Late-life insomnia: a review

GPs' reflections on prescribing addictive hypnotics to older people: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia recommends, for all age groups, only restrictive, short-term, and periodic use of potentially addictive hypnotics. As in other European countries, in Norway, actual practice involving older patients differs substantially from this recommendation, as shown by the persistent high frequency of regular prescriptions of addictive hypnotics.

AIM

To explore experienced Norwegian GPs' views of the regular prescription of addictive hypnotics to patients aged >70 years living at home.

DESIGN & SETTING

In-depth individual interviews of a purposive sample of experienced specialists in family medicine at GP offices in Southern Norway.

METHOD

The interviews used a semi-structured interview guide and were performed between June 2022 and January 2023. Reflexive thematic cross-case analysis was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Most of the 11 GPs interviewed had more than 10 older patients who were prescribed hypnotics for daily use and the same number for intermittent prescription. Almost all prescriptions were of z-hypnotics. The GPs knew this was contrary to the guideline. Many were at ease with this fact. They emphasised the need to avoid creating new dependencies. The GPs considered these patients a selected minority within this age group with serious sleep problems, for whom few realistic alternatives were available and whose tolerance over time was better than expected. This logic of pragmatic practice reflected a patient-centred approach and respect for the patient's view in a shared decision-making process, combined with challenges of limited alternatives and resources.

CONCLUSION

A 'zero vision' on the prescription of addictive hypnotics to older people may neither be prudent nor realistic in the context of general practice.

Components of Stress and Their Associations with Sleep Problems: A Cohort Study of Older Employees

OBJECTIVE

To identify latent components from among 13 work and non-work stressors and to examine whether the accumulation of stress factors within these components was associated with sleep problems.

METHODS

A cohort of older employees (n = 2771 individuals, n = 3921 person-observations) responded to at least two surveys. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify latent components. Analysis of variance was used to examine their associations with sleep.

RESULTS

The components were: 'Physical workload and shift work', 'Psychosocial workload', 'Social and environmental non-work adversity' and 'Life event- and health-related non-work adversity'. They were consistently associated with sleep problems, except for 'Physical workload and shift work'. 'Social and environmental non-work adversity' was associated with sleep problems at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Clusters of work- and non-work-related stressors were identified, and their accumulation was associated with sleep problems among older employees.

Shift work, work time control, and informal caregiving as risk factors for sleep disturbances in an ageing municipal workforce

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine the contribution of shift work, work time control (WTC) and informal caregiving, separately and in combination, to sleep disturbances in ageing employees.

Methods:

Survey data were obtained from two prospective cohort studies with repeated measurements of working conditions, informal caregiving, and sleep disturbances. We used fixed-effect conditional logistic regression analysis to examine whether within-individual changes in shift work, WTC and informal caregiving were associated with changes in sleep. Secondary analyses included between-individuals comparison using standard logistic regression models. Results from the two cohorts were pooled using meta-analysis.

Results:

Low WTC and informal caregiving were associated with sleep disturbances in within-individual analyses [odds ratios (OR) ranging between 1.13 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.27) and 1.48 (95% CI 1.29–1.68)] and in between-individuals analyses [OR 1.14 (95% CI 1.03–1.26) to 1.33 (1.19–1.49)]. Shift work alone was not associated with sleep disturbances, but accumulated exposure to shift work, low WTC and informal caregiving was associated with higher risk of sleep disturbances (OR range 1.21–1.76). For some of the sleep outcomes, informal caregiving was related to a higher risk of sleep disturbances when WTC was low and a lower risk when WTC was high.

Conclusions:

Informal caregiving and low WTC are associated with risk of sleep disturbances among ageing employees. The findings also suggest that low WTC in combination with informal caregiving may increase the risk of sleep disturbances whereas high WTC may alleviate the adverse impact of informal caregiving on sleep.

Identification of comprehensive geriatric assessment-based risk factors for insomnia in elderly Chinese hospitalized patients

OBJECTIVE

Insomnia is a common problem in older persons and is associated with poor prognosis from a functional or clinical perspective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of insomnia and identify comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) based clinical factors associated with insomnia in elderly hospitalized patients.

METHODS

Standardized face-to-face interviews were conducted and CGA data were collected from 356 Chinese hospitalized patients aged 60 years or older. Insomnia was defined as self-reported sleep poor quality according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-Ⅴ). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between patient clinical factors together with domains within the CGA and insomnia.

RESULTS

Among the 365 patients, insomnia was found in 48.31% of the participants. Difficulty in initiating sleep (DIS), early morning awakening (EMA), difficulty in maintaining sleep (DMS), and snoring were found in 33.99%, 9.55%, 13.48%, and 1.69% of patients, respectively. Significant associations were found between insomnia and several covariates: female gender (P = 0.034), depression (P = 0.001), activities of daily living (ADL) (P = 0.034), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL; P = 0.009), falling (P = 0.003), chronic pain (P = 0.001), and poor nutritional status (P = 0.038). According to the results of the adjustment multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.057, confidence interval [CI] = 1.179-3.588, P = 0.011), depression (OR = 1.889, CI = 1.080-3.304, P = 0.026), and chronic pain (OR = 1.779, CI = 1.103-2.868, P = 0.018) were significant independently predictors associated with insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that female sex, depression, and chronic pain were independently predictors of insomnia in hospitalized patients. Early identification of elderly patients with these risk factors using the CGA may improve the quality of life and treatment outcomes.

The role of sleep disturbances in cognitive function and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling elderly with sleep complaints

OBJECTIVE

The relationships between sleep problems, cognitive impairments, and depression have been established in the aging population. However, less is known about the role of late-life onset insomnia and sex involved in these dyad or tripartite relationships. This study aimed to consider onset age of insomnia and sex in the relationship between sleep parameters, cognition and depression among older adults with current insomnia complaints.

METHOD

A multistep sampling method was adopted to recruit participants with current insomnia complaints in China in 2018. Sleep measures include onset age of insomnia (64 years old or before vs during/after 65), three factors from insomnia severity index (ISI; nighttime, daytime, and perception), excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep duration. Outcome measures were mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and center for epidemiologic studies depression scale (CESD).

RESULTS

The average age of older adults was 75 (SD = 7.1). Among them, 62% participants are female. In general, older aged, female, late-life onset insomnia as well as interaction of sex * onset age of insomnia were significantly associated with poorer cognition. Yet, age, sex, and onset age of insomnia were not significant indicators for depression. For female participants, later onset of insomnia, nighttime symptoms of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and depression were risk factors for cognitive decline. Nevertheless, only daytime sleepiness, together with depression, were found positively associated with male participants' cognitive decline.

CONCLUSIONS

There were robust associations between daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms, and poor cognitive performance. More importantly, late-life onset insomnia was particularly indicative for poor cognitive performance among female older adults. Future study should emphasize the specific mechanism involved in changes of sleep patterns in the development of cognitive impairment among older adults. Sex differences in the relationship between onset age of insomnia and cognition also require further attention.

The age differences of sleep disruption on mood states and memory performance

Objectives: In the present study, we explored the age differences of mood states and memory performance between younger and older adults after one night of sleep disruption.Method: Twenty-nine younger adults and 30 older adults completed mood states assessments and memory tasks before and after sleep disruption. Participants' sleep was disrupted by periodical phone calls once per hour. Sleep parameters of baseline sleep and disrupted sleep were recorded by actigraphy.Results: Regarding the mood states, older adults were less affected than younger adults, more tolerant of sleep disruption. With respect to memory, younger adults showed increased memory performance after nocturnal sleep, even if this sleep was disrupted. In contrast, older adults' sleep-related memory consolidation was impaired.Conclusion: Periodic sleep disruption for one night resulted in impaired function of older adults' sleep-related memory consolidation and younger adults' mood states. These findings shed light on the understanding of sleep function on memory and emotion. Specifically, sleep disruption might be one of the reasons for older adults' memory decline and it might also be one of the causes for younger adults' emotion disorders. Further investigations on the relationship between sleep disruption, cognitive performance and emotional well-being are needed to find potential ways to prevent and treat the sleep-related neuropsychological impairments in both younger and older adults.

Insomnia in the elderly: reported reasons and their associations with medication in general practice in Denmark

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate reasons for insomnia symptoms and their associations with sleep medication prescription in elderly patients in general practice.Design: Over a period of 20 weekdays, general practitioners (GPs) recorded reasons and treatment for insomnia symptoms. Patient characteristics and outcomes were analysed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was used to analyse the associations between reasons for insomnia symptoms and prescription.Setting: General practices in the Region of Southern Denmark.Subjects: Consultations (n = 405) with patients older than 65 years presenting with insomnia symptoms.Main outcome measures: Reasons for insomnia symptoms and sleep medication prescription.Results: The most commonly reported reasons for insomnia symptoms were somatic illness (34%) and psychiatric diagnosis (29%). Having a psychiatric diagnosis or multiple reported reasons for insomnia increased the odds for prescription (odds ratio (OR) 4.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.41-9.90 and OR 2.10, CI 1.03-4.28), whereas being first consultation regarding insomnia symptoms decreased the odds (OR 0.17, CI 0.10-0.30). A total of 80% received a prescription, most frequently of Z-hypnotics (49%). About half (52%) of the patients consulting their GP for the first time with insomnia symptoms received a prescription.Conclusion: Somatic and psychiatric diseases were the most commonly reported reasons for insomnia symptoms in the elderly, suggesting a high prevalence of comorbid insomnia. Regardless of reason, a majority of the consultations resulted in prescription of sleep medication with potential serious adverse effects. This indicates that there is still room for improving the management of insomnia among older adults. Key PointsAlthough insomnia is common in the elderly, little is known about its reasons and their associations with prescription patterns.  The most commonly reported reasons for insomnia symptoms in the elderly are psychiatric diagnosis and somatic illness.  According to guidelines, sleep medication with potential serious adverse effects is prescribed too frequently to elderly patients.  An effort should be made to identify and optimally treat comorbid insomnia, which appears to be prevalent in older adults.

Use of Atypical Antipsychotics in Long-Term Care Residents with Parkinson's Disease and Comorbid Depression

PURPOSE

According to the 2015 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers criteria, most antipsychotics are inappropriate in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients due to the risk of worsening Parkinsonian symptoms. This study examined the incidence and predictors of inappropriate antipsychotic use among long-term care residents with PD and comorbid depression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study utilized 2007-2009 Minimum Data Set (MDS) linked to Chronic Condition Warehouse (CCW) Medicare data files involving patients with PD and comorbid depression. Using a 12-month baseline and a 24-month follow-up, the study examined incidence of inappropriate atypical antipsychotics, namely asenapine, brexpiprazole, iloperidone, lurasidone, olanzapine, paliperidone, risperidone, or ziprasidone as specified in the 2015 AGS Beers criteria. Appropriate atypical antipsychotic included aripiprazole, clozapine, or quetiapine. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine various sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with inappropriate antipsychotic use in PD based on the Andersen Behavioral Model.

RESULTS

The incidence of atypical antipsychotic use was 17.50% (13,352/76,294) among PD patients over a 2-year follow-up. The percentage of inappropriate use among atypical antipsychotic users was 36.32%. The likelihood of inappropriate antipsychotic use was higher for patients who had dementia (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.12-1.33) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ((OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.24). However, patients who were taking levodopa (OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.57-0.67), dopamine agonists (OR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-0.98), Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.68-0.86), Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors type B (OR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.60-0.86), or amantadine (OR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-0.98) were less likely to receive inappropriate antipsychotics.

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of PD patients used inappropriate antipsychotics among those who were treated with atypical antipsychotic medications. Various socio-demographics and clinical factors were associated with inappropriate antipsychotic use in older patients with PD. Concerted efforts are needed to reduce inappropriate atypical antipsychotic use among PD patients.

Circadian Rhythm and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a growing epidemiological importance characterized by significant disease burden. Sleep-related pathological symptomatology often accompanies AD. The etiology and pathogenesis of disrupted circadian rhythm and AD share common factors, which also opens the perspective of viewing them as a mutually dependent process. This article focuses on the bi-directional relationship between these processes, discussing the pathophysiological links and clinical aspects. Common mechanisms linking both processes include neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and circadian rhythm desynchronization. Timely recognition of sleep-specific symptoms as components of AD could lead to an earlier and correct diagnosis with an opportunity of offering treatments at an earlier stage. Likewise, proper sleep hygiene and related treatments ought to be one of the priorities in the management of the patient population affected by AD. This narrative review brings a comprehensive approach to clearly demonstrate the underlying complexities linking AD and circadian rhythm disruption. Most clinical data are based on interventions including melatonin, but larger-scale research is still scarce. Following a pathophysiological reasoning backed by evidence gained from AD models, novel anti-inflammatory treatments and those targeting metabolic alterations in AD might prove useful for normalizing a disrupted circadian rhythm. By restoring it, benefits would be conferred for immunological, metabolic, and behavioral function in an affected individual. On the other hand, a balanced circadian rhythm should provide greater resilience to AD pathogenesis.

Assessment of sleep quality and its predictors among patients with diabetes in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Poor sleep quality is common among patients with diabetes. It is associated with negative physical, psychological, and functional consequences. However, the implicated risk factors of poor sleep quality remain uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality among patients with diabetes and to investigate the factors associated with the poor sleep quality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study of 307 diabetic patients in Jazan, Saudi Arabia was conducted in 2018. A multistage cluster random sampling was used to select the study participants. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data on patient's characteristics were gathered via patients' interviews, and medical data were collected based on the patients' files. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of poor sleep quality.

RESULTS

The mean score of PSQI was 5.29±2.73. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 55.4% (95% CI 49.7-60.8). Sociodemographic and clinical factors were significantly associated with poor sleep quality, such as being elderly, female, illiterate, smoker, complications of diabetes, comorbidity, or psychological symptoms. However, female gender was the strongest predictor of reporting poor quality of sleep, OR= 3.69, 95% CI 1.65-8.28 (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Poor sleep quality among diabetic patients is a prevalent health problem. Many factors can affect sleep quality. Health care providers may consider routine screening for and address sleep problems among diabetic patients.

Effect of Yoga on Sleep Quality and Neuroendocrine Immune Response in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Background:

Studies have shown that distress and accompanying neuroendocrine stress responses as important predictor of survival in advanced breast cancer patients. Some psychotherapeutic intervention studies have shown have modulation of neuroendocrine-immune responses in advanced breast cancer patients. In this study, we evaluate the effects of yoga on perceived stress, sleep, diurnal cortisol, and natural killer (NK) cell counts in patients with metastatic cancer.

Methods:

In this study, 91 patients with metastatic breast cancer who satisfied selection criteria and consented to participate were recruited and randomized to receive “integrated yoga based stress reduction program” (n = 45) or standard “education and supportive therapy sessions” (n = 46) over a 3 month period. Psychometric assessments for sleep quality were done before and after intervention. Blood draws for NK cell counts were collected before and after the intervention. Saliva samples were collected for three consecutive days before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance on postmeasures using respective baseline measure as a covariate.

Results:

There was a significant decrease in scales of symptom distress (P < 0.001), sleep parameters (P = 0.02), and improvement in quality of sleep (P = 0.001) and Insomnia Rating Scale sleep score (P = 0.001) following intervention. There was a decrease in morning waking cortisol in yoga group (P = 0.003) alone following intervention. There was a significant improvement in NK cell percent (P = 0.03) following intervention in yoga group compared to control group.

Conclusion:

The results suggest modulation of neuroendocrine responses and improvement in sleep in patients with advanced breast cancer following yoga intervention.

A REVIEW OF ECG-BASED DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Humans need sleep. It is important for physical and psychological recreation. During sleep our consciousness is suspended or least altered. Hence, our ability to avoid or react to disturbances is reduced. These disturbances can come from external sources or from disorders within the body. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is such a disorder. It is caused by obstruction of the upper airways which causes periods where the breathing ceases. In many cases, periods of reduced breathing, known as hypopnea, precede OSA events. The medical background of OSA is well understood, but the traditional diagnosis is expensive, as it requires sophisticated measurements and human interpretation of potentially large amounts of physiological data. Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements have the potential to reduce the cost of OSA diagnosis by simplifying the measurement process. On the down side, detecting OSA events based on ECG data is a complex task which requires highly skilled practitioners. Computer algorithms can help to detect the subtle signal changes which indicate the presence of a disorder. That approach has the following advantages: computers never tire, processing resources are economical and progress, in the form of better algorithms, can be easily disseminated as updates over the internet. Furthermore, Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) reduces intra- and inter-observer variability. In this review, we adopt and support the position that computer based ECG signal interpretation is able to diagnose OSA with a high degree of accuracy.

Nocturia: risk factors and associated comorbidities; findings from the EpiLUTS study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk factors and comorbidities associated with nocturia in men and women aged ≥ 40 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The EpiLUTS study was an Internet-based cross-sectional, population-representative survey involving 30,000 men and women from the USA, UK and Sweden evaluating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) using the LUTS Tool. A secondary analysis of the EpiLUTS data using participants with nocturia was performed. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the data. Logistic regressions were used to analyse associations of comorbid conditions and risk factors in men and women with nocturia ≥ 2.

RESULTS

With a 59% response rate, nocturia ≥ 1 was quite common at 69% in men and 76% in women; 28% men and 34% women had nocturia ≥ 2. Age, body mass index (in women), Hispanic and Black responders, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression and a history of bed-wetting were significantly associated with nocturia ≥ 2. Arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, bladder infection, uterine prolapse, hysterectomy and menopausal status were all significantly associated with nocturia ≥ 2 in women. Prostatitis and prostate cancer were significant in men with nocturia ≥ 2. British and Swedish participants had a lesser risk of nocturia ≥ 2.

CONCLUSION

Nocturia is a highly prevalent condition associated with various risk factors and comorbidities. Treatment of nocturia should be aimed at these causes in a multidisciplinary fashion. Further studies are needed to look specifically at these conditions in the pathophysiology of nocturia.

Sleep Disturbances in the Elderly

Sleep disturbances are a common presenting symptom of older-age adults to their physicians. This article explores normal changes in sleep pattern with aging and primary sleep disorders in the elderly. Behavioral factors and primary psychiatric disorders affecting sleep in this population are reviewed. Further discussion examines sleep changes associated with 2 common forms of neurocognitive disorder: Alzheimer disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Common medical illnesses in the elderly are discussed in relation to sleep symptoms. Nonpharmacological and pharmacologic treatment strategies are summarized, with emphasis placed on risk of side effects in older adults. Future targets are considered.

Acupressure in insomnia and other sleep disorders in elderly institutionalized patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Sleep disorders are very common in elderly institutionalized people with dementia and acupressure recently has been associated with conventional medicine in their treatment.

AIMS

Exploring the effectiveness of acupressure for the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disturbances and we want to show that the acupressure treatment is feasible also in elderly resident patients.

METHODS

We enrolled institutionalized patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease with mild cognitive impairment and insomnia. A daily acupressure on HT7 point (H7 Insomnia Control(®)) was performed for a 8-week period. We administered the following scales: the mini mental state examination, the global deterioration scale, the neuropsychiatric inventory, the state-trait-anxiety inventory, the activity daily living and the instrumental activity daily living, the global health quality of life, and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index.

RESULTS

After receiving the acupressure treatment, patients saw a significant decrease of sleep disorders. The number of hours of effective sleep was perceived as increased. Furthermore, the time necessary to fall asleep decreased significantly and also the quality of sleep increased. Additionally, also the quality of life was bettered. Sedative drugs have been reduced in all patients involved in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Acupressure can be recommended as a complementary, effective, and non-intrusive method to reduce sleep disturbances in old resident patients affected by cognitive disorders. A limitation of the study is the small sample size. More studies are needed to further validate the results of our study.

Insomnia among community dwelling elderly in Alexandria, Egypt

BACKGROUND

Insomnia is a common problem in the elderly population. Poor sleep quality is associated with decreased memory and concentration, increased risk of falls, cognitive decline, and higher rate of mortality. Inadequate sleep hygiene such as irregular sleep schedules, use of stimulants, and daytime naps may predispose to insomnia.

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of insomnia among community dwelling elderly in Alexandria and to assess some of the risk factors and comorbid conditions related to insomnia.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 380 elderly people taken from different clubs in Alexandria using a predesigned structured interview questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and personal and sleeping habits were collected. The Insomnia Severity Index was used to assess insomnia and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was used to measure depression, anxiety, and stress.

RESULTS

One-third (33.4%) of the elderly suffered from insomnia. On logistic regression, the most independent factors that were significantly associated with insomnia were number of chronic diseases [odds ratio (OR)=7.25 for having ≥5 diseases], being female (OR=2.37), anxiety (OR=1.91), watching television in bed before sleeping (OR=1.90), depression (OR=1.74), nocturia (OR=1.13), and daily sunlight exposure (OR=0.57).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Insomnia is a common problem among the elderly in Alexandria. Female sex, chronic diseases, mental health problems, and bad sleep hygiene practice increase the risk for insomnia. Improving knowledge among the elderly about the prevalence and risk factors of insomnia could help the development of effective public health prevention and intervention programs for better sleep quality.

Association between objectively measured sleep quality and physical function among community-dwelling oldest old Japanese: A cross-sectional study

AIM

The present study examined the association between objective measures of sleep quality and performance-based measures of physical function in community-dwelling oldest old Japanese.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 207 community-dwelling adults aged 80 years or older (92 men, 115 women; age 83.5 ± 2.6 years [range 80-95 years]). Participants wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) on their non-dominant wrist for 24 h per day over seven consecutive nights. Sleep parameters included total sleep time, sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset during the night for a week. Performance-based physical function measures were handgrip strength, knee extension strength, and usual and maximum walking speeds. Multivariable linear regression was carried out to determine the associations between weekly sleep parameter averages and physical function measures.

RESULTS

Approximately 24% of participants had a total sleep time of less than 6 h a night, and 13% had greater than 8 h a night. Overall, average daily physical activity was 1771.8 ± 520.6 (counts/min/day). In multiple linear regression, sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset were significantly associated with maximum walking speed (β = 0.277; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.103 to 0.351 and β = -0.214; 95% CI -0.339 to -0.082, respectively) and usual walking speed (β = 0.200, 95% CI 0.035 to 0.305 and β = -0.174; 95% CI -0.341 to -0.064, respectively), after adjusting for potential confounding factors including daily physical activity. Both sleep qualities were also independently associated with knee extension strength. However, wake after sleep onset was not associated with handgrip strength.

CONCLUSION

Objectively measured sleep quality was associated with physical function in the oldest old. Further research is required to identify the temporality of associations between sleep and physical function.

Association between Sleep Disturbances and Leisure Activities in the Elderly: A Comparison between Men and Women

It has been suggested that physical or social activity is associated with fewer sleep disturbances among elderly people. Women report more sleep disturbances than men, which could indicate a variation in activity patterns between the genders. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between sleep disturbances and leisure activities in men and women (n = 945) aged ≥60 years in a Swedish population. Sleep disturbances were measured using eight dichotomous questions and seventeen variables, covering a wide range of leisure activities. Few leisure activities were found to be associated with sleep disturbances and their importance decreased when the models were adjusted for confounders and gender interactions. After clustering the leisure activities and investigating individual activities, sociointellectual activities were shown to be significant for sleep. However, following adjustment for confounders and gender interactions, home maintenance was the only activity significant for sleep. Being a female increased the effect of home maintenance. Besides those leisure activities, poor/fair self-rated health (OR 7.50, CI: 4.27–11.81) and being female (OR 4.86, CI: 2.75–8.61) were found to have the highest association with poor sleep. Leisure activities pursued by elderly people should focus on activities of a sociointellectual nature, especially among women, to promote sleep.

Clinical and demographic covariates of chronic opioid and non-opioid analgesic use in rural-dwelling older adults: the MoVIES project

BACKGROUND

To describe covariates and patterns of late-life analgesic use in the rural, population-based MoVIES cohort from 1989 to 2002.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of epidemiologic survey of elderly people conducted over six biennial assessment waves. Potential covariates of analgesic use included age, gender, depression, sleep, arthritis, smoking, alcohol, and general health status. Of the original cohort of 1,681, this sample comprised 1,109 individuals with complete data on all assessments. Using trajectory analysis, participants were characterized as chronic or non-chronic users of opioid and non-opioid analgesics. Multivariable regression was used to model predictors of chronic analgesic use.

RESULTS

The cohort was followed for mean (SD) 7.3 (2.7) years. Chronic use of opioid analgesics was reported by 7.2%, while non-opioid use was reported by 46.1%. In the multivariable model, predictors of chronic use of both opioid and non-opioid analgesics included female sex, taking ≥2 prescription medications, and "arthritis" diagnoses. Chronic opioid use was also associated with age 75-84 years; chronic non-opioid use was also associated with sleep continuity disturbance.

CONCLUSIONS

These epidemiological data confirm clinical observations and generate hypotheses for further testing. Future studies should investigate whether addressing sleep problems might lead to decreased use of non-opioid analgesics and possibly enhanced pain management.

Tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single-dose almorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, in healthy elderly subjects

Sleep disorders are common in the elderly population. Orexin receptor antagonism has been proposed as a new sleep-enabling approach to treat insomnia. The tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ascending single doses of almorexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist, were investigated in healthy elderly male and female subjects. In this double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled study, each dose (100, 200, and 400 mg) was investigated in a separate group of 12 subjects (almorexant, placebo, and zolpidem 10 mg in an 8:2:2 ratio). Morning doses of almorexant were well tolerated. As expected for sleep-enabling compounds, somnolence and fatigue were frequently reported. Other adverse events included headache and nausea. Muscular weakness was reported at a higher incidence only with the highest almorexant dose. The pharmacokinetic profile of almorexant was characterized by a median time to the maximum concentration of 1.5 hours, quick disposition with a distribution half-life of 1.6 hours, and rapidly decreasing concentrations to approximately 20% of the maximum concentration over 8 hours, with a terminal half-life of 32 hours. Objective pharmacodynamic measures showed decreases in saccadic peak velocity and adaptive tracking performance and increases in body sway with the 400-mg dose of almorexant. Subjective assessments revealed a dose-dependent decrease in alertness. Almorexant had no effects on mood, calmness, subjective internal and external perception, and feeling high. These findings provide a solid basis to study the effects of almorexant in elderly patients with insomnia.

Exercise training improves sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults with sleep problems: a systematic review

QUESTION

Does an exercise training program improve the quality of sleep in middle-aged and older adults with sleep problems?

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised trials.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged over 40 years with sleep problems.

INTERVENTION

A formal exercise training program consisting of either aerobic or resistance exercise.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported sleep quality or polysomnography.

RESULTS

Six trials were eligible for inclusion and provided data on 305 participants (241 female). Each of the studies examined an exercise training program that consisted of either moderate intensity aerobic exercise or high intensity resistance exercise. The duration of most of the training programs was between 10 and 16 weeks. All of the studies used the self-reported Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess sleep quality. Compared to the control group, the participants who were randomised to an exercise program had a better global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, with a standardised mean difference (SMD) of 0.47 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.86). The exercise group also had significantly reduced sleep latency (SMD 0.58, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.08), and medication use (SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.74). However, the groups did not differ significantly in sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, or daytime functioning.

CONCLUSION

Participation in an exercise training program has moderately positive effects on sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults. Physical exercise could be an alternative or complementary approach to existing therapies for sleep problems.

Daily rhythms of the sleep-wake cycle

The amount and timing of sleep and sleep architecture (sleep stages) are determined by several factors, important among which are the environment, circadian rhythms and time awake. Separating the roles played by these factors requires specific protocols, including the constant routine and altered sleep-wake schedules. Results from such protocols have led to the discovery of the factors that determine the amounts and distribution of slow wave and rapid eye movement sleep as well as to the development of models to determine the amount and timing of sleep. One successful model postulates two processes. The first is process S, which is due to sleep pressure (and increases with time awake) and is attributed to a 'sleep homeostat'. Process S reverses during slow wave sleep (when it is called process S'). The second is process C, which shows a daily rhythm that is parallel to the rhythm of core temperature. Processes S and C combine approximately additively to determine the times of sleep onset and waking. The model has proved useful in describing normal sleep in adults. Current work aims to identify the detailed nature of processes S and C. The model can also be applied to circumstances when the sleep-wake cycle is different from the norm in some way. These circumstances include: those who are poor sleepers or short sleepers; the role an individual's chronotype (a measure of how the timing of the individual's preferred sleep-wake cycle compares with the average for a population); and changes in the sleep-wake cycle with age, particularly in adolescence and aging, since individuals tend to prefer to go to sleep later during adolescence and earlier in old age. In all circumstances, the evidence that sleep times and architecture are altered and the possible causes of these changes (including altered S, S' and C processes) are examined.

Evaluation of the PHQ-9 Item 3 as a screen for sleep disturbance in primary care

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance is a significant problem for adults presenting to primary care. Though it is recommended that primary care providers screen for sleep problems, a brief, effective screening tool is not available.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this preliminary study was to test the utility of item three of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9-item (PHQ-9) as a self-report screening test for sleep disturbance in primary care.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional survey of male VA primary care patients in Syracuse and Rochester, NY. Sensitivity and specificity statistics were calculated as well as positive and negative predictive value to determine both whether the PHQ-9 item-3 can be used as an effective sleep screen in primary care and at what PHQ item-3 cut score patients should be further assessed for sleep disturbance.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and eleven male, VA primary care patients over the age of 18 and without gross neurological impairment participated in this one-session, in-person study.

MEASURES

During the research session, patients completed several questionnaires, including a basic demographic questionnaire, the PHQ-9, and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

KEY RESULTS

PHQ-9 item 3 significantly correlated with the total score on the ISI (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001). A cut score of 1 on the PHQ-9 item 3, indicating sleep disturbance at least several days in the last two weeks, showed the best balance of sensitivity (82.5%) and specificity (84.5%) as well as positive (78.4%) and negative (91%) predictive value.

CONCLUSIONS

Item 3 of the PHQ-9 shows promise as a screener for sleep problems in primary care. Using this one-item of a popular screening measure for depression in primary care allows providers to easily screen for two important issues without unnecessarily adding significant burden.

Evaluation of latent links between irritable bowel syndrome and sleep quality

AIM: To examine the links between quality of sleep and the severity of intestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

METHODS: One hundred and forty-two outpatients (110 female, 32 male) who met the Rome III criteria for IBS with no psychiatric comorbidity were consecutively enrolled in this study. Data on age, body mass index (BMI), and a set of life-habit variables were recorded, and IBS symptoms and sleep quality were evaluated using the questionnaires IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The association between severity of IBS and sleep disturbances was evaluated by comparing the global IBS-SSS and PSQI score (Pearson’s correlation and Fisher’s exact test) and then analyzing the individual items of the IBS-SSS and PSQI questionnaires by a unitary bowel-sleep model based on item response theory (IRT).

RESULTS: IBS-SSS ranged from mild to severe (120-470). The global PSQI score ranged from 1 to 17 (median 5), and 60 patients were found to be poor sleepers (PSQI > 5). The correlation between the global IBS-SSS and PSQI score indicated a weak association (r = 0.2 and 95% CI: -0.03 to 0.35, P < 0.05), which becomes stronger using our unitary model. Indeed, the IBS and sleep disturbances severities, estimated as latent variables, resulted significantly high intra-subject correlation (posterior mean of r = 0.45 and 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.70, P < 0.05). Moreover, the correlations between patient features (age, sex, BMI, daily coffee and alcohol intake) and IBS and sleep disturbances were also analyzed through our unitary model. Age was a significant regressor, with patients ≤ 50 years old showing more severe bowel disturbances (posterior mean = -0.38, P < 0.05) and less severe sleep disturbances (posterior mean = 0.49, P < 0.05) than older patients. Higher daily coffee intake was correlated with a lower severity of bowel disturbances (posterior mean = -0.31, P < 0.05). Sex (female) and daily alcohol intake (modest) were correlated with less severe sleep disturbances.

CONCLUSION: The unitary bowel-sleep model based on IRT revealed a strong positive correlation between the severity of IBS symptoms and sleep disturbances.

Early interferon-based treatment after detection of persistent hepatitis C virus infection: a critical decision

Approximately 170 million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. Infection with this pathogen is persistent in more than 80% of cases, frequently developing severe forms of liver damage such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. No preventive vaccine is available against HCV, and current treatment based on the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin is effective in ∼55% of patients infected with genotype 1, the most prevalent genotype. This review analyzes several factors influencing the achievement of a sustained virological response, namely undetectable HCV RNA at 6 months after conclusion of therapy. Particularly, the relevant issue of age and duration of infection is discussed in detail. Indeed, the final decision for starting treatment should be a case-by-case point. However, the cost-benefit analysis seems to indicate that in patients who are motivated and without contraindications, starting the treatment as early as possible is probably the best choice for success.

Insomnia Severity Index: psychometric properties with Chinese community-dwelling older people

AIM

This paper is a report of a study to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index.

BACKGROUND

Despite the high prevalence of insomnia in older people and its detrimental impact on well-being and healthcare costs, this problem is almost always undetected and consequently under-treated. The Insomnia Severity Index is psychometrically sound in measuring perceived insomnia severity. However, it has had very limited application in non-White populations.

METHODS

An instrument validation study was carried out between October 2008 and April 2009. The Insomnia Severity Index was translated into Chinese using Brislin's model and administered to a convenience sample of 585 older Chinese people recruited from three community centres for elders. Other instruments were also administered, including the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Geriatric Depression Scale.

RESULTS

Cronbach's alpha of the Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index was 0.81, with item-to-total correlations in the range of 0.34-0.67. Construct validity was supported by its moderate relationship with the Chinese Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and sleep efficiency. The Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index also indicated more severe level of insomnia in older people who reported depressed mood on the Geriatric Depression Scale. Discriminant validity was supported as the Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index could discriminate poorer sleepers from normal sleepers. Exploratory factor analysis identified a two-factor structure for the Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index in measuring the severity and impacts of insomnia on the Chinese older people.

CONCLUSION

The Chinese version of the Insomnia Severity Index is a culturally-relevant and psychometrically-sound instrument for assessing severity and impact of insomnia in Chinese community-dwelling older people. Nurses can use this tool to assess older people's perceptions of insomnia.