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.45 to 0.07, p = 0.16) and in raising the scores of mindfulness (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI: -0.06 to 0.81, p = 0.09) in menopausal women.

Conclusion

MBIs may reduce stress in menopausal women, but their effect on improving anxiety, depression, and mindfulness needs further validation.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails.

The effect of mindfulness training on stress and sleep quality of postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Mindfulness is an effective method for empowering women to cope with menopausal changes. This study aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness training on stress and sleep quality in postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

English (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINHAL) and Persian (SID, Magiran) databases were searched until 25 June 2022, using the free and MeSH keywords included Mindfulness and Menopause. The quality of the published papers was evaluated using Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.2.0. The meta-analysis was conducted in RevMan 5.3 and the results were reported with mean difference (95% confidence interval). The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

A total of 1206 records were obtained. After removing duplicate and non-eligible records, finally five articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results indicated that sleep quality score (SMD = -1.44; 95% CI = -2.44 to -0.46; p = 0.004) and perceived stress score (MD = -4.21; 95% CI = -6.41 to -2.00; p = 0.0002) were significantly reduced in the mindfulness training group compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

Mindfulness training is associated with improving sleep quality and perceived stress (with a low quality of evidence) in postmenopausal women. Mental health and quality of life in postmenopausal women impressively affect the community health. Given the low quality of evidence of the studies in this field, randomized controlled trials with better methodologies are suggested.

Effekte einer ambulanten Kneippkur als multimodale Lebensstilintervention für die primäre Insomnie: eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie

Einleitung In Deutschland leiden 6–10% der Menschen an klinisch relevanten Schlafstörungen, insbesondere unter der arbeitenden Bevölkerung. Werden diese chronisch, können sie zu schwerwiegenden Erkrankungen führen und einen beträchtlichen Teil der Abwesenheit vom Arbeitsplatz ausmachen. Deshalb wurde ein Kneippkurprogramm für nicht-organische Schlafstörungen als ein nicht-medikamentöses Behandlungskonzept im Kurort Füssen entwickelt und überprüft.

Methodik Randomisierte monozentrische klinische Studie mit 5 Erhebungszeitpunkten (prä-/post-Intervention, 1, 3 und 6 Monate nach Intervention). Intervention: 19-tägiges multimodales Kneippprogramm (Ordnungstherapie, Hydro- und Thermotherapie, Bewegungstherapie). Primäre Zielgröße: Subjektive Schlafqualität (PSQI-Gesamtscore von 0–21 Punkte:≤5 Punkte=gesunder Schlaf, PSQI-Wert 5–10 Punkte=schlechte Schlafqualität, PSQI-Gesamtscore>10 Punkte=chronische Schlafstörung). Sekundäre Zielgrößen: Allgemeines Wohlbefinden (WHO-5-Wellbeing-Index), chronische Stressbelastung (TICS), dysfunktionale Überzeugungen zum Schlaf (DAB-16), Teilnehmerzufriedenheit.

Ergebnisse 96 Erwachsene mit Schlafstörungen (mittleres Alter 56 Jahre, 83% weiblich) wurden in eine Interventionsgruppe IG (N=47) und Wartekontrollgruppe WG (N=49) randomisiert. Zu Studienbeginn gab es keine relevanten Gruppenunterschiede (PSQI-Gesamtwerte: IG 11,7±3,1, WG: 10,6±3,0). Nach 1, 3 und 6 Monaten erhöhte sich der Anteil guter Schläfer deutlich stärker in IG versus WG: 34 vs. 10% nach 1 Monat, 40 vs. 12% nach 3 Monaten sowie 28 vs. 14% nach 6 Monaten. Nach 1, 3 und 6 Monaten reduzierte sich der mittlere PSQI-Gesamtscore deutlich stärker in IG als in der WG: − 4,44 Pkt. vs. − 1,14 Pkt. nach 1 Monat (p=0,001), − 4,19 Pkt. vs. − 1,14 Pkt. nach 3 Monaten (p=0,014]) und − 3,53 Pkt. vs. − 1,28 Pkt. nach sechs Monaten (p=0,111). Dabei erzielte die IG eine klinisch relevante Reduktion des PSQI-Scores von minus 3 Punkten zu allen Messzeitpunkten im Follow-up. Vergleichbare positive Effekte zeigten sich bei der IG bzgl. des allgemeinen Wohlbefindens, der chronischen Stressbelastung und den dysfunktionalen Gedanken zum Schlaf.

Schlussfolgerung Die ambulante multimodale Kneippkur erzielte signifikante Verbesserungen bei Schlafqualität und Wohlbefinden sowie eine Reduktion der chronischen Stressbelastung bei Erwachsenen mit nicht-organischen Schlafstörungen. Die Nachhaltigkeit der Effekte über 6 Monate hinaus müssten in weiteren Studien untersucht werden.

Effects of health education and progressive muscle relaxation on vasomotor symptoms and insomnia in perimenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine the effects of health education (HE) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), individually or combined, on vasomotor symptoms and insomnia in perimenopausal women.

METHODS

This study is a single-center, pretest-posttest, randomized controlled trial with a factorial design. The research sample consists of 108 women who were randomly divided into three groups: HE + PMR group (n = 36), PMR group (n = 36) and control group (n = 36). 90 women completed the study. The data were collected in three steps by using instruments of Personal Information Form, Visual Analog Scale and a diary for vasomotor symptoms, Women's Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Hot flash and night sweats frequency and severity scores/24 h, the VAS scores for hot flashes and night sweats, and the WHIIRS scores significantly improved more in the intervention groups compared to the control group (p &lt; 0,05). Compared to the group PMR, the group PMR + HE had a greater improvement with larger effect size in all measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

PMR and HE counseling by nurses benefit perimenopausal women who suffer from insomnia and vasomotor symptoms.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

PMR combined with HE or PMR alone is effective in managing vasomotor symptoms and insomnia; therefore, they can easily be integrated into clinical practice.

Behavioral interventions for improving sleep outcomes in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women commonly report sleep disruption and insomnia. Behavioral interventions may be safe alternatives for patients who are unwilling to begin pharmacological treatments because of adverse effects, contraindications, or personal preference.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of behavioral interventions on sleep outcomes among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, as measured using standardized scales and objective methods (polysomnography, actigraphy). The secondary objective is to evaluate the safety of these methods through occurrence of adverse events.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

Searches were performed within MEDLINE (OVID interface, 1946 onward), Embase (OVID interface, 1974 onward), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and Web of Science (Core collection) using a search strategy developed in consultation with a health sciences librarian. Title/abstract and full-text screenings were performed in duplicate, and relevant studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria set to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of behavioral interventions on sleep quality. Risk of bias assessments were done using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of the body of evidence. Data were pooled in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model.

FINDINGS

Nineteen articles reporting results from 16 randomized controlled trials were included, representing a total of 2,108 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Overall, behavioral interventions showed a statistically significant effect on sleep outcomes (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.88 to -0.35; I2 = 93.4%). Subgroup analyses revealed that cognitive behavioral therapy (SMD, -0.40; 95% CI, -0.70 to -0.11; I2 = 72.7%), physical exercise (SMD, -0.57; 95% CI, -0.94 to -0.21; I2 = 94.0%), and mindfulness/relaxation (SMD, -1.28; 95% CI, -2.20 to -0.37; I2 = 96.0%) improved sleep, as measured using both subjective (eg, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index) and objective measures. Low-intensity (SMD, -0.91; 95% CI, -1.59 to -0.24; I2 = 96.8) and moderate-intensity exercise (SMD, -0.21; 95% CI, -0.34 to -0.08; I2 = 0.0%) also improved sleep outcomes. No serious adverse events were reported. Overall risk of bias ranged from some concern to serious, and the certainty of the body of evidence was assessed to be of very low quality.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This meta-analysis provides evidence that behavioral interventions, specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical exercise, and mindfulness/relaxation, are effective treatments for improving sleep outcomes among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

A Meta-Analysis of Mindfulness-Based Therapies for Insomnia and Sleep Disturbance Moving Toward Processes of Change

MBTs are increasingly being investigated as a viable treatment of insomnia or sleep disturbance. To date, 13 trials published since 2010 suggest that MBTs are efficacious for improving symptoms of insomnia and sleep quality relative to psychological placebos and inactive control conditions with medium to large effects. Limited evidence suggests that these effects are sustained at 3-month follow-up. Despite this, limited data were collected evaluating the empirically supported mechanisms or processes of change. The authors propose a testable model in the psychological process model of sleep that they hope will advance the next generation of research into MBTs for insomnia.

Cognitive-behavioral, behavioural and mindfulness-based therapies for insomnia in menopause

OBJECTIVES

Insomnia is frequently reported by women during menopause due to physiological changes and environmental factors and is associated with negative daytime sequelae. Due to medication side effects and patient preferences, there is increased interest in the use of psychological treatments for menopausal insomnia. The primary objective of this review is to review the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, and mindfulness-based (CBBMB) therapies in treating insomnia in peri- and post-menopausal women. The secondary objective is to review the effect of CBBMB therapies on relevant secondary outcomes to gain a comprehensive understanding of their impacts.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review of the literature. A search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted between January 2020 and March 2021.

RESULTS

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia is efficacious, with corollary improvements in mood, functional outcomes and potential mechanistic factors (e.g., unhelpful beliefs). Sleep restriction therapy is also efficacious, with somewhat poorer effects on secondary outcomes relative to CBT. Mindfulness meditation and relaxation for insomnia demonstrated promise, but its long-term effects remain unknown.

CONCLUSIONS

Research with more diverse samples and head-to-head comparisons is needed. Dissemination of CBBMBs for insomnia in clinics where menopausal women seek care is an important next step.

The Effect of Mindfulness on Quality of Life among Women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background:

Premature ovarian insufficiency may impair the quality of life and expose women to disorders such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and depression. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mindfulness on the quality of life in women with premature ovarian insufficiency.

Methods:

This study involved 62 women who were randomly allocated into two groups of mindfulness and control. The mindfulness group received eight sessions of training. A demographic questionnaire, menopause-specific quality of life and a checklist (for assessing hot flashes) were used to collect the data. The quality of life, frequency, and intensity of hot flashes were measured before the intervention, immediately, and 3 months after it. Independent t-test, the Chi-square test, and the repeated measure test were used for data analysis.

Results:

The scores of quality of life dropped from 95.6 ± 9.77 at baseline to 77.32 ± 7.93 after intervention and 48.32 ± 4.96 at 3-months follow-up in the mindfulness group but rose from 99.5 ± 16.1 at baseline to 100.2 ± 15.33 after intervention, and 102.6 ± 14.9 3-months after it in the control group, P < 0.001. The scores of vasomotor, psychological, physical, and sexual domains also improved significantly in the mindfulness group compared to the control group. The mean of hot flashes in the mindfulness group was 1.30 ± 0.69 and decreased to 1.1 ± 0.56 and 0.66 ± 0.58 immediately and in 3 months after intervention, respectively. The frequency of hot flashes was 14.74 ± 10.4 per week before intervention in the mindfulness group which reduced to 12.38 ± 8.66 and 6.74 ± 6.34 per week, immediately and 3 months after the intervention, while in the control group, there was an increase in the frequency of hot flashes (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

According to the results of this study, mindfulness could improve quality of life and reduce hot flashes, so mindfulness training for women with premature ovarian insufficiency is strongly recommended.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on quality of life and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Menopause is a normal physiological process experienced by women, but it is often accompanied by physical and emotional symptoms that may negatively affect quality of life. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on quality of life and menopausal symptoms by examining randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across six electronic databases to collect relevant articles published up to June 30, 2020. The articles' quality was assessed using the modified Jadad scale. We performed a meta-analysis with Review Manager 5.3, calculating 95% confidence intervals and standardized mean differences, and conducted sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials included 475 participants. The results indicated that the mindfulness-based intervention groups showed significant improvements in total quality of life and vasomotor and physical quality of life, compared to control groups (standardized mean differences range: from -0.48 to -0.68, all ps < 0.05). After the sensitivity analyses, evidence of heterogeneity remained. Insufficient data prevented conducting a meta-analysis with the sexual subscale of MENQOL or on vasomotor symptoms of menopause.

CONCLUSION

For menopausal women, mindfulness-based interventions may improve quality of life (except for psychological and sexual subscales). However, there is insufficient evidence to analyze whether such interventions can reduce vasomotor-related menopausal symptoms. Although heterogeneity should be carefully assessed, mindfulness-based interventions may be a novel approach for improving women's overall quality of life during menopause. However, further research is needed to verify these effects.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention on the Chronic use of Hypnotics in Treatment-Seeking Women with Insomnia: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Hypnotics are one of the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide, especially for women, and their chronic use may lead to tolerance, dosage escalation, dependence, withdrawal syndrome, and cognitive impairments, representing a significant public health problem. Consistent evidence from previous studies shows benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for substance use disorders (SUD) and insomnia. However, to date, there is a lack of research about effects of MBIs on reduction/cessation of chronic hypnotic use among women with insomnia.

METHOD

The present randomized trial evaluated the efficacy of the 8-week group-delivered mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) program in an intervention group (IG, n = 34) compared with weekly phone monitoring only in the control group (CG, n = 36) in reducing hypnotic use and insomnia severity over a 6-month follow-up period.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between groups at baseline regarding hypnotic use but not insomnia. Group effects on hypnotic use were found immediately after the intervention (bT1 = 2.01, p < 0.001) and at the 2-month follow-up (bT2 = 2.21, p < 0.001), favoring the IG. The IG also had a greater reduction from baseline levels than the control group in insomnia severity at the 4-month (bT3 = 0.21, p = 0.045) and 6-month (bT4 = 0.32, p = 0.002) follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide preliminary evidence of benefits of MBRP for reducing insomnia severity and potentially chronic hypnotic use. However, IG effects on chronic hypnotic use may have resulted from IG and control group differences in chronic hypnotic use at baseline.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02127411.

Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effect of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil inhalation on sleep and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women with insomnia.

PARTICIPANTS

35 postmenopausal women with a clinical diagnosis of insomnia were included, 17 in Aroma Group (AG) and 18 in Placebo Group (PG).

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, PG participants inhaled sunflower oil and AG participants inhaledLavandula angustifolia essential oil, for 29 days. Both groups received sleep hygiene guidelines before the intervention and weekly follow-up during it. Evaluations were performed before and after intervention. All statistical analyses and intention-to-treat test were performed in SPSS 22. Sleep quality (Primary outcome) was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Secondary outcomes were polysomnography data, severity of insomnia, anxiety and depression symptoms, and postmenopausal symptoms.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups after intervention in the primary outcome (P = 0.22; effect size=0.69); however, a tendency of improvement in wake after sleep onset (WASO) was observed (P = 0.07; effect size=0.81; B = 42.2). Both groups presented better sleep quality over time (AG P < 0.001; PG P = 0.011). AG participants showed a significant decrease in sleep onset latency (P = 0.001), depression levels (P = 0.025), hot flashes (P < 0.001), postmenopausal symptoms (P < 0.001) and, in polysomnography data, increased sleep efficiency (P = 0.002) compared to baseline.

CONCLUSION

Although no significant differences were observed between groups, our data presented a tendency of improvement in WASO. Moreover, AG participants had enhanced overall sleep pattern, quality and sleep efficiency. Weekly follow-up and sleep hygiene instructions were essential for both groups to show improvement in almost all outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br, RBR-5q5t5z.

Thermal Comfort Intervention for Hot-flash Related Insomnia Symptoms in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal-aged Women: An Exploratory Study

Objective/Background: To examine a novel intervention for nighttime thermal comfort and sleep of perimenopausal- and postmenopausal-aged women who experience hot flashes and insomnia symptoms. Participants: Thirty-nine women (ages 45-58, M = 52.1 years) with sleep-disrupting hot flashes and insomnia symptoms. Methods: This was a 4-week randomized cross-over study. The intervention included 2 weeks of nighttime use of a warming/cooling device worn on the wrist and was compared to a 2-week baseline period (no device). All participants completed questionnaires at the end of each 2-week period, including the Insomnia Severity Index, the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance and Sleep-Related Impairment scales, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale. Results: The intervention resulted in a reduction in sleep onset latency, as well as an increase in nighttime sleep. There was a significant improvement of scores on the Insomnia Severity Index, PROMIS Sleep Disturbance and Sleep-Related Impairment scales, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Significantly fewer women reported that hot flashes interfered with their sleep (90% vs 70%) and more perceived control over the degree of sleep disruption due to nighttime hot flashes while using the device (5% vs 49%). The majority reported a positive experience, with two-thirds reporting that the device improved their thermal comfort and ability to return to sleep after a night waking. Conclusions: Overall, a thermal comfort intervention may offer sleep benefits for women who experience disruptive nighttime hot flashes, particularly in terms of falling asleep at bedtime and subjective perception of control over nighttime hot flash sleep interference.

Efficacy of Face-to-Face Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Improving Health Status of Patients With Insomnia: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used non-pharmacological treatment approaches for insomnia. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of face-to-face delivered CBT on health outcomes and to evaluate the effect of CBT components as subgroup variables to explain the efficacy of face-to-face delivered CBT on health outcomes in adults over 18 years old with insomnia. Methods: Relevant randomized controlled trial studies published in the past 22 years were searched through the electronic databases. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the quality of the 31 included studies. The mean difference and standard deviation of outcome variables and subgroup variables were analyzed using random effect model, and the heterogeneity among the articles was assessed with the Q-test and I ². Egger regression analysis was used to assess publication bias. Results: The meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in Insomnia Severity Index [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -2.56, 95% CI -3.81 to -1.30, p < 0.001], Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (SMD = -0.96, 95% CI -1.25 to -0.68, p < 0.001), sleep onset latency (SMD = -1.31, 95% CI -2.00 to -0.63, p < 0.001), wakening after sleep onset (SMD = -1.44, 95% CI -2.14 to -0.74, p < 0.001), number of awakenings (SMD = -1.18, 95% CI -2.10 to -0.26, p < 0.05), depression (SMD = -1.14, 95% CI -1.85 to -0.42, p < 0.01), and fatigue (SMD = -2.23, 95% CI -3.87 to -0.58, p < 0.01), and a significant increase in total sleep time (SMD = 0.63, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.98, p < 0.001), sleep efficiency (SMD = 1.61, 95% CI 0.92 to 2.29, p < 0.001), and physical health (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.76, p < 0.05), in the CBT intervention group compared with the control group. There was no significant change in anxiety (SMD = -0.62, 95% CI -1.55 to 0.32, p > 0.05) and mental health (SMD = 1.09, 95% CI -0.59 to 2.77, p > 0.05) in CBT intervention group compared with control group. Group-delivered studies with larger number of intervention sessions and longer duration of single session provided a larger improvement in sleep quality. Conclusion: Face-to-face delivered CBT is effective in increasing total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and physical health, and reducing Insomnia Severity Index scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, sleep onset latency, wakening after sleep onset, number of awakenings, depression, anxiety, and fatigue in patients with insomnia. Face-to-face delivered CBT is more effective when delivered through a larger number of sessions with longer duration of each session, and when delivered in groups. Face-to-face CBT is recommended to provide treatment to patients with insomnia in clinical settings. Systematic Review Registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020200091, identifier: CRD4202020009.

Mindfulness and Behaviour Therapy for Insomnia: An Assessment of Treatment Effect in a Sleep Disorders Clinic Population with Insomnia

Insomnia is a common major health concern, which causes significant distress and disruption in a person's life. The objective of this paper was to evaluate a 6-week version of Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia (MBTI) in a sample of people attending a sleep disorders clinic with insomnia, including those with comorbidities. Thirty participants who met the DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of insomnia participated in a 6-week group intervention. Outcome measures were a daily sleep diary and actigraphy during pre-treatment and follow-up, along with subjective sleep outcomes collected at baseline, end-of-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Trend analyses showed that MBTI was associated with a large decrease in insomnia severity (p < .001), with indications of maintenance of treatment effect. There were significant improvements in objective sleep parameters, including sleep onset latency (p = .005), sleep efficiency (p = .033), and wake after sleep onset (p = .018). Significant improvements in subjective sleep parameters were also observed for sleep efficiency (p = .005) and wake after sleep onset (p < .001). Overall, this study indicated that MBTI can be successfully delivered in a sleep disorders clinic environment, with evidence of treatment effect for both objective and subjective measures of sleep.

Dynamic brain-body coupling of breath-by-breath O2-CO2 exchange ratio with resting state cerebral hemodynamic fluctuations

BACKGROUND

The origin of low frequency cerebral hemodynamic fluctuations (CHF) in the resting state remains unknown. Breath-by breath O2-CO2 exchange ratio (bER) has been reported to correlate with the cerebrovascular response to brief breath hold challenge at the frequency range of 0.008-0.03Hz in healthy adults. bER is defined as the ratio of the change in the partial pressure of oxygen (ΔPO2) to that of carbon dioxide (ΔPCO2) between end inspiration and end expiration. In this study, we aimed to investigate the contribution of respiratory gas exchange (RGE) metrics (bER, ΔPO2 and ΔPCO2) to low frequency CHF during spontaneous breathing.

METHODS

Twenty-two healthy adults were included. We used transcranial Doppler sonography to evaluate CHF by measuring the changes in cerebral blood flow velocity (ΔCBFv) in bilateral middle cerebral arteries. The regional CHF were mapped with blood oxygenation level dependent (ΔBOLD) signal changes using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Temporal features and frequency characteristics of RGE metrics during spontaneous breathing were examined, and the simultaneous measurements of RGE metrics and CHF (ΔCBFv and ΔBOLD) were studied for their correlation.

RESULTS

We found that the time courses of ΔPO2 and ΔPCO2 were interdependent but not redundant. The oscillations of RGE metrics were coherent with resting state CHF at the frequency range of 0.008-0.03Hz. Both bER and ΔPO2 were superior to ΔPCO2 in association with CHF while CHF could correlate more strongly with bER than with ΔPO2 in some brain regions. Brain regions with the strongest coupling between bER and ΔBOLD overlapped with many areas of default mode network including precuneus and posterior cingulate.

CONCLUSION

Although the physiological mechanisms underlying the strong correlation between bER and CHF are unclear, our findings suggest the contribution of bER to low frequency resting state CHF, providing a novel insight of brain-body interaction via CHF and oscillations of RGE metrics.

A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating the Evidence Base of Melatonin, Light Exposure, Exercise, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Patients with Insomnia Disorder

Insomnia is a prevalent disorder and it leads to relevant impairment in health-related quality of life. Recent clinical guidelines pointed out that Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) should be considered as first-line intervention. Nevertheless, many other interventions are commonly used by patients or have been proposed as effective for insomnia. These include melatonin, light exposure, exercise, and complementary and alternative medicine. Evaluation of comparable effectiveness of these interventions with first-line intervention for insomnia is however still lacking. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis on the effects of these interventions. PubMed, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were systematically searched and 40 studies were included in the systematic review, while 36 were entered into the meta-analysis. Eight network meta-analyses were conducted. Findings support effectiveness of melatonin in improving sleep-onset difficulties and of meditative movement therapies for self-report sleep efficiency and severity of the insomnia disorder. Some support was observed for exercise, hypnotherapy, and transcranial magnetic resonance, but the number of studies for these interventions is still too small. None of the considered interventions received superior evidence to CBT-I, which should be more widely disseminated in primary care.

The beneficial effects of therapeutic craniofacial massage on quality of life, mental health and menopausal symptoms and body image: A randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of massage in the craniofacial area in menopausal women after the treatment and one month after its completion, and to measure its influence on quality of life in relation to symptoms of menopause, mental health, and body image perception.

DESIGN

50 participants with menopause, aged 45-65 years, participated in a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: craniofacial massage group (CMG), who received massage treatment (n = 25), and control group (CG), without treatment (n = 25). Prior to randomization, all participants provided demographic and clinical information. Quality of life, mental health and body image perception were evaluated at three time points: at the beginning of the study, at the end, and one month after finishing the treatment.

RESULTS

A repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance (RM-MANOVA) was used to determine if mean scores in the criteria differed significantly between time points within subjects. The results obtained indicate that the cranial massage techniques had a large, positive between-subjects effect on our three criteria (Wilks Λ = .83, F(_{3, 44}) = 3.04, p. <.05; Partial η = .17; ƒ = .45) as well as a large, positive between-within subjects effect (Wilks Λ = .64, F(_{6, 41}) = 3.91, p. <.01; Partial η = .36; ƒ = .76). In short, our treatment improved participants' mental health, partially ameliorated the decrease in scores on the Menopause Rating Scale and stopped the decrease in Body Image perception's scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The craniofacial massage protocol, applied to the craniofacial sphere, constitutes a complementary and valid therapy-based therapeutic option for clinicians in the treatment of different symptoms that occur in the climacteric period.

An Intervention to Increase Situational Awareness and the Culture of Mutual Care (Foco) and Its Effects During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Analysis

Situational awareness is especially important to decision-making in health care. Comprehending the situation is crucial for anticipating any change in the environment and delivering optimal care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a training to increase situational awareness and mutual care designed for health care workers (FoCo) in a randomized controlled trial with additional qualitative analysis. We also investigated the perception of the training for the COVID-19 pandemic moment, in May 2020, almost 6 months after we finished the data collection at the Emergency Care Unit, which became a COVID-19 treatment reference for the care of a population depending on the public health system, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We conclude that FoCo training can be an important instrument for health care professionals both in times of pandemic and "normal times," to increase situational awareness, the culture of mutual care and decrease the possibility of occupational injuries and illnesses.

What do we really know about mindfulness and sleep health?

Over the past decade, the emergence of mindfulness meditation as a self-regulation practice has led to a substantial body of evidence on the use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for insomnia and sleep disturbances. This literature has matured with several randomized controlled trials now published and a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses are recently available. Collectively, there is a general support for the effectiveness of MBIs on self-reported patient outcomes although the quality of studies varies and the findings on objective measures are equivocal. Building upon this literature, further research is needed to examine biological correlates associated with mindfulness practice, whether the timing of meditation practice is related to sleep outcomes, who is likely to succeed with MBI, and the use of technology in the delivery of MBIs.

Self-Regulation of Breathing as an Adjunctive Treatment of Insomnia

Sleep is a quiescent behavioral state during which complex homeostatic functions essential to health and well-being occur. Insomnia is a very common psychiatric disorder leading to a myriad of detrimental effects including loss of concentration, memory, and performance as well as disease. Current pharmaceutical treatments can be expensive, impairing, unhealthy, and habit-forming. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation target the brain and body in contrast to pharmaceutical interventions which solely target neurotransmitter systems in the brain. In this article we present a viewpoint on the treatment of insomnia that techniques of slow, deep breathing (0.1 Hz) in adjunct to sleep hygiene and relaxation therapies may be highly effective in initiating sleep as well as facilitating falling back asleep. The autonomic nervous system is integral to sleep initiation, maintenance, and disruption. Understanding the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and sleep physiology along with the nature of sleep itself remains a challenge to modern science. We present this perspective in light of a prevailing "dysevolution" theory on the pathology of insomnia that proposes hyper-arousal characterized in part by chronic sympathetic hyperactivation and/or parasympathetic hypoactivation disrupts normal sleep onset latency, sleep quality, and sleep duration. We additionally discuss physiological mechanisms responsible for the effectiveness of the breathing treatment we describe. A better understanding of these mechanisms and autonomic pathologies of insomnia may provide support for the effectiveness of such techniques and provide relief to sufferers of this health epidemic.