Risk of sleep apnea in hospitalized older patients

Sleep disorders among elderly in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Aging has been shown to have an impact on sleep patterns, necessitating a deep dive into understanding the complex relationship between aging and sleep disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders among elderly people and identify the associations between different factors and sleep disorders in this age group.

METHODS

This study was conducted at nursing homes in Jeddah. The target populations were those aged 65 years and older (geriatric group) and those aged younger than 65 years (nongeriatric group). Validated questionnaires, including the Athens Insomnia Scale, Berlin Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, International restless legs syndrome (RLS) Study Group, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, were used to assess different sleep disorders.

RESULTS

A total of 313 participants were recruited in the geriatric (n = 153) and nongeriatric (n = 160) groups. Compared with the nongeriatric group, the geriatric group had greater risks of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (70.6%) and RLS (40.5%) (P < 0.001). Both groups had a notable prevalence of poor sleep quality (86.6%). Although insomnia was found to be common, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of insomnia between the two groups. In addition, insomnia (odds ratio [OR] = 3.04, confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-8.86, P = 0.037), OSA (OR = 3.17, CI: 1.06-9.41, P = 0.038), and high body mass index (OR = 1.76, CI: 1.63-2.9, P = 0.003) were significantly associated with poor sleep quality.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that sleep disorders, particularly OSA and RLS, are common in the elderly population in Saudi Arabia.

Association of preadmission insomnia symptoms with objective in-hospital sleep and clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of preadmission insomnia symptoms among hospitalized patients and assess the association of insomnia symptoms with objective in-hospital sleep and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of medicine inpatients (age ≥ 50, no previously diagnosed sleep disorders). Participants answered the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire to assess for preadmission insomnia symptoms (scored 0-28; higher scores suggest more insomnia symptoms). Sleep duration and efficiency were measured with actigraphy. Participants self-reported 30-day postdischarge readmissions and emergency department and/or urgent care visits.

RESULTS

Of 568 participants, 49% had ISI scores suggestive of possible undiagnosed insomnia (ISI ≥ 8). Higher ISI scores were associated with shorter sleep duration [β = -2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.1 to -1.1, P = .001] and lower sleep efficiency (β = -0.39, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.15, P = .001). When adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidities, higher ISI scores were associated with longer length of stay (incidence rate ratio 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, P = .011), increased risk of 30-day readmission (odds ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, P = .018), and increased risk of 30-day emergency department or urgent care visit (odds ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.07, P = .043).

CONCLUSIONS

Among medicine inpatients, there was a high prevalence of preadmission insomnia symptoms suggestive of possible undiagnosed insomnia. Participants with higher ISI scores slept less with lower sleep efficiency during hospitalization. Higher ISI scores were associated with longer length of stay, increased risk of a 30-day postdischarge readmission, and increased risk of a 30-day postdischarge emergency department or urgent care visit.

CITATION

Neborak JM, Press VG, Parker WF, et al. Association of preadmission insomnia symptoms with objective in-hospital sleep and clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(5):681-687.

Sleeping with one cerebrum open: patient and staff perceptions of sleep quality and quantity on an inpatient neurology unit

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate perceptions of sleep disruptions among patients and staff in the inpatient neurology setting. The objectives were to explore the differences between these groups regarding factors that impact sleep, identify the most significant sleep disruptions, and examine the barriers and opportunities suggested to improve inpatient sleep.

METHODS

A survey-based observational study was conducted on a 25-bed inpatient neurology unit at an academic medical center. Staff and patients completed the Potential Hospital Sleep Disruptions and Noises Questionnaire, and focus groups were held to gather qualitative data. Patient-reported sleep measures were collected for additional assessment. Responses were dichotomized for comparison. Regression models were used to assess associations between disruptors and patient-reported sleep measures. Qualitative thematic analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-nine inpatient staff and 247 patients completed sleep surveys. Top primary patient diagnoses included stroke, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, and psychogenic nonepileptic attacks. Medical interventions, environmental factors, patient-related factors, and unit workflows emerged as key themes related to sleep disruptions. Patient-reported sleep efficiency was significantly reduced when pain, anxiety, stress, temperature, and medication administration disrupted sleep. Staff perspectives highlighted medical interventions as most disruptive to sleep, while patients did not find them as disruptive as expected.

CONCLUSIONS

Differing perspectives on sleep disruption exist between staff and patients in the inpatient neurology setting. Medical interventions may be overstated in staff perceptions and inpatient sleep research, as pain, anxiety, and stress had the most significant impact on patient-reported sleep efficiency.

CITATION

Kadura S, Poulakis A, Roberts DE, et al. Sleeping with one cerebrum open: patient and staff perceptions of sleep quality and quantity on an inpatient neurology unit. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(4):619-629.

Patient-reported sleep and physical function during and after hospitalization

PURPOSE

Poor sleep is associated with morbidity and mortality in the community; however, the health impact of poor sleep during and after hospitalization is poorly characterized. Our purpose was to describe trends in patient-reported sleep and physical function during and after hospitalization and evaluate sleep as a predictor of function after discharge.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of trial data with 232 adults followed for 3months after hospital discharge. Main measures were patient-reported surveys on sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and physical function (Katz Activities of Daily Living, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and Nagi Mobility Scale) were collected during hospitalization and at 1, 5, 9, and 13weeks postdischarge.

RESULTS

Patient-reported sleep declined significantly during hospitalization and remained worse for 3months postdischarge (median Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index=8 vs. 6, p < .001). In parallel, mobility declined significantly from baseline and remained worse at each follow-up time (median Nagi score=2 vs. 0, p < .001). Instrumental activities of daily living similarly decreased during and after hospitalization, but basic activities of daily living were unaffected. In adjusted time-series logistic regression models, the odds of mobility impairment were 1.48 times higher for each 1-point increase in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score over time (95% CI 1.27-1.71, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-reported sleep worsened during hospitalization, did not improve significantly for 3months after hospitalization, and poor sleep was a significant predictor of functional impairment over this time. Sleep dysfunction that begins with hospitalization may persist and prevent functional recovery after discharge.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The primary study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03321279.

High prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in the intensive care unit - a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Sleep-disordered breathing may be induced by, exacerbate, or complicate recovery from critical illness. Disordered breathing during sleep, which itself is often fragmented, can go unrecognized in the intensive care unit (ICU). The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing in ICU patients using a single respiratory belt and oxygen saturation signals.

METHODS

Patients in three ICUs at Massachusetts General Hospital wore a thoracic respiratory effort belt as part of a clinical trial for up to 7 days and nights. Using a previously developed machine learning algorithm, we processed respiratory and oximetry signals to measure the 3% apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and estimate AH-specific hypoxic burden and periodic breathing. We trained models to predict AHI categories for 12-h segments from risk factors, including admission variables and bio-signals data, available at the start of these segments.

RESULTS

Of 129 patients, 68% had an AHI ≥ 5; 40% an AHI > 15, and 19% had an AHI > 30 while critically ill. Median [interquartile range] hypoxic burden was 2.8 [0.5, 9.8] at night and 4.2 [1.0, 13.7] %min/h during the day. Of patients with AHI ≥ 5, 26% had periodic breathing. Performance of predicting AHI-categories from risk factors was poor.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep-disordered breathing and sleep apnea events while in the ICU are common and are associated with substantial burden of hypoxia and periodic breathing. Detection is feasible using limited bio-signals, such as respiratory effort and SpO2 signals, while risk factors were insufficient to predict AHI severity.

The Role of Wearable Sensors to Monitor Physical Activity and Sleep Patterns in Older Adult Inpatients: A Structured Review

Low levels of physical activity (PA) and sleep disruption are commonly seen in older adult inpatients and are associated with poor health outcomes. Wearable sensors allow for objective continuous monitoring; however, there is no consensus as to how wearable sensors should be implemented. This review aimed to provide an overview of the use of wearable sensors in older adult inpatient populations, including models used, body placement and outcome measures. Five databases were searched; 89 articles met inclusion criteria. We found that studies used heterogenous methods, including a variety of sensor models, placement and outcome measures. Most studies reported the use of only one sensor, with either the wrist or thigh being the preferred location in PA studies and the wrist for sleep outcomes. The reported PA measures can be mostly characterised as the frequency and duration of PA (Volume) with fewer measures relating to intensity (rate of magnitude) and pattern of activity (distribution per day/week). Sleep and circadian rhythm measures were reported less frequently with a limited number of studies providing both physical activity and sleep/circadian rhythm outcomes concurrently. This review provides recommendations for future research in older adult inpatient populations. With protocols of best practice, wearable sensors could facilitate the monitoring of inpatient recovery and provide measures to inform participant stratification and establish common objective endpoints across clinical trials.

Sleep quality among inpatients of Spanish public hospitals

Sleep is a complex process and is needed both in health and illness. Deprivation of sleep is known to have multiple negative physiological effects on people's bodies and minds. Despite the awareness of these harmful effects, previous studies have shown that sleep is poor among hospitalised patients. We utilized an observational design with 343 patients recruited from medical and surgical units in 12 hospitals located in nine Spanish regions. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients were collected. Sleep quality at admission and during hospitalisation was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Sleep quantity was self-reported by patients in hours and minutes. Mean PSQI score before and during hospitalisation were respectively 8.62 ± 4.49 and 11.31 ± 4.04. Also, inpatients slept about an hour less during their hospital stay. Lower educational level, sedative medication intake, and multi-morbidity was shown to be associated with poorer sleep quality during hospitalisation. A higher level of habitual physical activity has shown to correlate positively with sleep quality in hospital. Our study showed poor sleep quality and quantity of inpatients and a drastic deterioration of sleep in hospital versus at home. These results may be helpful in drawing attention to patients' sleep in hospitals and encouraging interventions to improve sleep.

Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Hospitalized Patients: A Game Changer?

Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, have become a significant health issue in the United States. It is estimated that 22 million Americans have sleep apnea, with 80% of cases of moderate and severe OSA going undiagnosed. This number continues to increase with the obesity epidemic. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with multiple cardiopulmonary diseases and has been shown to affect disease outcomes adversely. Hospitalized patients have a disproportionately high prevalence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Screening for SDB in hospitalized patients provides an opportunity to identify the disease in individuals whose disease otherwise may go unrecognized. Data suggest that identification of SDB in hospitalized individuals may have a positive impact on a patient's course after hospitalization. Unfortunately, sleep medicine currently remains an ambulatory practice. Hospital sleep medicine addresses this separation. Herein, we discuss our experience and the future potential of hospital sleep medicine programs.

Presence of obstructive sleep apnea is associated with higher future readmissions and outpatient visits-a nationwide administrative dataset study

BACKGROUND

Hospital readmissions and outpatient visits contribute to the significant burden on healthcare systems. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic medical condition that is associated with cardiovascular comorbidities and other chronic conditions. Inpatient and outpatient healthcare utilization rates in patients with OSA following hospitalization are unclear.

METHODS

This. retrospective case-control cohort study utilized a nationwide database to assess if OSA is associated with higher healthcare utilization post-hospitalization. We compared healthcare utilization among patients with OSA versus without OSA between 2009 and 2014 after matching for demographic variables, geographic location, hospital environment, reason for admission, and severity of illness during hospitalization. We measured future healthcare utilization by the number of ICU admissions, hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and outpatient visits after being discharged from the index hospitalization.

RESULTS

Two equal-sized cohorts comprised of 85,912 matched pairs were obtained. The OSA cohort demonstrated significantly higher rates of future ICU admissions, hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and outpatient visits. Matching for comorbid cardiovascular conditions continued to demonstrate higher healthcare utilization in the OSA group. Short-term outcomes during the index hospitalization were relatively similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective database study demonstrated that OSA may be an independent marker of higher future healthcare utilization. On the other hand, the length of stay during the index hospitalization was not elevated. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and investigate the impact of directing additional resources to inpatients with OSA.

Sleep in hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an observational study

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the risk of undiagnosed sleep disorders among medical patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with those without COPD.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, hospitalized medical ward patients without a known sleep disorder were screened, using validated questionnaires, for sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia. Daily sleep duration and efficiency in the hospital were measured via wrist actigraphy. Participants were classified into two groups: those with a primary or secondary diagnosis of COPD and those without a history of COPD diagnosis. Sleep outcomes were compared by COPD diagnosis.

RESULTS

From March 2010 to July 2015, 572 patients completed questionnaires and underwent wrist actigraphy. On admission, patients with COPD had a greater adjusted risk of obstructive sleep apnea (adjusted odds ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.12-2.96, P = .015) and clinically significant insomnia (adjusted odds ratio 2.07, 95% confidence interval 1.12-3.83, P = .021); no differences were observed for sleep quality or excess sleepiness on admission. After adjustment, compared with patients without COPD, patients with COPD averaged 34 fewer minutes of nightly sleep (95% confidence interval 4.2-64.0 minutes, P = .026), as well as 22.5% lower odds of normal sleep efficiency while in the hospital (95% confidence interval 3.3%-37.9%, P = .024). No statistically significant differences were observed for in-hospital sleep quality, soundness, or ease of falling asleep.

CONCLUSIONS

Among hospitalized patients in medical wards, those with COPD have higher risk of OSA and insomnia and worse in-hospital sleep quality and quantity compared with those without COPD.

Does testing for sleep-disordered breathing pre-discharge versus post-discharge result in different treatment outcomes?

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Treatment of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may improve health related outcomes post-discharge. However timely definitive sleep testing and provision of ongoing therapy has been a challenge. Little is known about how the time of testing-during hospitalization vs. after discharge-affects important outcomes such as treatment adherence.

METHODS

We conducted a 10-year retrospective study of hospitalized adults who received an inpatient sleep medicine consultation for SDB and subsequent sleep testing. We divided them into inpatient and outpatient sleep testing cohorts and studied their clinical characteristics, follow-up and PAP adherence, and hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Of 485 patients, 226 (47%) underwent inpatient sleep testing and 259 (53%) had outpatient sleep testing. The median age was 68 years old (IQR=57-78), and 29.6% were females. The inpatient cohort had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (4 [3-6] vs 3[2-5], p=<0.0004). A higher CCI (HR=1.14, 95%CI:1.03-1.25, p=0.001), BMI (HR=1.03, 95%CI:1.0-1.05, p=0.008) and stroke (HR=2.22, 95%CI:1.0-4.9, p=0.049) were associated with inpatient sleep testing. The inpatient cohort kept fewer follow-up appointments (39.90% vs 50.62%, p=0.03) however PAP adherence was high among those keeping follow-up appointments (88.9% [inpatient] vs 85.71% [outpatient], p=0.55). The inpatient group had an increased risk for death (HR: 1.82 95%CI 1.28-2.59, p=<0.001) but readmission rates did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

Medically complex patient were more likely to receive inpatient sleep testing but less likely to keep follow-up, which could impact adherence and effectiveness of therapy. Novel therapeutic interventions are needed to increase sleep medicine follow-up post-discharge which may result in improvement in health outcomes in hospitalized patients with SDB.

Clinical characteristics of sleep apnea in middle-old and oldest-old inpatients: symptoms and comorbidities

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in older adults but still underdiagnosed for many reasons, such as underreported symptoms, non-specific ones because of the comorbidities and polypharmacy, or the social belief of sleep problems as normal with aging.

OBJECTIVES

To identify salient symptoms and comorbidities associated with OSA, diagnosed by nocturnal respiratory polygraphy in geriatric inpatients.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study in a sample of 102 geriatric inpatients from a French Geriatric University Hospital. We reviewed medical records to collect demographic, medical information including comorbidities, the geriatric cumulative illness rating scale (CIRS-G), subjective sleep-related symptoms and data of overnight level three portable sleep polygraphy recording.

RESULTS

Among classic OSA symptoms, only excessive daytime sleepiness (p = 0.02) and nocturnal choking (p = 0.03) were more prevalent in older inpatients with OSA (n = 64) than in those without (n = 38). The prevalence of comorbidities and mean CIRS-G scores were not different between groups except for the lower prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the higher level of creatinine clearance in OSA patients. Multivariate analysis showed OSA was associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (OR = 2.83, p = 0.02) in symptoms-related model and with composite CIRS-G score (OR 1.26, p = 0.04) in comorbidities-related model.

CONCLUSIONS

Only excessive daytime sleepiness and comorbidity severity (composite CIRS-G score) were associated with the objective diagnosis of OSA, while other usual clinical OSA symptoms and comorbidities in geriatric inpatients were not. These findings emphasize the importance of excessive daytime sleepiness symptom, when reported in comorbid older patients, strongly suggesting OSA and requiring adequate nocturnal exploration.

Global burden of sleep-disordered breathing and its implications

One-seventh of the world's adult population, or approximately one billion people, are estimated to have OSA. Over the past four decades, obesity, the main risk factor for OSA, has risen in striking proportion worldwide. In the past 5 years, the WHO estimates global obesity to affect almost two billion adults. A second major risk factor for OSA is advanced age. As the prevalence of the ageing population and obesity increases, the vulnerability towards having OSA increases. In addition to these traditional OSA risk factors, studies of the global population reveal select contributing features and phenotypes, including extreme phenotypes and symptom clusters that deserve further examination. Untreated OSA is associated with significant comorbidities and mortality. These represent a tremendous threat to the individual and global health. Beyond the personal toll, the economic costs of OSA are far-reaching, affecting the individual, family and society directly and indirectly, in terms of productivity and public safety. A better understanding of the pathophysiology, individual and ethnic similarities and differences is needed to better facilitate management of this chronic disease. In some countries, measures of the OSA disease burden are sparse. As the global burden of OSA and its associated comorbidities are projected to further increase, the infrastructure to diagnose and manage OSA will need to adapt. The use of novel approaches (electronic health records and artificial intelligence) to stratify risk, diagnose and affect treatment are necessary. Together, a unified multi-disciplinary, multi-organizational, global approach will be needed to manage this disease.

Obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome in patients admitted in a tertiary hospital in Cameroon: Prevalence and associated factors

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is poorly documented in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the hospital setting. The aim of this study was to determine its prevalence and to investigate the associated factors in patients admitted in a tertiary referral hospital in Cameroon.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study conducted in the Cardiology, Endocrinology and Neurology departments of the Yaounde Central Hospital; all patients aged 21 and older were included consecutively. A sample of randomly selected patients was recorded using a portable sleep monitoring device (PMD). OSAHS was defined as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5/hour (with > 50% of events being obstructive) and moderate to severe OSAHS as an AHI > 15/hour. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated to OSAHS.

RESULTS

Of the 359 patients included, 202 (56.3%) patients were women. The mean age (standard deviation) was 58 (16) years. The prevalence of OSAHS assessed by PMD (95% CI) was 57.7% (48.5-66.9%), 53.8% in men and 62.7% in women (p = 0.44). The median (25th-75th percentiles) AHI, body mass index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of OSAHS patients were 17 (10.6-26.9)/hour, 27.4 (24.7-31.6) kg/m2 and 7 (5-9) respectively. The only factor associated to moderate to severe OSAHS was hypertension [odds ratio (95% CI)]: 3.24 (1.08-9.72), p = 0.036.

CONCLUSION

OSAHS is a common condition in patients in this health care centre of Cameroon. In the hospital setting, screening for OSAHS in patients with hypertension is recommended.

Prevalence of risk for sleep apnea among hospitalized patients who survived a medical emergency team activation

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common disorder that causes people to stop breathing in their sleep, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of SDB in the general population. Because OSA is often undiagnosed and undermanaged, it has been associated with adverse events and morbidity in hospitalized patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate prevalence of OSA risk in a population of patients who survived a medical emergency team (MET) activation during hospitalization.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted at a hospital in the Midwest in 2014. Patients who survived a MET activation and consented to participate were administered the STOP-Bang questionnaire and asked other health and lifestyle questions. Review of the medical record was conducted to ascertain patient characteristics, comorbidities, and medications. Differences were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and the chi-square test.

RESULTS

Of 148 study patients, median age was 68 years (interquartile range: 55-78) and 15% were morbidly obese (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m²). Fifty percent of patients (n = 74) were found to be at high risk for OSA, yet only 38% (n = 28) of those patients received a previous diagnosis of OSA. Variables available in the medical record were highly correlated with the overall STOP-Bang score (r =. 75, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Half of patients who survived a MET activation during hospitalization screened at high risk for OSA. Standardized screening for risk of sleep apnea, as well as a truncated risk score generated by variables in the medical record, could guide clinical decision making in this at-risk population.

Agenda for Sleep Research in Older Adults With Cancer: A Conference Report

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are common but often neglected in older adults, particularly in the context of cancer. Underlying mechanisms are poorly understood and interventions frequently lack a clear scientific basis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this report was to examine scientific content presented at a National Institutes of Health-sponsored U13 "Bedside to Bench" conference using a qualitative and iterative review procedure. Analysis of current scientific issues regarding sleep in older adults with cancer is needed to direct nurse scientists and clinicians toward research opportunities.

METHODS

A multistep review procedure for the analysis/synthesis of knowledge gaps and research opportunities was undertaken by oncology nurse scientists in attendance.

RESULTS

Conceptual problems in this area include the lack of standard sleep terminology and absence of an overarching conceptual model. Methodological problems are inconsistent sleep/napping measurement and complex operational challenges in designing comprehensive yet feasible studies in older adults. Knowledge gaps in basic and clinical science relate to cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances, contribution of sleep to adverse outcomes, and impact of disturbed sleep during hospitalization and the transition from hospital to home.

CONCLUSIONS

Focused and interdisciplinary research that advances conceptual and operational understanding of biological and behavioral determinants of sleep health in the aging cancer population can lead to more effective, safe, and targeted interventions for those with cancer-related sleep-circadian disturbances.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Research that addresses current conceptual, methodological, and physiological issues can lead to more effective, safe, and targeted care for older adults with cancer-related sleep-circadian disturbances.

Perianesthesia Nurses' Survey of Their Knowledge and Practice With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

PURPOSE

Anesthesia, sedation, and analgesia can negatively impact adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite known risks, current evidence, and practice guidelines, insufficient evidence exists that standardization and clinical application of OSA screening tools, problem identification, and perioperative nursing intervention and management strategies are consistently implemented for OSA patients across perianesthesia settings. The purpose of this study was to conduct a knowledge and practice assessment of perianesthesia nurses who care for adult patients with diagnosed or undiagnosed OSA.

DESIGN

An anonymous descriptive study was used to survey perianesthesia nurses who care for adult patients with OSA who present for elective surgical procedures.

METHODS

A total of 1,222 participants completed an expert-developed 27-question online survey.

FINDINGS

The findings indicate the need for more education and research across all perianesthesia settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Next steps also include policy development and an interprofessional collaborative infrastructure nurses need to translate evidence-based screening and management strategies into their clinical practice.

Sleep in Hospitalized Older Adults

Hospitalization is a period of acute sleep deprivation for older adults owing to environmental, medical, and patient factors. Although hospitalized patients are in need of adequate rest and recovery during acute illness, older patients face unique risks owing to acute sleep loss during hospitalization. Sleep loss in the hospital is associated with worse health outcomes, including cardiometabolic derangements and an increased risk of delirium. Because older patients are at risk of polypharmacy and medication side effects, a variety of nonpharmacologic interventions are recommended first to improve sleep loss for hospitalized older adults.

Recognition and Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Obese Hospitalized Patients May Improve Survival. The HoSMed Database

PURPOSE

Sleep-disordered breathing is a common sleep disorder. Recent studies have shown that hospitalized obese patients have a high likelihood of unrecognized sleep-disordered breathing. However, no systematic large study has so far evaluated the outcomes of a screening program. This study provides demographic, clinical, and outcome data from a screening program at a tertiary care academic center.

METHODS

Subjects were 5062 patients screened from March 2013 to July 2016. Of these, 1410 underwent in-hospital overnight high-resolution pulse oximetry and 680 underwent polysomnography post discharge. Patients placed on positive airway therapy were followed in an ambulatory setting.

RESULTS

The mean age was 60.7 years (SD 15.2), and mean body mass index was 34.8 kg/m² (SD 8.3), with 2477 (49.0%) males. Of the 1410 high-risk patients who underwent high-resolution plethysmography (HRPO), 1092 were sleep-disordered breathing positive (oxygen desaturation index [ODI] ≥5) and 680 high-risk patients underwent polysomnography. In this latter group, 585 (87%) were found to have sleep-disordered breathing (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] >5). A receiver operating characteristic curve for ODI derived from HRPO plotted against AHI from polysomnography showed an area under the curve of 0.83 for an ODI of >5. Patients who were adherent to positive airway pressure therapy in the first 3 months had improved survival over a mean follow-up of 609 days compared with those who were nonadherent (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

This large database of hospitalized patients confirms a high prevalence of undetected sleep-disordered breathing. Long-term follow-up of those compliant with treatment reveals a survival benefit.

Awakenings? Patient and Hospital Staff Perceptions of Nighttime Disruptions and Their Effect on Patient Sleep

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Although important to recovery, sleeping in the hospital is difficult because of disruptions. Understanding how patients, hospital physicians, and nurses perceive sleep disruptions and identifying which disruptions are associated with objective sleep loss can help target improvement initiatives.

METHODS

Patients and hospital staff completed the Potential Hospital Sleep Disruptions and Noises Questionnaire (PHSDNQ). Cutoff points were defined based on means, and responses were dichotomized. Perceived percent disrupted for each item was calculated, and responses were compared across groups using chi-square tests. Objective sleep time of patients was measured using wrist actigraphy. The association between patient-reported disruptions and objective sleep time was assessed using a multivariable linear regression model controlling for subject random effects.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight physicians (78%), 37 nurses (88%), and 166 of their patients completed the PHSDNQ. Patients, physicians, and nurses agreed that pain, vital signs and tests were the top three disrupters to patient sleep. Significant differences among the groups' perceptions existed for alarms [24% (patients) vs. 46% (physicians) vs. 27% (nurses), p < 0.040], room temperature (15% vs. 0% vs. 5%, p < 0.031) and anxiety (18% vs. 21% vs. 38%, p < 0.031). Using survey and actigraphy data from 645 nights and 379 patients, the presence of pain was the only disruption associated with lower objective sleep duration (minutes) [-38.1 (95% confidence interval -63.2, -12.9) p < 0.003].

CONCLUSION

Hospital staff and patients agreed that pain, vital signs and tests were top sleep disrupters. However, pain was associated with the greatest objective sleep loss, highlighting the need for proactive screening and management of patient pain to improve sleep in hospitals.

The Accuracy of Portable Monitoring in Diagnosing Significant Sleep Disordered Breathing in Hospitalized Patients

BACKGROUND

Polysomnograms are not always feasible when sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is suspected in hospitalized patients. Portable monitoring is a practical alternative; however, it has not been recommended in patients with comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the accuracy of portable monitoring in hospitalized patients suspected of having SDB.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Large, public, urban, teaching hospital in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Hospitalized patients suspected of having SDB.

METHODS

Patients underwent portable monitoring combined with actigraphy during the hospitalization and then polysomnography after discharge. We determined the accuracy of portable monitoring in predicting moderate to severe SDB and the agreement between the apnea hypopnea index measured by portable monitor (AHIPM) and by polysomnogram (AHIPSG).

RESULTS

Seventy-one symptomatic patients completed both tests. The median time between the two tests was 97 days (IQR 25-75: 24-109). Forty-five percent were hospitalized for cardiovascular disease. Mean age was 52±10 years, 41% were women, and the majority had symptoms of SDB. Based on AHIPSG, SDB was moderate in 9 patients and severe in 39. The area under the receiver operator characteristics curve for AHIPM was 0.8, and increased to 0.86 in patients without central sleep apnea; it was 0.88 in the 31 patients with hypercapnia. For predicting moderate to severe SDB, an AHIPM of 14 had a sensitivity of 90%, and an AHIPM of 36 had a specificity of 87%. The mean±SD difference between AHIPM and AHIPSG was 2±29 event/hr.

CONCLUSION

In hospitalized, symptomatic patients, portable monitoring is reasonably accurate in detecting moderate to severe SDB.

Report and Research Agenda of the American Geriatrics Society and National Institute on Aging Bedside-to-Bench Conference on Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Aging: New Avenues for Improving Brain Health, Physical Health, and Functioning

The American Geriatrics Society, with support from the National Institute on Aging and other funders, held its eighth Bedside-to-Bench research conference, entitled "Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Aging: New Avenues for Improving Brain Health, Physical Health and Functioning," October 4 to 6, 2015, in Bethesda, Maryland. Part of a conference series addressing three common geriatric syndromes-delirium, sleep and circadian rhythm (SCR) disturbance, and voiding dysfunction-the series highlighted relationships and pertinent clinical and pathophysiological commonalities between these three geriatric syndromes. The conference provided a forum for discussing current sleep, circadian rhythm, and aging research; identifying gaps in knowledge; and developing a research agenda to inform future investigative efforts. The conference also promoted networking among developing researchers, leaders in the field of SCR and aging, and National Institutes of Health program personnel.

Sleep Disturbances among Older Adults in the United States, 2002-2012: Nationwide Inpatient Rates, Predictors, and Outcomes

Objective/Background: We examined the rates, predictors, and outcomes [mortality risk (MR), length of stay (LOS), and total charges (TC)] of sleep disturbances in older hospitalized patients.

Patients/Methods: Using the U.S. Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2002–2012), older patients (≥60 years) were selected and rates of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep disturbances (OSD) were estimated using ICD-9CM. TC, adjusted for inflation, was of primary interest, while MR and LOS were secondary outcomes. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted.

Results: Of 35,258,031 older adults, 263,865 (0.75%) had insomnia, 750,851 (2.13%) OSA and 21,814 (0.06%) OSD. Insomnia rates increased significantly (0.27% in 2002 to 1.29 in 2012, P-trend < 0.001), with a similar trend observed for OSA (1.47 in 2006 to 5.01 in 2012, P-trend < 0.001). TC (2012 $) for insomnia-related hospital admission increased over time from $22,250 in 2002 to $31,527 in 2012, and increased similarly for OSA and OSD; while LOS and MR both decreased. Women with any sleep disturbance had lower MR and TC than men, while Whites had consistently higher odds of insomnia, OSA, and OSD than older Blacks and Hispanics. Co-morbidities such as depression, cardiovascular risk factors, and neurological disorders steadily increased over time in patients with sleep disturbances.

Conclusion: TC increased over time in patients with sleep disturbances while LOS and MR decreased. Further, research should focus on identifying the mechanisms that explain the association between increasing sleep disturbance rates and expenditures within hospital settings and the potential hospital expenditures of unrecognized sleep disturbances in the elderly.

Pilot study aiming to support sleep quality and duration during hospitalizations

BACKGROUND

Sleep is a vital part to healing and recovery, hence poor sleep during hospitalizations is highly undesirable. Few studies have assessed interventions to optimize sleep among hospitalized patients.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of sleep-promoting interventions on sleep quality and duration among hospitalized patients.

DESIGN

Quasi-experimental prospective study.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients on the general medicine ward.

INTERVENTION

Nurse-delivered sleep-promoting interventions augmented by sleep hygiene education and environmental control to minimize sleep disruption.

MEASUREMENTS

Objective and subjective measurement of sleep parameters using validated sleep questionnaires, daily sleep diary, and actigraphy monitor.

RESULTS

Of the 112 patients studied, the mean age was 58 years, 55% were female, the mean body mass index was 32, and 43% were in the intervention group. Linear mixed models tested mean differences in 7 sleep measures and group differences in slopes representing nightly changes in sleep outcomes over the course of hospitalization between intervention and control groups. Only total sleep time, computed from sleep diaries, demonstrated significant overall mean difference of 49.6 minutes (standard error [SE] = 21.1, P < 0.05). However, significant differences in average slopes of subjective ratings of sleep quality (0.46, SE = 0.18, P < 0.05), refreshing sleep (0.54, SE = 0.19, P < 0.05), and sleep interruptions (-1.6, SE = 0.6, P < 0.05) indicated improvements during hospitalization within intervention patients compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that there is an opportunity to identify patients not sleeping well in the hospital. Sleep-promoting initiatives, both at the unit level as well as individualized offerings, may improve sleep during hospitalizations, particularly over the course of the hospitalization. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:467-472. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

Risk of obstructive sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms in a Nigerian elderly population

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a primary care population of elderly Nigerians and to determine its correlates.

METHODS

Clinical and demographic data of 414 elderly individuals in a primary care clinic were obtained. Their risk of OSA was estimated using Berlin questionnaire while Epworth sleepiness scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) were also administered.

RESULTS

Of the 414 subjects, 96 (23.2%) met the criteria for a high risk for OSA with a male to female ratio of 1:1. Subjects at high OSA risk (high OSA risk group) were younger than those at low OSA risk (low OSA risk group) (71.4±6.8 vs 73.6±7.7, p=0.011). Mean body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) (27.3±5.8 vs 24.7±5.1, p<0.001) and waist circumference (WC, cm) (90.7±13.1 vs 86.5±13.9, p=0.011) were higher in the high OSA risk group compared with the low OSA risk group. A total of 215 (51.9%) and 62 (15.0%) subjects had clinically significant depressive symptoms (CESD-10 score≥10) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), respectively. On regression, the odds of EDS, depressive symptoms, increased BMI and younger age were significantly higher in the high OSA risk group compared with the low OSA risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

High risk for OSA and depressive symptoms are common in our sample of elderly Nigerians. Depressive symptoms, EDS, BMI and age independently predict high OSA risk in the elderly.

Portable Monitoring for the Diagnosis of OSA

In-laboratory, attended polysomnography has long been the gold standard for the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). In recent years, economic pressures and long wait times have driven interest in home sleep testing, which has, in turn, led to the development of algorithms that bypass the sleep laboratory in favor of portable monitoring studies and in-home initiation of positive airway pressure therapy. For appropriately selected outpatients, evidence is accumulating that portable monitors are a reasonable substitute for in-laboratory polysomnography. In the inpatient setting, in which SDB is both highly prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes in certain populations, the literature is evolving on the use of portable monitors to expedite diagnosis and treatment of SDB. This review discusses society guidelines and recent research in the growing field of portable monitoring.