Psychiatric adverse events associated with the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the Republic of Korea: a systematic review

This systematic review evaluated psychiatric adverse events (AEs) following vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We included studies that reported or investigated psychiatric AEs in individuals who had received an approved COVID-19 vaccine in the Republic of Korea. Systematic electronic searches of Ovid-Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and KoreaMed databases were conducted on March 22, 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies 2.0. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023449422). Of the 301 articles initially selected, 7 were included in the final analysis. All studies reported on sleep disturbances, and 2 highlighted anxiety-related AEs. Sleep disorders like insomnia and narcolepsy were the most prevalent AEs, while depression was not reported. Our review suggests that these AEs may have been influenced by biological mechanisms as well as the broader psychosocial context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this study had limitations, such as a primary focus on the BNT162b2 vaccine and an observational study design, it offered a systematic, multi-vaccine analysis that fills a critical gap in the existing literature. This review underscores the need for continued surveillance of psychiatric AEs and guides future research to investigate underlying mechanisms, identify risk factors, and inform clinical management.

An RCT META analysis based on the effect of tai chi exercise therapy on the outcome of elderly patients with moderate-to-severe sleep disorders-A systematic review study

Background

According to statistics, about one-fifth of the world's elderly people suffer from sleep disorders, and the problem of sleep disorders in the elderly is extremely serious, and this problem is one of the important causes of chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease in the elderly. The positive effect of Tai Chi exercise therapy on sleep problems has been confirmed, but at present, the effect of the specific duration of Tai Chi exercise on the improvement of elderly people with moderate to severe sleep disorders varies.

Objective

META analysis was used to investigate and find that long-term Tai Chi exercise therapy has the best effect on improving sleep in elderly patients with moderate to severe sleep disorders. Methods: META analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 after searching Web of science, Pubmed, Scopus, The Cochroae Library, OVID, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and other databases, and then filtering and extracting.

Results

A total of seven papers were included. Meta-analysis showed that tai chi exercise was more effective in improving sleep problems in elderly patients with sleep disorders compared to the control group, and the difference was significant. This was demonstrated by a decrease in the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score [SMD = -0.66, 95 % CI (-0.91, -0.41), P < 0.00001], as well as its subdomains of subjective sleep quality [SMD = -0.79, 95 % CI (-1.06, -0.52), P < 0.00001], sleep latency [SMD = -0.80, 95 % CI (-1.21, -0.40), P < 0.00001], sleep duration [SMD = -0.38, 95 % CI (-0.72, -0.04), P = 0.03], habitual sleep efficiency [SMD = -0.58, 95 % CI (-0.84, -0.31), P < 0.0001], sleep disturbance [SMD = -0.51, 95 % CI (-0.78, -0.25), P = 0.00001] and daytime dysfunction [SMD = -0.33, 95 % CI (-0.59, -0.07), P = 0.01]. Improvement was also observed in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Insomnia Severity Index Scale (ISI). The results showed that the optimal duration and frequency of Tai Chi exercise therapy for improving moderately severe elderly patients with sleep disorders was long-term.

Conclusion

This study systematically assessed the efficacy of Tai Chi exercise therapy for elderly patients with moderate-to-severe sleep disorders. Through a meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), it aims to determine the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise in improving sleep quality in elderly patients with moderate-to-severe sleep disorders, as well as to compare its effects with those of traditional treatments; to analyze the safety of Tai Chi exercise for this patient population and assess its feasibility as a non-pharmacological therapy; and to fill the research gaps and provide more comprehensive and systematic evidence support. This study provides a practical approach to reducing the risk of medication side effects in older adults with sleep disorders and offers a potentially effective non-pharmacological treatment option, especially for those who are unable or unwilling to use medication. Tai chi exercise may not only improve sleep, but also improve coordination, muscle strength, balance, and reduce stress and anxiety in older adults. It also helps older adults socialize and enhances their social connections and emotional support. This study suggests that community centers or activity centers for the elderly can organize tai chi classes to promote the participation of older adults, and can be used as a scientific exercise rehabilitation tool in clinical treatment, incorporating tai chi practice into daily life, such as tai chi practice at a fixed time every day or every week, which not only helps to improve the sleep disorders of older adults, but also improves their overall quality of life.

[Structured case conference for sleep disturbances in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment]

Structured case conference for sleep disturbances in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment Abstract: Background: Nursing home residents living with cognitive impairment often suffer from sleep disturbances. Pharmacological interventions are not recommended to be the first-choice therapy. In general, a wide variance of non-pharmacological interventions is available, but no clearly suitable intervention can currently be specified. Aim: The case report presents the procedure of a structured analysis to support the selection of non-pharmacological interventions to promote sleep. Methods: A structured case conference was held using a developed case management template to draw up an individual intervention plan. Results: Based on the description of the situation and the determination of causes, different interventions from six main topics were planned: "offering appropriate activations during daytime", "creating bedtime routines", "checking the sleep environment", "observation of potential physical and psychological causes", "reflection on night care routines", and "use of drug therapies only in exceptional cases". Conclusions: For a successful management of sleep disturbances in nursing home residents living with cognitive impairment, it is essential that the specific sleep-related symptoms and causes are assessed systematically and interprofessionally to be able to work towards an improvement with appropriate measures. In order to obtain adequate solutions, evidence-based expertise should be taken into consideration.

Diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in shift workers, with patient informed solutions to improve health services research and practice

BACKGROUND

The combination of shift work and an unmanaged sleep disorder carries health and safety risks. Yet, diagnosis rates for sleep disorders are low in shift workers. The aim of this study was to understand the experience of sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment in shift workers, and consider patient informed solutions to improve access to health services.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 Australian shift workers with a diagnosed sleep disorder. Patient journey mapping and reflexive thematic analysis were used to understand diagnosis and management experiences.

RESULTS

There were highly variable experiences with diagnosis and management, often taking >5 years to seek help from a health care provider (HCP) after noticing symptoms of a sleep disorder. Three themes were constructed, including 'the cause of the problem', 'prioritising work', and '(dis)satisfaction and (dis)connection'. Extent of patient and HCP awareness of sleep disorders, and a prevailing attitude of shift work being 'the problem' impacted diagnosis, as did organisational needs (including rostering, which had both positive and negative influences on help seeking). Relationships with HCPs were important, and living on non-standard time was both a barrier and an enabler to sleep disorder care. Participants identified the need for education and awareness, prompts and easy access to screening and referral pathways, and tailored models of care.

CONCLUSION

Education and awareness initiatives for shift workers, their employers and HCPs, together with development of a model of care for shift workers with sleep disorders may address some of the unique barriers to diagnosis and management.

Investigating oral health among US adults with sleep disorder: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the relationship between sleep disorders and oral health outcomes among a representative sample of the United States population.

METHODS

The study sample comprised 6,161 participants who participated in the NHANES 2017-2018, representing a population of 255,939,599. Oral health outcomes were assessed using the Oral Health Questionnaire (OHQ), covering dental pain, periodontal disease, bone loss, emotional perceptions of oral health, and impact on daily life. Sleep disorders were evaluated using questions related to sleep trouble and daytime sleepiness.

RESULTS

Analysis of the NHANES 2017-2018 dataset, revealed notable associations between sleep disorders and oral health outcomes. Individuals with sleep disorders were more likely to report dental pain (19.79% vs. 11.8%), periodontal issues (19.5% vs. 12.25%), and feeling bad or embarrassed about their oral health (21% vs. 12%), compared to those without sleep disorders. Difficulty due to oral health issues was also more prevalent among participants with sleep disorders (32.6% vs. 12.9%). Adjusted models demonstrated that individuals with sleep disorders had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing oral aches [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.58 (1.22-2.22)], reporting negative emotions about oral health [aOR = 1.59 (1.06-2.37)], and encountering challenges in school or job performance [aOR = 2.27 (1.47-3.51)], compared to individuals without sleep disorders (refer to Table 3). Other significant covariates affecting oral health outcomes included smoking, income, and education level.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a compelling association between sleep disorders and adverse oral health outcomes in the U.S.

POPULATION

Associations between changes in habitual sleep duration and lower self-rated health among COVID-19 survivors: findings from a survey across 16 countries/regions

BACKGROUND

Self-rated health (SRH) is widely recognized as a clinically significant predictor of subsequent mortality risk. Although COVID-19 may impair SRH, this relationship has not been extensively examined. The present study aimed to examine the correlation between habitual sleep duration, changes in sleep duration after infection, and SRH in subjects who have experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

Participants from 16 countries participated in the International COVID Sleep Study-II (ICOSS-II) online survey in 2021. A total of 10,794 of these participants were included in the analysis, including 1,509 COVID-19 individuals (who reported that they had tested positive for COVID-19). SRH was evaluated using a 0-100 linear visual analog scale. Habitual sleep durations of < 6 h and > 9 h were defined as short and long habitual sleep duration, respectively. Changes in habitual sleep duration after infection of ≤ -2 h and ≥ 1 h were defined as decreased or increased, respectively.

RESULTS

Participants with COVID-19 had lower SRH scores than non-infected participants, and those with more severe COVID-19 had a tendency towards even lower SRH scores. In a multivariate regression analysis of participants who had experienced COVID-19, both decreased and increased habitual sleep duration after infection were significantly associated with lower SRH after controlling for sleep quality (β = -0.056 and -0.058, respectively, both p < 0.05); however, associations between current short or long habitual sleep duration and SRH were negligible. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that decreased habitual sleep duration was significantly related to increased fatigue (odds ratio [OR] = 1.824, p < 0.01), shortness of breath (OR = 1.725, p < 0.05), diarrhea/nausea/vomiting (OR = 2.636, p < 0.01), and hallucinations (OR = 5.091, p < 0.05), while increased habitual sleep duration was significantly related to increased fatigue (OR = 1.900, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in habitual sleep duration following SARS-CoV-2 infection were associated with lower SRH. Decreased or increased habitual sleep duration might have a bidirectional relation with post-COVID-19 symptoms. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these relationships for in order to improve SRH in individuals with COVID-19.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and sleep health in U.S. adults, NHANES 2005-2014

BACKGROUND

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that induce oxidative inflammatory responses and disrupt the endocrine and central nervous systems, all of which can influence sleep.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between PFAS exposure and sleep health measures in U.S. adults.

METHODS

We analyzed serum concentration data of four PFAS [perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)] reported for 8913 adults in NHANES 2005-2014. Sleep outcomes, including trouble sleeping, having a diagnosis of sleep disorder, and recent daily sleep duration classified as insufficient or excessive sleep (<6 or >9 h/day) were examined. Weighted logistic regression was used to estimate the association between the sleep outcomes and each PFAS modeled continuously (log2) or in exposure tertiles. We applied quantile g-computation to estimate the effect of the four PFAS as a mixture on the sleep outcomes. We conducted a quantitative bias analysis to assess the potential influence of self-selection and uncontrolled confounding.

RESULTS

We observed some inverse associations between serum PFAS and trouble sleeping or sleep disorder, which were more consistent for PFOS (e.g., per log2-PFOS (ng/ml) and trouble sleeping OR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.89, 0.98; sleep disorder OR = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.83, 0.95). Per quartile increase of the PFAS mixture was inversely associated with trouble sleeping and sleep disorder. No consistent associations were found for sleep duration across analyses. Our bias analysis suggests that the finding on sleep disorder could be explained by a moderate level of self-selection and negative confounding effects.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence to suggest exposure to four legacy PFAS worsened self-reported sleep health among U.S. adults. While some inverse associations between specific PFAS and sleep disorder were observed, self-selection and uncontrolled confounding biases may play a role in these findings.

Depression, sleep quality, and body image disturbances among pregnant women in India: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy is associated with a number of physical, emotional, and biological changes that can exacerbate maternal psychological disturbances, such as body image concerns and depression. Sleep disturbances during pregnancy can also have adverse impacts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, sleep disturbances, and body image concerns among pregnant women. The study also examined the relationship between these factors and pregnancy-related variables, such as bad obstetric history and whether the pregnancies were unplanned.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 146 pregnant patients was conducted at a tertiary care center over 15 months. The patients were administered the Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Body Image Concern Inventory questionnaires. Contingency tables, Fisher exact test, and Spearman correlation were used to identify underlying relationships.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression was 22.6%. Although body image disturbance was noted in only 2.7% of patients, 46.6% had poor sleep quality. Poor sleep was associated with primigravida status. Bad obstetric history and unplanned pregnancy were associated with depression. Depression was found to be significantly correlated with body image disturbances and poor sleep quality.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatric disorders were prevalent during pregnancy. This study highlights the importance of screening for depression in pregnant patients. Counselling and caregiver education can be useful for mitigating psychological disturbances. Management of pregnancies by multidisciplinary teams that include psychiatrists could be immensely useful in improving the pregnancy experiences of patients.

Insomnia and workplace productivity loss among young working adults: a prospective observational study of clinical sleep disorders in a community cohort

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between three clinically significant sleep disorders (chronic insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome) and workplace productivity losses among young Australian adults.

DESIGN, SETTING

Prospective, observational study; 22-year follow-up of participants in the longitudinal birth cohort Raine Study (Perth, Western Australia).

PARTICIPANTS

Currently employed 22-year-old Raine Study participants who underwent in-laboratory sleep disorder screening for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (apnoea-hypopnea index of more than fifteen events/hour or obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome) and were assessed for insomnia and restless legs syndrome using validated measures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Total workplace productivity loss over twelve months, assessed with the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of 1235 contactable 22-year-old Raine Study cohort members, 554 people (44.9%; 294 women [53%]) underwent overnight polysomnography, completed the baseline sleep questionnaire, and completed at least three quarterly workplace productivity assessments. One or more clinically significant sleep disorders were identified in 120 participants (21.7%); 90 participants had insomnia (17%), thirty clinically significant obstructive sleep apnoea (5.4%), and two restless legs syndrome (0.4%). Seventeen people (14% of those with sleep disorders) had previously been diagnosed with a sleep disturbance by a health professional, including fourteen with insomnia. Median total workplace productivity loss was greater for participants with sleep disorders (164 hours/year; interquartile range [IQR], 0-411 hours/year) than for those without sleep disorders (30 hours/year; IQR, 0-202 hours/year); total workplace productivity loss was 40% greater for participants with sleep disorders (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.40; bias-corrected and accelerated 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.76). The estimated population total productivity loss (weighted for disorder prevalence) was 28 644 hours per 1000 young workers per year, primarily attributable to insomnia (28 730 hours/1000 workers/year).

CONCLUSION

Insomnia is a risk factor for workplace productivity loss in young workers. Tailored interventions are needed to identify and manage sleep disorders, particularly as most of the sleep disorders detected in the Raine Study had not previously been diagnosed.

Sleep disorders and relative risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in youth presenting to emergency departments

OBJECTIVE

Sleep problems predict suicide, which is a leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults, but the relative risk of suicidality in youth with sleep disorders has not been established in nationally representative samples. This study evaluated the relative risk of suicidal ideation and attempt in youth ages 6-24 who presented to United States emergency departments between 2015 and 2017.

METHODS

Youths' diagnoses of sleep and psychiatric disorders, and emergency department encounters with suicide attempt and suicidal ideation, were extracted from the Health Care Cost Utilization Project's Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (N = 65,230,478). Relative risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were evaluated through logistic regression and predicted rate ratios after adjustment for history of self-harm and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Youth with at least 1 sleep disorder had 3 times greater odds of an emergency department encounter involving suicidal ideation compared to those without a sleep disorder (aOR = 3.22, 95% CI: 2.61, 3.98). The predicted probability of suicidal ideation was 46.03% higher in youth with a mood disorder and a sleep disorder, and 47.04% higher in youth with a psychotic disorder and sleep disorder, compared to youth without a sleep disorder. Only 0.32% of youth presenting to emergency departments were diagnosed with a sleep disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disorders are associated with increased risk for suicidal ideation in youth presenting to emergency departments. Sleep disorders are also underdiagnosed in youth presenting to emergency departments relative to their estimated prevalence in epidemiologic surveys. Research and public health campaigns to prevent suicide in youth should incorporate assessment and intervention for sleep disorders.

Is exposure to chemical pollutants associated with sleep outcomes? A systematic review

Environmental exposures may influence sleep; however, the contributions of environmental chemical pollutants to sleep health have not been systematically investigated. We conducted a systematic review to identify, evaluate, summarize, and synthesize the existing evidence between chemical pollutants (air pollution, exposures related to the Gulf War and other conflicts, endocrine disruptors, metals, pesticides, solvents) and dimensions of sleep health (architecture, duration, quality, timing) and disorders (sleeping pill use, insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing)). Of the 204 included studies, results were mixed; however, the synthesized evidence suggested associations between particulate matter, exposures related to the Gulf War, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, and pesticide exposure with worse sleep quality; exposures related to the Gulf War, aluminum, and mercury with insomnia and impaired sleep maintenance; and associations between tobacco smoke exposure with insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing, particularly in pediatric populations. Possible mechanisms relate to cholinergic signaling, neurotransmission, and inflammation. Chemical pollutants are likely key determinants of sleep health and disorders. Future studies should aim to evaluate environmental exposures on sleep across the lifespan, with a particular focus on developmental windows and biological mechanisms, as well as in historically marginalized or excluded populations.

Evaluation of Sleep Disturbance in Alopecia Areata through Questionnaire: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index as a Reasonable Tool

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata (AA) is common non-scarring hair loss disease. Sleep distrubance has been regarded as a triggering or aggravating factor for AA. However, objective evaluation of sleep disturbance and its clinical effect on AA has not been clearly demonstrated.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated objective sleep evaluation tool for AA patients and their clinical correlation.

METHODS

Patients presenting with new-onset AA or recurrences of pre-existing AA were included, and those who reported sleep disturbance in the preliminary survey were designated as the sleep disturbance group (SD group). Sleep quality was investigated for them using three self-administered questionnaires: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS). Demographic information and clinical features of AA were analyzed according to sleep quality.

RESULTS

A total of 400 participants were enrolled, and 53 were categorized into the SD group. The incidence of stressful events was significantly higher in the SD group (54.7%) than in the non-SD group (25.1%) (p<0.001). Based on the PSQI, 77.3% of participants were objective poor sleepers (score of 5 or more), and they showed a significantly higher incidence of stressful events compared to good sleepers (p=0.019). The proportion of poor sleepers was significantly lower in patients with mild AA (S1) than in those with moderate to severe AA (S2~S5) (p=0.045).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated a positive correlation among stress, SD, and AA. The degree of SD was objectively represented by the PSQI score, showing different scores according to AA severity.

Relationship of sleep quality, chronotype, and obstructive sleep apnea with migraine in the elderly population

PURPOSE

Disturbances of sleep have frequently been reported in individuals with migraine. On top of this, an elderly patient with migraine also suffers from sleep disturbances due to changes in physiologic and mental health associated with aging. This study aimed to compare several sleep factors, namely sleep quality, chronotype, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, between elderly people with and without migraine.

METHODS

This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 10 neurologic clinics located in Tehran, Iran, over 2 years. The sample size was calculated as 189, including 63 migraine and 126 non-migraine patients.

RESULTS

A significant difference was observed in the mean score of the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) between migraine and non-migraine groups (p-value = 0.002), and in the individual components of the PSQI. However, there were no significant differences in the frequency of different types of chronotype (p-value = 0.125, T = 1.541) or OSA risk between the two groups (p-value = 0.568, T = -0.573). The binary logistic regression model showed that the relationship between global PSQI and migraine was significant (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Sleep quality is a problem for elderly migraine sufferers. Meanwhile, certain factors such as chronotype and OSA have no significant relationship with migraine among community-dwelling seniors. Further studies are required to enhance our understanding of this observation.

Severity and determinants of psychosocial comorbidities in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and their impact on quality of life

Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue are inadequately addressed comorbidities in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). We determined the prevalence, severity, determinants, and the impact of these comorbidities on quality-of-life (QoL) in GPA. This observational study included adult GPA patients; patients with RA and lupus were included as comparators. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale for anxiety, Epworth Sleepiness Scale for sleep disturbances, and Fatigue Severity Scale for fatigue were administered prospectively to estimate prevalence and severity. QoL and disability were estimated using PROMIS-HAQ, HAQ-health and HAQ-pain. Correlations among these parameters were assessed. Stepwise regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of depression, anxiety, excessive sleepiness, and fatigue. One hundred eighty-one patients-62 GPA [mean age 43 (13) years], 57 RA and 62 SLE- were included. The prevalence of depression (47%), excessive sleepiness (21%), and fatigue (39%) in GPA were comparable to RA and lupus; anxiety was less prevalent (29% versus 46% and 53%, p = 0.02). Severity was mostly mild-moderate. Younger age [OR = 0.93 (0.89-0.98)], higher BMI [OR = 1.2 (1.0-1.4)], and greater disease damage [OR = 2.0 (1.3-3.3)] independently predicted presence of depression. Higher BMI [OR = 1.3 (1.1-1.5)] and concomitant FMS [OR = 80.9 (5.1-1289.2)] were independently associated with excessive sleepiness. No association with disease activity, duration, or gender was seen. GPA patients with depression, anxiety, excessive sleepiness, and fatigue had worse PROMIS-HAQ, HAQ-pain, and HAQ-health. In conclusion, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue are common in GPA. Although their severity is mostly mild-moderate, they impair QoL significantly. Potentially modifiable determinants that can form targets for future interventions have been identified.

Adverse childhood experiences and sleep disorders among Tunisian adolescents: The mediating role of internet addiction

BACKGROUND

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a prevalent health problem worldwide. Different side effects have been linked to this issue such as sleep disorders. This matter is well known. However, its influencing mechanisms are not well investigated in literature.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mediating role of internet addiction in the relation between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and sleep disorders among a population of high-school students in the region of Gafsa (Tunisia).

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

We performed a cross-sectional study, in February 2020, including adolescents registered in all secondary schools of Gafsa city.

METHODS

Sleep disorders were evaluated via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, internet addiction via the Internet Addiction Test and adverse childhood experiences via the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 414 students were enrolled in our study with a mean age of 17.18 ± 1.5 years. Exposure to intra-familial violence was more reported than social adversities with 99.1 % and 84 % respectively. Males showed higher rates of internet addiction (82.9 % vs 78.3 %, p < 0.001). Sleep disorders were reported in 94 % of students, predominantly among females (95.4 % vs 91 %, p < 0.001). Our results revealed that ACEs predict sleep disturbances through internet addiction (% mediation =18.3 %, p = 0.005). More particularly, an important mediation effect of internet addiction on the relationship between ACEs and sleep disorders was found among females (% mediation =30 %).

CONCLUSION

Internet addiction was found to be a mediating factor in the relation between ACEs and sleep disturbances among Gafsa high school students.

Effects of Tegoprazan Versus Esomeprazole on Nighttime Heartburn and Sleep Quality in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Multicenter Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Aims

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently experience nighttime heartburn and sleep disturbance. Tegoprazan is a new potassium-competitive acid blocker that can rapidly block acid secretion. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of tegoprazan compared with esomeprazole in relieving nighttime heartburn and sleep disturbances.

Methods

Patients with erosive esophagitis, nighttime heartburn, and sleep disturbances were randomized to receive tegoprazan 50 mg or esomeprazole 40 mg for 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was time to first nighttime heartburn-free interval. The percentage of nighttime heartburn-free days was also compared between the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 46 patients were enrolled in this study. Time to the first nighttime heartburn-free interval was shorter with tegoprazan than with esomeprazole but the difference was not statistically significant (1.5 days vs 3 days, P = 0.151). The percentage of nighttime heartburn-free days was higher in the tegoprazan group but the difference was insignificant (57.8% vs 43.1%, P = 0.107). Adverse events occurred in 2 patients. They were mild in severity.

Conclusions

Tegoprazan may induce faster relief of nighttime heartburn symptoms and may improve sleep disorders associated with nighttime heartburn. Further large-scale studies are required to validate our findings.

Relationship between musculoskeletal pain, sleep quality and migraine with level of physical activity in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has negative impacts on general health of the population, social isolation can contribute to the emergence of various dysfunctions.

Objective

To investigate the association musculoskeletal pain, sleep quality and migraine with the level of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic in college students.

Method

Data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire containing questions regarding sample characterization, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Results

In the correlation made between the data at the beginning of the pandemic, there was a direct relationship between PSQI and the number of days with pain (p < 0.001), the Initial MIDAS score (p < 0.001) and the initial pain intensity (p < 0.001). There was a direct relationship between PSQI scores and age (p = 0.044), MIDAS (p < 0.001) and pain intensity (p < 0.001). We identified a direct relationship between MIDAS and the number of days with pain (p < 0.001) and pain intensity (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Social isolation, during the COVID-19 pandemic, probably potentiated painful symptoms in various parts of the body, worsening sleep quality and migraine. In addition, there is a strong evidence that the decrease in physical activity during the pandemic is associated with sleep quality, with the number of days with musculoskeletal pain and migraine.

Evaluation of sleep quality and duration in pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective follow-up study

Background and objectives

Sleep disorders during pregnancy may be linked an increase risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sleep quality and duration in pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Materials and methods

This prospective follow-up study was performed on 240 pregnant women with a gestational age between 20 to 24 weeks, who were referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari from 2018 to 2019 for prenatal care. The sleep quality of all eligible women were evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). During the 26 to 28 weeks of gestation, 1-hour and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done for all women.

Results

The results showed that women with poor sleep quality had a significantly higher mean BMI and 1-hour and 2-hour OGTT results (P < 0.05). Compared to women with good sleep quality, women with poor sleep quality (PSQI >5) had a greater risk of developing GDM (OR = 2.99, 95% CI 1.77 to 5.06). In women with sleep duration of less than 7 and more than 9 hours, the frequency of GDM was significantly higher than women with the 7–9 hour sleep duration (P < 0.05). Also, the frequency of GDM in women with three or more than three times of snoring in a week (63.44%) was significantly higher than women with once a week (30.61%) (P-value <0.001).

Conclusion

It seems that sleep disorders and poor sleep quality can be a risk factor in developing GDM. Therefore, sleep characteristics should be considered in pregnancy care; especially in women with higher risk of GDM.

Sleep disturbances in school-aged children 6-12 years during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

PURPOSE

Sleep disturbances in childhood are an important pediatrics problem because of their influence on children's health and their strong correlation with behavior problems. The aim of the present study was to explore sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 pandemic in school-age children.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey design was used for data collection. From 1 to 15 February 2021, the study utilized snowball sampling techniques to gather data through an online survey. Parents of 1040 6-12-year-old schoolchildren completed the Socio-demographic Information Questionnaire and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to pinpoint factors connected to sleep disturbances.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sleep disturbances among 6-12-year-old children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey was 55.5%. The most common sleep disturbances were bedtime resistance, sleep onset delay, and sleep duration. The children's ages, family relationships, and eating habits were linked to their sleep disturbances. Moreover, our results indicated that sleep disturbances were more common in the children of parents who felt helpless, apprehensive, and frightened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work showed that the prevalence of sleep disturbances among school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey was quite high.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Parents who are worried that their child is sleeping too much or too little should consult their healthcare provider for assessment of a probable sleep disturbance. School nurses should be educated children and their parents about the importance of enough sleep and factors that contribute to inadequate sleep among children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sleep disturbances by disease type and stage in Huntington's disease

INTRODUCTION

Sleep disturbances are a common symptom in patients with Huntington's disease (HD). However, it is unclear when in the disease course of HD sleep disturbances become more frequent compared to the general population. This study investigated the frequency and odds of developing sleep disturbances between adults with HD or at-risk for HD and non-HD controls.

METHODS

Participants from the Enroll-HD study were split by both disease type and disease severity using CAG length, diagnostic confidence level, and total functional capacity score. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios adjusted for age, sex, tobacco and alcohol use, depression and psychosis scores, and cognition to compare HD groups to non-HD controls. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan Meier curves were used to determine differences in probabilities of developing sleep disturbances and how sleep disturbances are related to age at motor onset.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between HD participants and non-HD controls in both the disease type and disease stage analyses (p < 0.001). The odds of a sleep disturbance increased with worsening disease stage and was highest in those with juvenile HD. The development of a sleep disorder in manifest HD participants was observed to be around the time of disease onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disturbances are more frequent in HD patients than those without HD. There are also differences based on disease type and stage. This is supplemented by the finding that the onset of sleep disturbances occurs near the time of motor onset of HD.

Co-occurring depression and insomnia in Australian primary care: recent scientific evidence

Depression and insomnia commonly co-occur, resulting in greater morbidity for patients, and difficult diagnostic and treatment decisions for clinicians. When patients report symptoms of both depression and insomnia, it is common for medical practitioners to conceptualise the insomnia as a secondary symptom of depression. This implies that there is little purpose in treating insomnia directly, and that management of depression will improve both the depression and insomnia symptoms. In this review, we present an overview of research investigating the comorbidity and treatment approaches for patients presenting with depression and insomnia in primary care. Evidence shows that clinicians should avoid routinely conceptualising insomnia as a secondary symptom of depression. This is because insomnia symptoms: (i) often occur before mood decline and are independently associated with increased risk of future depression; (ii) commonly remain unchanged following depression treatment; and (iii) predict relapse of depression after treatment for depression only. Furthermore, compared with control, cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia improves symptoms of both depression and insomnia. It is critical that primary care clinicians dedicate specific diagnostic and treatment attention to the management of both depression (eg, psychotherapy, antidepressants) and insomnia (eg, cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia administered by trained therapists or psychologists through a mental health treatment plan referral, by online programs, or by a general practitioner or nurse) when they co-occur. These treatments may be offered concurrently or sequentially (eg, insomnia treatment followed by depression treatment, or vice versa), depending on presenting symptoms, history, lifestyle factors and other comorbidities.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire for intensive care unit inpatients in Brazil: internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the Richards-Campbell sleep questionnaire (RCSQ) to Portuguese-Brazil and to eval its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error in intensive care unit (ICU) inpatients.

METHODS

The study enrolled 113 inpatients at medical/surgical ICU in Curitiba, Brazil. The RCSQ was first translated to Portuguese-Brazil according to the principles of good practice for the translation and cultural adaptation process for patient-reported outcomes and then applied in 30 inpatients. The final version (RCSQ-PT-Br) was applied to measure content validity (83 inpatients, 47 men [56.6%], 60.4 ± 14.2 years), and test-retest reliability and measurement error (a subset of 53 inpatients). Internal consistency of the RCSQ-PT-Br was estimated using Cronbach's a; test-retest reliability (2 independent rates) was assessed using the single measurement, absolute agreement, two-way random effects model (ICC_2,1).

RESULTS

Group-average RCSQ-PT-Br total score was 46.9 ± 26.7 (range 3.4-98.8). The RCSQ-PT-Br total score showed good content internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.850 95%CI = [0.789-0.897]) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC_2,1 = 0.840 95% CI = [0.739-0.904]). Measurement error was low (standard error of mean = 11 mm, mean difference = 30 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

The RCSQ-PT-Br is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the sleep of patients hospitalized in the ICU in Brazil.

Ondine's curse: myth meets reality

Ondine's curse is one of the most enchanting mythical tales in the field of Medicine. The nymph Ondine was an immortal water spirit who became human after falling in love for a man, marrying him, and having a baby. In one of the versions of the tale, when she caught her husband sleeping with another woman, she cursed him to remain awake in order to control his own breathing. During the 19th century, the rare syndrome characterized by loss of autonomic breath control, while voluntary respiration remains intact, was cleverly named “Ondine's curse”. Nowadays, the term Ondine's curse is usually associated with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome; however, in medical literature, it also designates several respiratory disorders. Here, we present a review of the myth focused on history, arts and medicine.

Short-term physical health effects of sleep disruptions attributed to the acute hospital environment: a systematic review

The sleep disruption experienced by patients admitted to hospital may have a negative effect on health but the nature and magnitude of the effect has not been conclusively outlined. The review was designed to examine the impact of sleep disruption associated with being a hospital inpatient, on short-term physical health outcomes in adult patients. Searches comprised journal databases, gray literature sources, and backward and forward citation searching. Two reviewers independently screened the records. Original studies of adult hospitalized patients' sleep were included if physical outcomes were also measured. Interventional studies were excluded. The methodological quality was assessed independently by 2 reviewers using CASP checklists. Sleep assessment measures and results, physical outcomes and contextual data were extracted. Results were synthesized according to frequently reported outcomes: delirium, pain intensity, physical strength, and respiratory function. A meta-analysis was not performed; studies were heterogeneous and reporting was limited. Of 9919 retrieved records, 26 published studies were included (published: 2001-2020). Risk of bias was moderately high. Confounding factors were poorly reported. Total sleep time was either normal or reduced. Sleep was disrupted: arousal indices were high (mean: 0 5-21/h); slow wave sleep proportions were limited. Subjective sleep quality was poor. The association between sleep reduction or disruption and short-term health outcomes was negative, mixed or equivocal and included increased delirium, higher pain intensity, poorer strength, and adverse respiratory function. The impact of sleep disruption on outcomes for hospitalized patients is not well defined.

Anxiety, depression, trauma-related, and sleep disorders among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Healthcare workers have been facing the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous critical patients and deaths, and high workloads. Quality of care is related to the mental status of healthcare workers. This PRISMA systematic review and meta-analysis, on Pubmed/Psycinfo up to October 8, 2020, estimates the prevalence of mental health problems among healthcare workers during this pandemic. The systematic review included 70 studies (101 017 participants) and only high-quality studies were included in the meta-analysis. The following pooled prevalences were estimated: 300 % of anxiety (95 %CI, 24.2-37.05); 311 % of depression (95 %CI, 25.7-36.8); 565 % of acute stress (95 %CI - 30.6-80.5); 20,2% of post-traumatic stress (95 %CI, 9.9-33.0); 44.0 % of sleep disorders (95 %CI, 24.6-64.5). The following factors were found to be sources of heterogeneity in subgroups and metaregressions analysis: proportion of female, nurses, and location. Targeted prevention and support strategies are needed now, and early in case of future health crises.

Randomized control trial evidence for the benefits of massage and relaxation therapy on sleep in cancer survivors-a systematic review

Purpose

Cancer survivors may experience sleep disturbances during and after their cancer treatments. While pharmacological approaches are commonly used to address sleep disturbances, they may have a number of adverse effects. This review studied the effect of two non-pharmacological interventions (massage and relaxation therapy) on sleep disturbances in cancer survivors.

Methods

A search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and CINAHL using relevant keywords.

Results

The search yielded 371 articles, with 4 RCTs studying massage therapy and 3 RCTs studying relaxation therapy included for qualitative analysis. Massage therapy studies showed statistically significant improvement in self-reported sleep questionnaires and objectively recorded long sleep episodes, as assessed via an accelerometer. No significant improvements in sleep outcomes were observed in the relaxation therapy studies, although there were trends for improved self-reported sleep quality.

Conclusion

While massage therapy provided by massage therapists may have some potential for improving sleep outcomes for cancer survivors, there is no such current evidence regarding relaxation therapy.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors who experience sleep disturbances may benefit from regular sessions with a massage therapist. However, future studies should examine the long-term feasibility of massage therapist–delivered services, particularly for cancer survivors with limited finances, and determine if benefits can be obtained if massage is provided by non-certified individuals. Relaxation therapy appears to be safe for cancer survivors, but future RCTs involving larger sample sizes need to be conducted to better determine its feasibility and efficacy.

Therapeutic Effect of Levodopa/Carbidopa/Entacapone on Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone (LCE) at bedtime for treating sleep disturbance in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with motor fluctuations.

Methods

Participants included 128 PD patients with motor fluctuations. All patients were assessed for motor, nonmotor, and sleep-specific symptoms using the United Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the Korean version of the Nonmotor Symptom Scale, the Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ). We compared the baseline characteristics of patients with sleep disturbance (PDSS score < 120) and those without sleep disturbance (PDSS score ≥ 120). Thirty-nine patients with sleep disturbance who agreed to take LCE at bedtime completed 3-month follow-ups. We analyzed changes in the scores of motor, nonmotor, and sleep symptom scales over the 3 months.

Results

PD patients with sleep disturbance were at more advanced disease stages and had more severe motor, nonmotor, and sleep symptoms than those without sleep disturbance. Patients who took LCE at night showed improvements in motor (UPDRS part III, p = 0.007) and sleep symptoms (total PDSS, p < 0.001). Sleep features that benefitted from LCE included not only nocturnal motor components but also insomnia (PDSS items 2 and 3, p = 0.005 and p < 0.001) and rapid eye movement behavior disorder (PDSS item 6, p = 0.002; and RBDSQ, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The use of LCE at bedtime may be a useful treatment for sleep disturbance in advanced PD patients with motor fluctuations.

Nurses' burden caused by sleep disturbances of nursing home residents with dementia: multicenter cross-sectional study

Background

Sleep disturbances are common in people with dementia. In nursing homes, this is frequently associated with residents’ challenging behavior and potentially with nurses’ burden. This study examined nurses’ burden associated with nursing home residents’ sleep disturbances.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Nurses’ burden associated with residents’ sleep disturbances was assessed using the Sleep Disorder Inventory (SDI). Additionally, the proportion of nurses’ total burden associated with sleep disturbances of residents with dementia was assessed. A linear mixed regression model was used to investigate the association with nurses’, residents’ and institutional characteristics.

Results

One hundred eleven nurses from 38 nursing homes were included. 78.4% stated to be regularly confronted with residents’ sleep disturbances during nightshifts, causing distress. The mean proportion of nurses‘ total burden caused by residents‘ sleep disturbances was 23.1 % (SD 18.1). None of the investigated characteristics were significantly associated with nurses’ total burden.

Conclusions

Nurses report burden associated with sleep disturbances as common problem. There is a need to develop effective interventions for sleep problems and to train nurses how to deal with residents’ sleep disturbances.

Ramelteon for Delayed Sleep-wake Phase Disorder: A Case Report

Recently developed melatonin receptor agonists are expected to be effective for delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD). To date, however, no study has described the effect of melatonin receptor agonists on DSWPD. We report the case of a 15-year-old girl with DSWPD who was successfully treated with ramelteon 4 mg at 7 pm. DSWPD symptoms were resolved; her sleep-wake and biological rhythms were normalized.

Right care, first time: a highly personalised and measurement-based care model to manage youth mental health

Mood and psychotic syndromes most often emerge during adolescence and young adulthood, a period characterised by major physical and social change. Consequently, the effects of adolescent-onset mood and psychotic syndromes can have long term consequences. A key clinical challenge for youth mental health is to develop and test new systems that align with current evidence for comorbid presentations and underlying neurobiology, and are useful for predicting outcomes and guiding decisions regarding the provision of appropriate and effective care. Our highly personalised and measurement-based care model includes three core concepts: ▶ A multidimensional assessment and outcomes framework that includes: social and occupational function; self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviour; alcohol or other substance misuse; physical health; and illness trajectory. ▶ Clinical stage. ▶ Three common illness subtypes (psychosis, anxious depression, bipolar spectrum) based on proposed pathophysiological mechanisms (neurodevelopmental, hyperarousal, circadian). The model explicitly aims to prevent progression to more complex and severe forms of illness and is better aligned to contemporary models of the patterns of emergence of psychopathology. Inherent within this highly personalised approach is the incorporation of other evidence-based processes, including real-time measurement-based care as well as utilisation of multidisciplinary teams of health professionals. Data-driven local system modelling and personalised health information technologies provide crucial infrastructure support to these processes for better access to, and higher quality, mental health care for young people. CHAPTER 1: MULTIDIMENSIONAL OUTCOMES IN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CARE: WHAT MATTERS AND WHY?: Mood and psychotic syndromes present one of the most serious public health challenges that we face in the 21st century. Factors including prevalence, age of onset, and chronicity contribute to substantial burden and secondary risks such as alcohol or other substance misuse. Mood and psychotic syndromes most often emerge during adolescence and young adulthood, a period characterised by major physical and social change; thus, effects can have long term consequences. We propose five key domains which make up a multidimensional outcomes framework that aims to address the specific needs of young people presenting to health services with emerging mental illness. These include social and occupational function; self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours; alcohol or other substance misuse; physical health; and illness type, stage and trajectory. Impairment and concurrent morbidity are well established in young people by the time they present for mental health care. Despite this, services and health professionals tend to focus on only one aspect of the presentation - illness type, stage and trajectory - and are often at odds with the preferences of young people and their families. There is a need to address the disconnect between mental health, physical health and social services and interventions, to ensure that youth mental health care focuses on the outcomes that matter to young people. CHAPTER 2: COMBINING CLINICAL STAGE AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS TO UNDERSTAND ILLNESS TRAJECTORIES IN YOUNG PEOPLE WITH EMERGING MOOD AND PSYCHOTIC SYNDROMES: Traditional diagnostic classification systems for mental disorders map poorly onto the early stages of illness experienced by young people, and purport categorical distinctions that are not readily supported by research into genetic, environmental and neurobiological risk factors. Consequently, a key clinical challenge in youth mental health is to develop and test new classification systems that align with current evidence on comorbid presentations, are consistent with current understanding of underlying neurobiology, and provide utility for predicting outcomes and guiding decisions regarding the provision of appropriate and effective care. This chapter outlines a transdiagnostic framework for classifying common adolescent-onset mood and psychotic syndromes, combining two independent but complementary dimensions: clinical staging, and three proposed pathophysiological mechanisms. Clinical staging reflects the progression of mental disorders and is in line with the concept used in general medicine, where more advanced stages are associated with a poorer prognosis and a need for more intensive interventions with a higher risk-to-benefit ratio. The three proposed pathophysiological mechanisms are neurodevelopmental abnormalities, hyperarousal and circadian dysfunction, which, over time, have illness trajectories (or pathways) to psychosis, anxious depression and bipolar spectrum disorders, respectively. The transdiagnostic framework has been evaluated in young people presenting to youth mental health clinics of the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, alongside a range of clinical and objective measures. Our research to date provides support for this framework, and we are now exploring its application to the development of more personalised models of care. CHAPTER 3: A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: GUIDING HIGHLY PERSONALISED AND MEASUREMENT-BASED CARE USING MULTIDIMENSIONAL AND OBJECTIVE MEASURES: There is an urgent need for improved care for young people with mental health problems, in particular those with subthreshold mental disorders that are not sufficiently severe to meet traditional diagnostic criteria. New comprehensive assessment frameworks are needed to capture the biopsychosocial profile of a young person to drive highly personalised and measurement-based mental health care. We present a range of multidimensional measures involving five key domains: social and occupational function; self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours; alcohol or other substance misuse; physical health; and illness type, stage and trajectory. Objective measures include: neuropsychological function; sleep-wake behaviours and circadian rhythms; metabolic and immune markers; and brain structure and function. The recommended multidimensional measures facilitate the development of a comprehensive clinical picture. The objective measures help to further develop informative and novel insights into underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and illness trajectories to guide personalised care plans. A panel of specific multidimensional and objective measures are recommended as standard clinical practice, while others are recommended secondarily to provide deeper insights with the aim of revealing alternative clinical paths for targeted interventions and treatments matched to the clinical stage and proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of the young person. CHAPTER 4: PERSONALISING CARE OPTIONS IN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: USING MULTIDIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT, CLINICAL STAGE, PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS, AND INDIVIDUAL ILLNESS TRAJECTORIES TO GUIDE TREATMENT SELECTION: New models of mental health care for young people require that interventions be matched to illness type, clinical stage, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and individual illness trajectories. Narrow syndrome-focused classifications often direct clinical attention away from other key factors such as functional impairment, self-harm and suicidality, alcohol or other substance misuse, and poor physical health. By contrast, we outline a treatment selection guide for early intervention for adolescent-onset mood and psychotic syndromes (ie, active treatments and indicated and more specific secondary prevention strategies). This guide is based on experiences with the Brain and Mind Centre's highly personalised and measurement-based care model to manage youth mental health. The model incorporates three complementary core concepts: ▶A multidimensional assessment and outcomes framework including: social and occupational function; self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours; alcohol or other substance misuse; physical health; and illness trajectory. ▶Clinical stage. ▶Three common illness subtypes (psychosis, anxious depression, bipolar spectrum) based on three underlying pathophysiological mechanisms (neurodevelopmental, hyperarousal, circadian). These core concepts are not mutually exclusive and together may facilitate improved outcomes through a clinical stage-appropriate and transdiagnostic framework that helps guide decisions regarding the provision of appropriate and effective care options. Given its emphasis on adolescent-onset mood and psychotic syndromes, the Brain and Mind Centre's model of care also respects a fundamental developmental perspective - categorising childhood problems (eg, anxiety and neurodevelopmental difficulties) as risk factors and respecting the fact that young people are in a period of major biological and social transition. Based on these factors, a range of social, psychological and pharmacological interventions are recommended, with an emphasis on balancing the personal benefit-to-cost ratio. CHAPTER 5: A SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL TO SUPPORT HIGHLY PERSONALISED AND MEASUREMENT-BASED CARE IN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: Over the past decade, we have seen a growing focus on creating mental health service delivery models that better meet the unique needs of young Australians. Recent policy directives from the Australian Government recommend the adoption of stepped-care services to improve the appropriateness of care, determined by severity of need. Here, we propose that a highly personalised approach enhances stepped-care models by incorporating clinical staging and a young person's current and multidimensional needs. It explicitly aims to prevent progression to more complex and severe forms of illness and is better aligned to contemporary models of the patterns of emergence of psychopathology. Inherent within a highly personalised approach is the incorporation of other evidence-based processes, including real-time measurement-based care and use of multidisciplinary teams of health professionals. Data-driven local system modelling and personalised health information technologies provide crucial infrastructure support to these processes for better access to, and higher quality of, mental health care for young people.

Polysomnography and sleep position, a Heisenberg phenomenon? : A large-scale series

BACKGROUND

The severity of position-dependent obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) depends on the nonsupine and supine apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as well as the time spent in supine position. The latter in particular is susceptible to variation. Several small-scale studies suggest that wearing polysomnography (PSG) apparatus leads to an increase in supine sleeping position.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of wearing PSG apparatus on sleeping position and on OSA severity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A large-scale, retrospective study was performed, including a consecutive series of POSA and non-apneic snoring patients who were prescribed positional therapy (Sleep Position Trainer [SPT]). The effect of wearing PSG apparatus on sleeping position was evaluated by comparing body position during the PSG night and inactive (diagnostic) phase of SPT.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of total recording time (TRT) in supine position was 43.1% during the PSG night phase compared with 28.6% of TRT during the inactive (diagnostic) phase of SPT; i.e., a significant decrease of 33.6% (p < 0.001). When adjusting the AHI using TRT in different sleeping positions measured with the SPT, the median AHI decreased from 13.3/h (9.0-20.4) to 10.3/h (6.8-16.2); p < 0.001. When using the adjusted AHI, 33% (N = 66) of all patients had a change in OSA severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that wearing PSG apparatus leads to an increase in the percentage of supine sleeping position causing an overestimation of OSA severity, especially in patients with POSA. This can have significant impact on both clinical and scientific practice.

Sleep, Sleep Disorders, and Sexual Dysfunction

Good sleep is necessary for good health. Sleep health is increasingly recognized as important for physical and mental health by both the medical profession and the general public, and there is great interest in how to avoid and treat sleep disorders and problems. Recent research indicates that insufficient sleep, disrupted sleep, and sleep disorders affect many aspects of human health including sexual function. In fact, patients with urological disorders or erectile dysfunction (ED) may have a sleep disorder that contributes to their urological or sexual dysfunction. Obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, shift work disorder, and restless legs syndrome are all common sleep disorders and are associated with ED and/or other urological disorders. Therefore, careful attention should be paid to the diagnosis and treatment of concomitant sleep disorders in patients with sexual dysfunction. In this review, we provide an overview of what sleep is and how it is assessed in the clinic or laboratory; our current understanding of the functions of sleep and sleep health; a description of common sleep disorders, as well as how they are diagnosed and treated; and how sleep and its disorders are associated with male sexual dysfunction. Sleep is considered to be a 'third pillar of health', along with diet and exercise. With an understanding of common sleep disorders and how they can impact male sexual function, the urologist can ensure that sleep disorders are considered as a contributor to sexual dysfunction in their patients in order to provide them with the optimal treatment for overall health.

Sleep Disorders and Menopause

Sleep disorders are one of the main symptoms of menopause. Symptoms of sleep disorders that menopausal women complain about include falling asleep, frequent awakening and/or early morning awakening. There are many possible causes of sleep disorders in postmenopausal women, including vasomotor symptoms, ovarian hormone changes, restless legs syndrome, periodic leg movement syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea. In this review, we discuss the relationship between menopause and sleep disorders.

[Pilot study to investigate sleep disorders in the blind and persons with relevant visual impairment]

BACKGROUND

Sleep disorders are associated with serious health problems in blind and visually impaired persons. Loss of light perception may result in a shift of sleep-wake pattern, which may lead to significant impairments in daily life--the so-called non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder. To date, epidemiologic data on non-24 only exist for the USA. This pilot study was conducted to provide first epidemiologic data for the prevalence of non-24 and other sleep disorders among blind and visually impaired persons in Germany.

METHODS

Recruited were 111 blind and visually impaired subjects (36 subjects without light perception; male [m] = 56, 27-85 years, average [Mx] = 59.53, standard deviation [SD] = 14.69) and 111 sighted controls (m = 41, 27-88 years, Mx = 58.32, SD = 14.21), who answered a set of validated questionnaires referring to general health status (SF-36), sleep characteristics (PSQI), and daytime sleepiness (ESS). In addition, a questionnaire to predict non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, which is not yet validated in German, was provided.

RESULTS

The prevalence of 72.2% for the non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder in blind people is in accordance with results from the USA. In contrast, our results indicated non-24 in only 21.3% of the subjects with residual light perception. Furthermore, other sleep disorders like problems falling asleep (100% vs. 79.9%), maintaining sleep (90% vs. 88.1%), sleep-disordered breathing (19.4% vs. 32%), or sleep-related movement disorders (28.1% vs. 32.9%) were also common in the group of blind or visually impaired persons.

DISCUSSION

The non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder is a frequent problem among people with no light perception, associated with problems falling asleep, maintaining sleep, and daytime sleepiness. The perception of light as an external cue for our circadian rhythm plays a key role. However, sleep disruption is not fully explained by non-24, making a detailed sleep history essential.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to promote sleep in intensive care units: a critical review

PURPOSE

Although it is generally recognized that poor sleep is common in the intensive care unit (ICU), it is still unclear which interventions can effectively improve sleep in this setting. In this review, we critically analyze the various pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures that have been proposed to tackle this problem.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, and the Brazilian Virtual Library in Health (LILACS and BNDEF) databases was performed. Results were reviewed and 41 articles on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to promote sleep in ICU were analyzed.

RESULTS

Non-pharmacological interventions including eye mask and earplugs, bundles to reduce noise and lighting, and organization of patient care were shown to improve subjective and objective sleep quality, although the level of evidence was considered low. Assist-control ventilation was associated with a greater objective sleep quality than spontaneous modes, such as pressure support ventilation and proportional assist ventilation. Among pharmacological interventions, a moderate level of evidence was found for oral melatonin, with increases in both objective and subjective sleep quality. Continuous nocturnal infusion of dexmedetomidine was reported to increase sleep efficiency and favorably modify the sleep pattern, although evidence level was moderate to low.

CONCLUSIONS

Several non-pharmacological and pharmacological measures can be helpful to improve sleep in critical patients. Further high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base.

The Beneficial and Adverse Effects of Raloxifene in Menopausal Women: A Mini Review

Objectives

The present mini review aimed to summarize the existing knowledge regarding the beneficial and adverse effects of raloxifene in menopausal women.

Methods

This study is a review of relevant publications about the effects of raloxifene on sleep disorder, depression, venous thromboembolism, the plasma concentration of lipoprotein, breast cancer, and cognitive function among menopausal women.

Results

Raloxifene showed no significant effect on depression and sleep disorder. Verbal memory improved with administration of 60 mg/day of raloxifene while a mild cognitive impairment risk reduction by 33% was observed with administration of 120 mg/day of raloxifene. Raloxifene was associated with a 50% decrease in the need for prolapse surgery. The result of a meta-analysis showed a significant decline in the plasma concentration of lipoprotein in the raloxifene group compared to placebo (standardized mean difference, −0.43; 10 trials). A network meta-analysis showed that raloxifene significantly decreased the risk of breast cancer (relative risk, 0.572; 95% confidence interval, 0.327–0.881; P = 0.01). In terms of adverse effects of raloxifene, the odds ratio (OR) was observed to be 1.54 (P = 0.006), indicating 54% increase in the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) while the OR for pulmonary embolism (PE) was 1.05, suggesting a 91% increase in the risk of PE alone (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Raloxifene had no significant effect on depression and sleep disorder but decreased the concentration of lipoprotein. Raloxifene administration was associated with an increased risk of DVT and PE and a decreased risk of breast cancer and pelvic organ prolapse in postmenopausal women.

Effect of Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) on Sleep Quality of Menopausal Women: A Double-blinded, Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

Objectives

Aim of present study was designed to investigate the soporific effect of fennel among menopausal women.

Methods

The present double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial examined the fennel effect on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Total score and relevant 7 components, including sleep duration, sleep latency, use of sleeping medication, subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction and habitual sleep efficiency among 50 menopausal women compared to control group within a 12-week follow-up.

Results

The patients in both groups reported no certain side effects and all subjects completed the study. The mean actual sleep duration was 5 hours and 66 minutes. Intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant differences in the mean total PSQI score (P = 0.439), subjective sleep quality (P = 0.826), habitual sleep efficiency (P = 0.127), sleep disturbances (P = 0.130), use of sleeping medication (P = 0.52) and daytime dysfunction (P = 0.439). A tendency toward significant between 2 groups was seen concerning the sleep duration (P = 0.059). Intergroup comparison showed significantly borderline levels (P = 0.059).

Conclusions

The treatment of 12 weeks with fennel caused a slight effect that did not reach to significant. These findings should be considered cautiously because of small sample size, short-term follow-up and subjective measure of sleep quality.

Fibromyalgia in Primary Care

Fibromyalgia is a common disorder and has substantial impact on quality of life. The cause remains unknown, but current evidence points to multifactorial involvement of pain processing. Clinical diagnosis is aided by evidence-based diagnostic criteria with subscores for widespread pain and symptom severity. Nonpharmacologic treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, and regular aerobic exercise, form the cornerstone of management. Pharmacologic intervention is an important adjunct, but benefit is variable. There is no cure for fibromyalgia at this time, but persistence and patience in management may lead to a satisfactory lifestyle.

The Effect of Circadian and Sleep Disruptions on Obesity Risk

The prevalence of obesity continues to increase worldwide. Multiple risk factors and complex mechanisms are involved in the development and maintenance of obesity. Recently, emerging evidence has indicated that the circadian rhythm is important for regulating metabolism because the circadian system modulates energy metabolism and enhances certain energetic activities during day and night. Lifestyle also has a great impact on the circadian system. In addition to traditional risk factors, sleep and circadian disruptions are known modifiable risk factors for obesity and other metabolic disorders. This paper reviews recent evidence of relationships between energy metabolism and the circadian system and discusses how sleep disruption and circadian misalignment influence the development of obesity.

Night shift preparation, performance, and perception: are there differences between emergency medicine nurses, residents, and faculty?

Objective

Determine differences between faculty, residents, and nurses regarding night shift preparation, performance, recovery, and perception of emotional and physical health effects.

Methods

Survey study performed at an urban university medical center emergency department with an accredited residency program in emergency medicine.

Results

Forty-seven faculty, 37 residents, and 90 nurses completed the survey. There was no difference in use of physical sleep aids between groups, except nurses utilized blackout curtains more (69%) than residents (60%) and faculty (45%). Bedroom temperature preference was similar. The routine use of pharmacologic sleep aids differed: nurses and residents (both 38%) compared to faculty (13%). Residents routinely used melatonin more (79%) than did faculty (33%) and nurses (38%). Faculty preferred not to eat (45%), whereas residents (24%) preferred a full meal. The majority (>72%) in all groups drank coffee before their night shift and reported feeling tired despite their routine, with 4:00 a.m. as median nadir. Faculty reported a higher rate (41%) of falling asleep while driving compared to residents (14%) and nurses (32%), but the accident rate (3% to 6%) did not differ significantly. All had similar opinions regarding night shift-associated health effects. However, faculty reported lower level of satisfaction working night shifts, whereas nurses agreed less than the other groups regarding increased risk of drug and alcohol dependence.

Conclusion

Faculty, residents, and nurses shared many characteristics. Faculty tended to not use pharmacologic sleep aids, not eat before their shift, fall asleep at a higher rate while driving home, and enjoy night shift work less.

Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder

Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) is the most commonly encountered of the circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSDs), and is often confused with sleep initiation insomnia. It typically emerges in teenage years and persists into adulthood. In essence, people with the disorder have an abnormally delayed major sleep episode relative to the dark phase of the solar cycle, and hence great difficulty initiating sleep at an appropriately early time, and, as a knock-on effect, waking at a desirable time in the morning, leading to chronic, and often quite severe sleep restriction trying to conform to a 9 to 5 schedule. As a result, sleep on free days is often extended in compensation. When released from such schedule constraints, sleep duration and quality is normal; it is just delayed. This review highlights elements of our current understanding of the epidemiology, associations and pathophysiology of the disorder, before discussing how some of our knowledge of sleep and circadian physiology can be applied to guide treatment of it.

Determinants of racial/ethnic disparities in disordered sleep and obesity

Racial/ethnic minorities experience a disproportionate risk of both suboptimal sleep and obesity, and the relationship between sleep and obesity may differ by race/ethnicity for modifiable and non-modifiable reasons. Because many people of color have historically lived and continue to largely live in disadvantaged, obesogenic physical and social environments, these greater adverse exposures likely negatively affect sleep, resulting in physiological dysregulation. Physiological dysregulation may, in turn, lead to increased obesity risk and subsequent health consequences, which are likely more influential than potential genetic differences in race, a social construct. The purpose of this article is to describe potential environmental, genetic, and epigenetic determinants of racial/ethnic differences in the sleep-obesity relationship and to review current epidemiological findings regarding either racial/ethnic minority specific estimates of the association or disparities in the relationship. Using the socioecological framework as a conceptual model, I describe sleep and obesity as socially patterned and embedded in modifiable physical and social contexts with common causes that are influenced by upstream social conditions. I also provide examples of sleep and obesity-related studies that correspond with the downstream, intermediate, and upstream factors that likely contribute to commonly observed racial/ethnic disparities in the sleep-obesity relationship. The review concludes with broad recommendations for (1) advancing research methodology for epidemiological studies of disparities in the link between sleep and obesity, (2) future research topics, as well as (3) several broad policies and structures needed to address racial/ethnic disparities in sleep health and obesity.

Curiosity improves coping efficacy and reduces suicidal ideation severity among military veterans at risk for suicide

Curiosity, the tendency to engage in novel and challenging opportunities, may be an important source of resilience for those at risk for suicide. We hypothesized that curiosity would have a buffering effect against risk conferred by multiple sources of distress, whereby curiosity would be associated with reduced suicidal ideation and increased coping efficacy. As part of a larger intervention trial designed to improve coping skills and reduce suicidal ideation, 117 military veterans with suicidal ideation completed measures of curiosity and distress (perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances) at baseline, and completed measures of suicidal ideation and coping efficacy (to stop negative thoughts, to enlist support from friends and family) at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-week follow up. Growth curve models showed that curiosity moderated the association between distress and suicidal ideation at baseline and that curiosity moderated the association between distress and increased coping efficacy to stop negative thoughts over time. Findings suggest that curiosity may buffer against the effect of heightened levels of distress on suicidal ideation and help facilitate stronger gains in coping efficacy over time. Additional work should further examine the role of curiosity as a protective factor for veterans with suicidal ideation.

Lower-limb warming improves sleep quality in elderly people living in nursing homes

Sleep disturbances are common in older people. This study was conducted to examine the effects of a hot pack, which was used to warm the lower limbs, on the sleep of elderly people living in a nursing home. This is a prospective cohort involving seven elderly women. Subjects aged 74-93 years old were treated by warming the lower limbs for 40 minutes using hot packs every night over 8 weeks. A hot pack made of a dense polymer and warmed in a microwave oven was used as a warming device. In the first and last week, the subjects were required to wear an activity monitor to determine their sleep-awake status. During the second to ninth week, they received limb-warming treatment by a hot pack heated to 42ºC for 40 min every night. Surface skin temperature data were collected by thermographic measurement. As a result, lower-limb warming by a hot pack significantly improved the quality of sleep in the subjects. During warming, the surface temperature of the hands and face rose by approximately 0.5-1.5ºC. This study showed that lower-limb warming with a hot pack reduced sleep latency and wake episodes after sleep onset; thus, improving the quality of sleep in elderly people living in a nursing home.

The Relief Effects of Ramelteon on Refractory Chronic Migraine: A Case Report

The selective melatonin receptor agonism effect of ramelteon is useful for insomnia. Here we wanted to present a refractory chronic migraine case, who had significant improvements in migraine after using ramelteon. The possible mechanism for the ramelteon in the migraine relief might be related to melatonin effects.

Comparison of Sleep Disturbances in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Patients

The aim of this study was to explore differences in the intensity of depressiveness, sleep disturbances and sleepiness between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients and patients with depression. A total of 170 patients were examined, including 120 PTSD patients and 50 patients with depression. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The results showed difference in the subjective assessment of sleep quality between the war veterans with PTSD and civilians with depression, without significant differences between them in the level of depressiveness and sleepiness. Considering the fact that insomnia can occur as an early, covert sign of both PTSD and depression and that differences in the intensity of sleep disturbances between the groups were established, the use of these and similar instruments for the assessment of sleep quality can be useful in distinguishing patients with PTSD and depression, treatment of their sleep disturbances, and prevention of more severe symptoms in both diagnostic categories.

Nocturia: The circadian voiding disorder

Nocturia is a prevalent condition of waking to void during the night. The concept of nocturia has evolved from being a symptomatic aspect of disease associated with the prostate or bladder to a form of lower urinary tract disorder. However, recent advances in circadian biology and sleep science suggest that it might be important to consider nocturia as a form of circadian dysfunction. In the current review, nocturia is reexamined with an introduction to sleep disorders and recent findings in circadian biology in an attempt to highlight the importance of rediscovering nocturia as a problem of chronobiology.