Sleep Behavior Research Articles

Behavioral disorders in Parkinson disease: current view.

Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) frequently experience several behavioral symptoms, such as anxiety, apathy, irritability, agitation, impulsive control and obsessive-compulsive or REM sleep behavior disorders, which can cause severe psychosocial problems and impair quality of life. Occurring in 30-70% of PD patients, these symptoms can manifest at early stages of the disease, sometimes even before the appearance of classic motor symptoms, while others can develop later. Behavioral changes in PD show distinct patterns of brain atrophy, dopaminergic and serotonergic deterioration, altered neuronal connectivity in frontostriatal, corticolimbic, default mode and other networks due to a cascade linking molecular pathologies and deficits in multiple behavior domains. The changes suggest a multi-system neurodegenerative process in the context of a specific α-synucleinopathy inducing a variety of biochemical and functional changes, the neurobiological basis and clinical relevance of which await further elucidation. This paper is intended to review the recent literature with focus on the main behavioral disturbances in PD patients, their epidemiology, clinical features, risk factors, animal models, neuroimaging findings, pathophysiological backgrounds, and treatment options of these deleterious lesions.

Scrolling Your Sleep Away: The Effects of Bedtime Device Use on Sleep Among Young Adults with Poor Sleep.

Many young adults report sleep problems, including insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality. Young adults are heavily reliant on electronic devices, even using them during bedtime with adverse effects on sleep. Given the importance of adequate sleep, the present study examined the daily association between using electronic devices during bedtime and sleep in a diverse sample of young adults with poor sleep. We analyzed data from a pilot randomized controlled trial in which young adults with poor sleep [n = 46; 84% female; mean age 19.3 (SD = 2.9); 30% Asian, 19% Black/African American, 9% multiracial; 34% Hispanic/Latino] wore an electronic sleep tracking device (Fitbit Charge 3) and completed daily sleep diaries including questions about sleep and bedtime routine for 4 weeks following a behavioral sleep intervention. The effect of bedtime device use on sleep latency-time needed to fall asleep-and sleep duration was estimated by generalized linear mixed models (GLMM), adjusting for weeknights/weekend nights. Bedtime device use on a given night was significantly associated with shorter self-reported sleep duration (b = - 19.80, p = .011), but not with sleep latency. Concordance between the self-reported and Fitbit-measured sleep variables was low, and bedtime device use was not associated and Fitbit-measured sleep variables. Using electronic devices before bed negatively affected self-reported sleep duration the following night. This finding highlights the importance of minimizing nightly device use among young adults with poor sleep and suggests that the inconsistency between self-reported sleep and device use warrants further investigation.

Association between sleep behaviors and stroke in Southwest China: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundSleep can function as a potential modifiable risk factor in the control and prevention of stroke. Geography significantly influences sleep patterns. The association of sleep with stroke in population of Southwest China has not so far been investigated.MethodsA total of 55,001 residents aged from 30 to 79 years in Southwest China were included in this study, obtaining their complete information of baseline survey and follow-up in China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB). Sleep-evaluating score was constructed on the basis of short/long sleep duration, insomnia, and snoring. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the association between sleep behaviors and stroke.ResultsDuring 11.15 years of follow-up, 3410 stroke cases (572.78 cases/100,000 person-years) were documented. There exists no association of sleep-evaluating score with the risk of stroke in the total population. Male-predisposing association between sleep-evaluating score and risk of stroke was observed (for total stroke, HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03–2.23; for hemorrhagic stroke, HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.22–4.34), with anisotropism in male residents with overweight and obesity (HR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.03–3.63), and those without hypertension (HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.01–3.07) in the baseline survey.ConclusionsThere exists the male-predisposing association between sleep-evaluating score and the risk of stroke in Southwest China. Improving sleep is required for reducing the risk of stroke.

The Relationship between Sleep and Physical Activity by Age, Race, and Gender.

Cardiometabolic diseases remain the leading cause of death in the United States. Lifestyle factors contribute the majority of risk for these diseases. Although diet and exercise have been the primary focus of research on modifiable behaviors to target for interventions to prevent cardiometabolic disease, recent evidence suggests that sleep also plays an important role. Indeed, the updated American Heart Association campaign includes sleep as one of its "Essential Eight". This review details the reciprocally reinforcing positive relationship between sleep and daytime physical activity behaviors and explores how this relationship differs based on age, gender and race. For example, interventions to improve moderate intensity physical activity may be particularly beneficial to women, older adults, and Black Americans, who are at increased risk for sleep disturbances. Communicating to Americans the importance of managing their time to meet current physical activity and sleep recommendations is a challenge given that there are so many competing behaviors consuming large amounts of time (e.g., social media, gaming), but is critical given the importance of these behaviors for cardiometabolic health.

Sleep Quality in Parkinson Disease: Clinical Insights and PSQI Reliability Assessment

AbstractSleep disturbances are prevalent in Parkinson disease (PD), encompassing a spectrum from parasomnias like REM sleep behavior disorder to symptoms of sleep-wake cycle dysregulation, such as insomnia and daytime sleepiness. This research investigates sleep quality in PD patients compared with a matched healthy control group and explores the relationships between PD clinical characteristics and sleep parameters. Additionally, the study assesses the reliability of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for PD patients by examining internal consistency. The study comprises 52 participants, 27 in the PD group and 25 in the healthy control group, matched for sex and age. Sleep quality revealed that PD patients experienced significantly poorer sleep quality than the control group (p = 0.009). Weak correlations were found between PSQI scores and the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale (p = 0.062), with no correlation observed with the daily equivalent dose of levodopa (L-DOPA). The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI score > 5) was 85.1% for PD patients and 68% for the control group. The internal consistency analysis of the PSQI yielded a Cronbach's α of 0.588 for the PD group. While the PSQI demonstrates utility in detecting general sleep abnormalities and gauging patient perceptions of sleep quality in PD, its limitation as a global score is emphasized. The index prioritizes sleep habits and may not fully capture important sleep disorders in this population. These findings underscore the complex relationship between PD and sleep quality, suggesting the need for a comprehensive approach to assess and address sleep disturbances in PD patients.

Chronotype, sleep hygiene, and sleep characteristics among athletes of different disciplines.

The objective of the study was to assess chronotype, sleep hygiene, and sleep characteristics of Italian athletes in order to identify differences among sport disciplines (team- vs individual-sports), level of competition (Elite vs Non-Elite) and sexes. Moreover, correlations between chronotype, sleep hygiene and sleep quality were evaluated. Two hundred eighty Italian athletes (Females:113; Males:167) participated in the study. They completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) and the MorningnessEveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Among the athletes, 66.4% were intermediate-type, 21.8% were morning-type and 11.8% were evening-type. 55.4% of the sample was classified as good sleeper (PSQI<5), while 16.1% had poor sleep hygiene (SHI≥35). Females had higher total sleep time (p=0.022) than males. Individual-sports showed more morning-oriented score (p=0.001) and lower PSQI (p=0.006) and SHI (p<0.001) scores, with earlier timing of sleep (bedtime:p<0.001; wake-up time:p<0.001) compared to teamsports. Elite athletes exhibited greater sleep efficiency (p=0.009), and lower sleep latency (p=0.018) and wake after sleep onset (p=0.043) than Non-Elite athletes. Additionally, significant correlations were found between PSQI and SHI (r=0.43, p<0.001), and between MEQ and SHI (r=-0.35, p<0.001). This study yields crucial insights into the sleep behaviors of Italian athletes, revealing that nearly half of the sample were bad sleepers.

Infant and Toddler Sleep: The Existing Knowledge Gaps!

Abstract Background: Sleep architecture of infants is vastly different from adults and a significant knowledge gap exists in understanding infant sleep. We aimed to study infant sleep behavior by using validated revised Brief Infant Sleep questionnaire at a tertiary care center in Western Maharashtra. Methodology: We enrolled 65 infants from 1 month to 3 years of age visiting Pediatric OPD between October 2023 to March 2024. We aimed to study infant sleep behavior in a cross section of population at a tertiary care center with a view to find out prevalence of behavioral insomnia of childhood in study population. Results: Around 38.5% children were sleeping less than 5 hours at night and 12.3 % were sleeping only for 6-7 hours. 58.5% children had prolonged sleep onset latency between 30-60 minutes. Around 27.7% children had sleep latency even more than 60 minutes after being put to bed. 70.8% children reported nocturnal awakenings of whom 18.3% reported frequent awakenings. Total sleep duration in our study was 8.592 ± 1.79 hours (Mean ± 2SD). Longest stretch of nocturnal sleep was 5.869 ± 3.72 hours (Mean ± 2SD). Based on the total duration of sleep, prevalence of behavioural insomnia of childhood in our study was 41.5%. The most common associations with behavioural insomnia of childhood were breastfeeding, bottle feeding and rocking but the results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Prevalence of behavioral insomnia of childhood in India is higher than western population. Indian children have shorter average sleep duration compared to their western counterparts. Bedtime routine needs to be observed regularly to avoid development of behavioral insomnia of childhood which requires strict bedtime rules and consistency.

Restless sleep is associated with increased anxiety in physical therapy students: a cross sectional survey study

BackgroundSleep and mental health are intimately related and shown to impact graduate students enrolled in health sciences programs, including physical therapy education. Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students’ attitudes and behaviors surrounding sleep and whether these factors are associated with mental health are unknown. This study aimed to describe sleep behaviors and attitudes of entry-level DPT students and to explore the relationship between subjectively reported sleep quality and self-reported symptoms of anxiety in these students.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey consisting of the Sleep Practices and Attitudes Questionnaire (SPAQ), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, and demographic questions were used. Analyses investigated sleep behaviors and attitudes, along with the relationship (unadjusted odds ratio) between restless sleep and anxiety in DPT students in hybrid and traditional DPT programs across the United States (US).ResultsA total of 271 DPT students completed the survey. A majority of students reported feeling tired during most days (80.8%, n = 219), a quarter of participants (24.7%) reported having a history of trouble sleeping and four (1.5%) reported being diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Of those who reported their sleep duration, participants slept an average of 6.86 h. The mean GAD-7 score was 7.68 (SD = 4.90), suggestive of mild anxiety. Sixty-seven (24.7%) reported having a diagnosed anxiety disorder, with generalized anxiety being the most common diagnosis. Those who reported having restless sleep were 4.09 times more likely to have moderate to severe anxiety [unadjusted odds ratio = 4.09 (95% CI 2.27,7.35; p < 0.001)] compared to those who reported restful sleep.ConclusionsDPT students who rated sleep as restless exhibit signs of poor subjective sleep quality associated with an increased risk of experiencing moderate to severe anxiety compared to students who had restful sleep. Students reported behaviors surrounding sleep that may contribute to anxiety. These findings have implications for including sleep and mental health education and practices within DPT programs.

Objective and Subjective Sleep Characteristics of Japanese University Students: Analysis Using Questionnaires and Wearable Trackers

AbstractThe transition from high school to university is characterized by changes in students' social and learning environments, potentially impacting sleep and learning behaviors. To examine the sleep characteristics of university students, this study aimed to (a) measure sleep in a living environment using a wearable tracker; (b) use a self‐administered questionnaire to examine the relationship between objective and subjective sleep; and (c) examine how psychological aspects are related to objective and subjective sleep. Fifty undergraduate and graduate students participated, with 310 sleep records obtained. The objective means total sleep time showed a moderately positive correlation with sleep quantity in the 3‐Dimensional Sleep Scale. Furthermore, we found that mental health, trait anxiety, and quality of life do not correlate with objective total sleep time but are significantly moderately correlated with subjective sleep quantity. The combination of wearable trackers and subjective reports may provide a more precise understanding of university students' actual sleep patterns and how different aspects of sleep behavior are associated with health outcomes.

A prediction model for the walking and balance milestone in Parkinson's disease

BackgroundWalking and balance impairments, represented by freezing of gait and falls, are significant contributors to disability in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. However, the composite measure of the Walking and Balance Milestone (WBMS) has not been thoroughly investigated. MethodsThis study included 606 early-stage PD patients from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database, with a disease duration of less than 2 years and no WBMS at baseline. Patients were divided into a model development cohort (70 %) and a validation cohort (30 %) according to the enrollment site. Longitudinal follow-up data over a period of 12 years were analyzed. ResultsAmong all 606 patients, the estimated probability of being WBMS-free at the 5th and 10th year was 88 % and 60 %, respectively. Five clinical variables (Age, Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), postural instability and gait difficulty (PIGD) score, Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part I (MDS-UPDRS-I) score, and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) were used to construct the Cox predictive model. The C-index of the model was 0.75 in the development cohort and 0.76 in the validation cohort. By optimizing the PIGD and MDS-UPDRS-I variables, an easy-to-use model was achieved with comparable predictive performance. ConclusionA predictive model based on five baseline clinical measures (Age, SDMT, PIGD score, MDS-UPDRS-I score, RBD) could effectively estimate the risk of the WBMS in early PD patients. This model is valuable for prognostic counseling and clinical intervention trials for gait and balance impairment.

Exploration of Sleep Health and Behaviors Among Undergraduate Nursing Students.

Nursing students experience inadequate sleep because of academic demands, with detrimental effects on academic performance. Objective and subjective data informed students' sleep patterns. Actigraphy data revealed that students (n = 46) slept for 392 minutes per night. Among the 38 participants who completed actigraphy and demographic and survey data, Pearson correlation testing revealed significant relationships between self-efficacy and perceived stress (r = -.604, p = .001), as well as average sleep time (r = -.371, p = .022). Qualitative data revealed the impact sleep has on physical and mental well-being. Individual and environmental influences resulted in students achieving insufficient sleep.

Adolescent and young adult sleep and sleep-related behaviour change before and during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Canada

ABSTRACT Background Sleep disturbance is common in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), impacted by stress and academic/scheduling demands that conflict with biological phase delay. COVID-19 lockdowns allowed us to study sleep in AYAs when there are lessened scheduling demands. Additionally, we could test whether a sleep self-management app was helpful during lockdowns. Method AYAs (ages 15–24 years) before (Pre-Lockdown; n = 65) and during lockdowns in Canada (Lockdown; n = 40) completed sleep diaries on the app; set goals based on generated feedback; and completed more sleep diaries pursuing whatever post-feedback goals they set. Results The Lockdown group reported later and less variable rise times (RT) and spent more time in bed (TIB), both awake and asleep. Pre-Lockdown set a goal to reduce RT variability whereas Lockdown set a goal to decrease TIB, and AYAs made behaviour changes to meet their goals. For both groups, sleep onset, duration of awakenings, sleep duration and efficiency, and insomnia severity significantly improved at endpoint. Conclusions AYAs slept differently during lockdowns, perhaps due to decreased scheduling. The pandemic revealed the need for accessible strategies to improve sleep health. Findings support the feasibility of using evidence-based apps, and that AYAs can effectively use self-management tools across variable global and social contexts to improve their sleep.

Deciphering the Neuropsychiatric Landscape of Huntington’s Disease: Insights and Implications—A Case Report

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative illness with a specific phenomenology that includes chorea, incoordination, dystonia, behavioral difficulties, and cognitive decline. The most frequent cause of inherited chorea manifesting in adults is HD, which affects approximately 5 per 100,000 to 12 per 100,000 people. This case report describes the case of a 42-year-old woman from Assam who had been experiencing progressive and gradual onset choreiform movements of both upper limbs, affecting the fingers and face for the last two years, along with an unsteady gait and slurred speech and lack of personal care and hygiene. She also developed psychotic manifestations in the form of erotomanic delusions along with decreased sleep, restlessness, and disorganized behavior. A positive family history of dementia in their maternal grandmother and movement disorder in their paternal grandmother, along with the history of the death of her elder brother at birth, was present. The patient was admitted considering HD as a provisional diagnosis, and treatment with tablets tetrabenazine, olanzapine, risperidone, and lorazepam for her behavioral and movement symptoms was initiated. Her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain report showed caudate atrophy. HD repeat expansion analysis that revealed full penetrance expansion of approximately 46 coronary angiogram (CAG) repeats in either allele was confirmatory of HD. There was an improvement in her symptoms seen in two follow-up visits to the outpatient department (OPD) after discharge except for reduced sleep; hence, melatonin 10 mg was added for it. Middle-aged patients presenting to psychiatrists with choreiform movement and psychiatric symptoms along with a positive family history should raise the suspicion of HD.

A single-arm pilot study of a brief cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia intervention among Japanese occupational therapy and physical therapy university students with sleep disturbances

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of the Sleep Health through University Student Habits (SHUSH) program, a brief sleep improvement intervention based upon principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) developed for Japanese university students.MethodsPretest-posttest, single-arm pilot study design with 3-month follow up was used to evaluate the feasibility of SHUSH. We developed then offered a 90-min sleep education class based upon the two-process model of sleep regulation, sleep restriction, stimulus control, and sleep hygiene. We recommended individualized sleep prescriptions (e.g., prescribed time to bed and prescribed time out of bed) from 11 days of daily sleep diary data. We then offered 15 min of individualized follow-up meetings each week for three consecutive weeks in person or online in which we supported adherence to sleep prescriptions. Fifteen university students with self-reported sleep disturbance (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI score ≥ 9) completed the SHUSH program. Participants were on average age 19.7 years old; nine were women, and they were students in occupational therapy and physical therapy. We assessed validated Japanese versions of sleep-related (e.g., ISI, Sleep hygiene practice scale; SHPS), mental health-related (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener) patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and daily sleep diary variables (e.g., sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency).ResultsComparing baseline and posttest data, a statistically significant difference was observed in insomnia symptom severity, daytime sleepiness, sleep hygiene practices, eveningness to morningness, anxiety, depression, sleep diary improvements (e.g., sleep onset latency, total time in bed, and sleep efficiency). Comparing posttest and 3-mo follow up data (n = 10), a statistically significant difference wasn't observed for most PRO effects. However, there was a statistically significant difference in ineffective sleep behaviors (i.e., SHPS-J). We did observe a rebound effect for some SHPS-J items.ConclusionSHUSH was developed as a brief cognitive-behavioral intervention for insomnia. SHUSH participants showed improvements on sleep-related and mental health-related PROs after 4 weeks of intervention. At 3 months follow-up sleep quality and mental health gains were maintained. SHUSH was a feasible program. Randomized controlled trials are needed to test treatment efficacy on sleep related and mental health related PROs in the future.

Cognitive Impact of β-Amyloid Load in the Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder-Lewy Body Disease Continuum.

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is linked to the diffuse-malignant subtype and higher cognitive burden in Lewy body disease (LBD). This study explores brain β-amyloid deposition and its association with cognitive decline across the RBD-LBD continuum. Patients with isolated RBD (iRBD), Parkinson's disease with probable RBD (PDRBD), and dementia with Lewy bodies with probable RBD (DLBRBD) underwent 18F-florbetaben positron emission tomography, 3T magnetic resonance imaging scans, and comprehensive neuropsychological assessments. Subjects were categorized as cognitively normal (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia. Global and regional standardized uptake value ratios (SUVR) were estimated in predefined cognitive volumes of interest (VOI) derived from voxel-wise comparison analysis among the cognitive groups, namely the prefrontal, parietal, precentral cortices, lingual gyrus, and supplementary motor area. Generalized linear models assessed the relationship between 18F-florbetaben SUVRs and neuropsychological testing, adjusting for age and sex. Subgroup analysis focused on the polysomnography-confirmed iRBD-continuum subset (n = 41) encompassing phenoconverters and nonconverters in our prospective iRBD cohort. Eighty-six subjects were classified as follows: 14 NC, 54 MCI, and 18 dementia. The proportion of positive β-amyloid scans increased with advanced cognitive stages (P = 0.038). β-Amyloid signals in cognitive VOIs were elevated in subgroups showing impairment in Trail-Making Test B (TMT-B). A linear association between TMT-B z score and global cortical β-amyloid levels was observed in the iRBD-continuum subset (P = 0.013). Cortical β-amyloid accumulates with declines in executive function within the RBD-LBD continuum. TMT-B performance may be a useful marker associating with β-amyloid load, particularly in the iRBD population. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Sleep quality in secure psychiatric healthcare: Inpatient & staff perspectives

The lived experiences of psychiatric inpatients are not well represented in the literature, especially when these experiences pertain to health. Reports regarding sleep health are particularly sparse, despite the increasing prevalence of sleep disorders in this population. The current study aimed to explore inpatient and staff perspectives of inpatient sleep quality to aid the future development of a sleep quality intervention. Fourteen inpatients (average age 43 years, 36 % female) were recruited for individual interviews and eleven staff members were recruited for three focus groups, from a secure psychiatric hospital (England). A semi-structured interview guide facilitated discussions regarding the prevalence and type of inpatient sleep problems, existing support for inpatient sleep problems including medication, and the bidirectional relationships between nighttime sleep and daytime behaviours, such as napping and physical activity. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were developed: Irregular Sleep Schedules, Nighttime Disruptions, The Patient's Bedroom, and Keeping a Routine & Staying Physically Active. Study results can be utilised when developing inpatient sleep interventions, which were identified within the study as being sorely needed. Such interventions could focus on managing daytime sleeping, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity, in order to support good sleep hygiene, foster regular sleep/wake cycles, and improve overall health.

Prospective associations between Sleep, Sensation-Seeking and Mature Screen Usage in Early Adolescents: Findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study.

Early exposure to mature content is linked to high-risk behaviors. This study aims to prospectively investigate how sleep and sensation-seeking behaviors influence the consumption of mature video games and R-rated movies in early adolescents. A secondary analysis examines the bidirectional relationships between sleep patterns and mature screen usage. Data were obtained from a subsample of 3,687 early adolescents (49.2% female; mean age: 11.96 years) participating in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study. At Year 2 follow-up, participants wore Fitbit wearables for up to 21 nights to assess objective sleep measures and completed a scale about sensation-seeking traits. At Year 3 follow-up, they answered questions about mature screen usage. Of the sample, 41.8% of the sample reported playing mature-rated video games and 49% reported watching R-rated movies. Sensation-seeking traits were associated with R-rated movie watching one year later. Shorter sleep duration, later bedtime, more bedtime variability, and more social jetlag (discrepancy between the mid-sleep on weekdays and weekends) were associated with mature-rated video gaming and R-rated movie watching one year later. Sleep duration variability was associated with mature-rated video gaming. There was also an interaction effect: those with higher sensation-seeking scores and shorter sleep duration reported more frequent R-rated movie usage than those with longer sleep duration. Secondary analyses showed bidirectional associations between later bedtimes, more variability in bedtimes, and more social jetlag with mature screen usage. Early adolescents with sensation-seeking traits and poorer sleep health were more likely to engage in mature screen usage.

Stem cell-specific ecdysone signaling regulates the development of dorsal fan-shaped body neurons and sleep homeostasis

Complex behaviors arise from neural circuits that assemble from diverse cell types. Sleep is a conserved behavior essential for survival, yet little is known about how the nervous system generates neuron types of a sleep-wake circuit. Here, we focus on the specification of Drosophila 23E10-labeled dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB) long-field tangential input neurons that project to the dorsal layers of the fan-shaped body neuropil in the central complex. We use lineage analysis and genetic birth dating to identify two bilateral type II neural stem cells (NSCs) that generate 23E10 dFB neurons. We show that adult 23E10 dFB neurons express ecdysone-induced protein 93 (E93) and that loss of ecdysone signaling or E93 in type II NSCs results in their misspecification. Finally, we show that E93 knockdown in type II NSCs impairs adult sleep behavior. Our results provide insight into how extrinsic hormonal signaling acts on NSCs to generate the neuronal diversity required for adult sleep behavior. These findings suggest that some adult sleep disorders might derive from defects in stem cell-specific temporal neurodevelopmental programs.

T2 MRI visible Perivascular Spaces in Parkinson`s Disease: clinical significance and association with polysomnography measured sleep.

Poor sleep quality might contribute to the risk and progression of neurodegenerative disorders via deficient cerebral waste clearance functions during sleep. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we explore the link between enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS), a putative marker of sleep-dependent glymphatic clearance, with sleep quality and motor symptoms in Parkinson`s disease (PD) patients. T2-weighted MRI images of 20 patients and 17 healthy control subjects were estimated visually for PVS in the basal ganglia (BG) and centrum semiovale (CSO). The patient group additionally underwent a single-night polysomnography. Readouts included polsyomnographic sleep features and slow-wave activity (SWA), a quantitative EEG marker of sleep depth. Associations between PVS counts, PD symptoms (MDS-UPDRS scores) and sleep parameters were evaluated using correlation and regression analyses. Intra- and inter-rater reproducibility was assessed with weighted Cohen`s kappa coefficient. BG and CSO PVS counts in both patients and controls did not differ significantly between groups. In patients, PVS in both brain regions were negatively associated with SWA (1-2Hz) (BG: r(15)=-0.58, padj=0.015 and CSO: r(15)=-0.6, padj=0.015). Basal ganglia PVS counts were positively associated with motor symptoms of daily living (IRR=1.05, CI [1.01, 1.09], p=0.007, padj=0.026) and antidepressant use (IRR=1.37, CI [1.05, 1.80], p=0.021, padj=0.043) after controlling for age. Centrum Semiovale PVS counts in patients were positively associated with a diagnosis of REM sleep behaviour disorder (IRR=1.39, CI [1.06 , 1.84]), p=0.018, padj=0.11). These results add evidence that sleep deterioration may play a role in impairing glymphatic clearance via altered perivascular function, potentially contributing to disease severity in PD patients.

Rising global temperatures and its impact on sleep behavior of male redheaded bunting (Emberiza bruniceps).

Anthropogenic global warming is one of the most pervasive threats to nature and biodiversity. The magnitude with which earths' temperature is rising is affecting every lifeform uniquely; however, the studies highlighting the impacts of global warming on avian sleep are scarce. To this end, the present study was aimed at analyzing the impact of global warming on sleep behavior of a nocturnal migrant, Emberiza bruniceps. For this purpose, the birds were divided into two groups (N = 15 each), subjected to high (35 ± 1°C) and low (19 ± 1°C) temperature schedule with concurrent exposure to 8L:16D (short day; SD) photoperiod followed by 13L:11D (long day; LD). The experiment continued till 7 cycles of zugunruhe (LD) in birds. The results reveal significant impact of temperature treatment on initiation and quality of zugunruhe. Temporal distribution of activity and rest varied according to the temperature provided. Focusing on rest and specifically on sleep of birds, high ambient temperatures resulted in greater sleep fragmentation (evident by increased awakenings during night), whereas low temperature created a sleep conducive environment (evident by abundance of back sleep). Besides postural differences, high temperature resulted in reduced sleep duration, sleep onset latency and circulating plasma melatonin levels in comparison with low temperature suggesting the negative impact of high temperature on different sleep attributes. Not only sleep, seasonal physiology of birds such as hyperphagia, gain in body mass, and fat stores showed significant reduction in high temperature condition. Besides behavioral and physiological alterations, high ambient temperature led to elevated expression of temperature sensitive (trpv4, trpm8, hspa8, and hsp70) genes. Enhanced expression of chrm3 (responsible for wakefulness) also affirms sleep fragmentation in response to high temperature. Thus, the study highlights the negative impact of high temperature on birds' sleep behavior and seasonal physiology.