0605 Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Hypersomnia Symptom Severity in Participants with Narcolepsy: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that can greatly inhibit sleep quality, daytime functioning, and health-related quality of life. Although medication is the first-line treatment to manage narcolepsy symptoms, behavioral interventions may provide additional benefits. We examined the impact of varying lengths of a group mindfulness-based intervention on symptoms of hypersomnia among participants diagnosed with narcolepsy. Methods We randomized 60 participants to 3 versions of a mindfulness-based intervention: brief (4 weeks), standard (8 weeks), or extended (12 weeks). Groups of four participants met weekly or biweekly with a trained instructor via videoconference. Participants completed the Hypersomnia Severity Index (HSI) at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks to assess hypersomnolence severity and related impairment. Paired samples t-tests were conducted to examine differences from baseline to post-treatment for the HSI total score, symptoms subfactor, and impairment subfactor. Linear mixed models (LMM) were conducted on the HSI total score to examine changes in the three groups across each assessment time point. Analyses were conducted using an intent-to-treat approach with the last observation carried forward for participants who had missing data after the baseline assessment (brief, n = 1; standard, n = 5; extended, n = 3). Results There were no significant group differences on the HSI total score or subfactor scores at baseline. Analyses revealed a significant decrease in HSI total scores from baseline to post-treatment (d=.533, p<.001), a significant decrease in hypersomnia symptoms (d=.373, p<.01) and a significant decrease in hypersomnia impairment (d=.549, p<.001). LMM revealed a main effect over time, indicating that hypersomnia severity improved from baseline to the study endpoint, across all treatment arms (t=-3.58, p<.001) but no significant time x treatment interaction effects emerged. Conclusion This preliminary report suggest that mindfulness programs can reduce hypersomnia symptoms for individuals with narcolepsy over a 12-week period, regardless of the duration of treatment. Additional analyses are being examined to determine ideal treatment duration to maximize benefits and minimize costs. Support (if any) This research was supported by a grant from NCCIH (R34AT009551)