Consequences Of Sleep Disorders Research Articles

From Gene Mutation to Sleep Phenotype: DEC2 in Natural Short Sleepers

This review focuses on the role of sleep in overall health, specifically its physiological activities, and the consequences of sleep disorders. We review the DEC2 gene mutation, which is associated with familial natural short sleepers (FNSS) and allows people to remain healthy despite chronic sleep deprivation. This mutation not only extends life expectancy but also enhances stress resistance by influencing circadian rhythms and overall physiological responses. With the rising prevalence of sleep disruptions in modern culture, understanding genetic markers like the DEC2 provides critical insights into potential pro-longevity pathways, opening the way for approaches that maintain health during sleep deprivation and extend overall health span.

Insomnia and other sleep disorders in dermatology patients: A questionnaire-based study with 634 patients

Insufficient sleep duration and quality are associated with various adverse health outcomes. Whereas sleep disorders have been studied in a few skin conditions, data in a more comprehensive dermatology population are lacking. We sought to describe the prevalence, causes, and consequences of sleep disorders in dermatology patients. In this cross-sectional, single-center study, dermatology patients completed a questionnaire addressing skin-related and non–skin-related health, sleep behavior, causes, and consequences of sleep disorders. According to the Regensburg Insomnia Scale, 27.92% of the 634 participants had insomnia (177 of 634 patients). Of these 177 patients, 115 (64.97%) were subjectively sleep disturbed, with skin-related causes accounting for 55.65% (64 of 115 patients), non–skin-related accounting for 33.04% (38 of 115 patients), and combined accounting for 11.30% (13 of 115 patients). Itch was the leading cause of skin-related sleep disorders (64.49%, 50 of 77 patients), followed by skin-related pain (55.84%, 43 of 77 patients) and skin-related fearful thoughts (54.55%, 42 of 77 patients). Sleep disorders reduced daytime performance in 68.70% (79 of 115 patients) and sleep quality of relatives in 20.87% (24 of 115 patients). The prevalence of insomnia among different diagnostic categories ranged from 20.31% to 50.00%. The most common strategy to improve sleep was taking sleep medication (57.39%, 66 of 115 patients).We conclude that sleep disorders are highly prevalent in dermatology patients, often leading to reduced daytime performance, impaired sleep among the patients’ relatives, and increased use of substances.

Prevalence and Effects of Sleep Disorders Among Shift Work Nurses

Background: Sleep is one of the most basic and physiologic needs, which has impressive effects on the humans’ physical and mental health. According to the need for permanent presence of the nurses in the hospitals, they often suffer from shift work effects such as sleep disorders. Objectives: Considering the high sensitivity of nursing jobs, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and consequence of sleep disorders in shift work nurses. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all of the nurses employed in hospitals of Larestan city in south of Iran in 2017. After screening based on inclusion criteria, 100 nurses were selected. to evaluate the prevalence and consequence of sleep disorders in the nurses, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleep Quality Index (ESQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version16. Descriptive and analytical statistical tests, including One-way ANOVA, paired t-test, independent t-test, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed the mean score of sleep quality index was 6.52 ± 4.23 and according to this index, 56% of the studied nurses are in hazardous situations. In all of the nurses, sings of insomnia were observed during routine works; consequently, 78.5% were sleepy, 16.5% were very sleepy, and 5% were severe sleepy. By the increased rate of night shift work per week, the severity of insomnia was also increased in the nurses (R2 = 0.78). Sleep disorders in the nurses working in the surgical section were higher than the nurses in other sections of the hospitals (P < 0.05). Conclusions: A high percentage of the nurses employed in different sections of the hospitals have poor sleep quality and increased rate of night shift work per week plays a major role in decreasing their sleep quality. Regarding the adverse effects of poor sleep quality on the health status of the nurses and their quality of job performance, it is necessary to carry out proper planning to improve the sleep quality of night shift work nurses employed in different sections of the hospitals.

Cuadro clínico del síndrome de apnea-hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS)

El pilar para el diagnóstico del síndrome de apnea-hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) es el cuadro clínico obtenido mediante una historia clínica detallada. Los síntomas son referidos por el paciente o su compañero de cama y se pueden dar durante el sueño o la vigilia; estos últimos se presentan como consecuencia del trastorno del sueño. Los síntomas son consecuencia de la obstrucción de la vía aérea superior, de la hipoxia intermitente o de la fragmentación repetida del sueño.Para el diagnóstico de SAHOS, se deben tener en cuenta los factores agravantes, las comorbilidades, los antecedentes familiares, el examen físico, la obtención de medidas antropométricas, los signos vitales y los hallazgos anatómicos estructurales asociados con este síndrome o con alteraciones congénitas que lo predispongan. Tener conocimiento de estos aspectos clínicos es fundamental para alcanzar una buena aproximación a su diagnóstico.

Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Sleep Disorders.

Sleep disorders may interact with the law, making awareness important. Insufficient sleep and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are prevalent and associated with excessive sleepiness. Patients with excessive sleepiness may have civil or criminal liability if they fall asleep and cause a motor vehicle accident. Awareness of screening and treatment of OSA is increasing in certain industries. Parasomnia associated sleep-related violence represents a challenge to clinicians, who may be called on to consider parasomnia as a contributing, mitigating, or exculpatory factor in criminal proceedings. Improving access to sleep medicine care is an important aspect in reducing the consequences of sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders related to deployment in active duty service members and veterans

Active duty service members (ADSM) are a unique population at risk for complex health issues; among the most frequent are sleep disorders. Sleep disturbances are prevalent, debilitating, and persistent in ADSM following combat deployments. Multiple factors associated with deployment and combat operations place ADSM at risk for acute sleep disturbances. If untreated, acute sleep disturbances can become chronic sleep disorders that result in physical and mental impairments and decreased military readiness. Sleep disorders are frequently comorbid with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, they are independent clinical disorders which require specific therapy. The consequences of sleep disorders are increasingly recognized in both ADSM and veterans and pose an unprecedented challenge to medical providers who care for these populations.

Prevalence and consequences of sleep disorders among traffic agents: A case study

This study came up with the main objective to inspect the sleep quality and sleep disorders among traffic agents in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in which 118 traffic agents were surveyed. To this end, the Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index (PSQI) questionnaire was administered. The results demonstrate that the mean PSQI global score was 8.5 ± 2.4. Thirty four subjects had high sleep quality and 84 had low sleep quality. Global PQSI scores had a mean of 3.5 ± 1.37. Those categorized as low sleep quality ranged from 6-12 with a mean of 7.52 ± 1.64. Related to the usual medications, drugs most commonly used are those intended for the treatment of anxiety (9.32%), sleep inducers (10.17%), hypertension (24.58%), anti-depressants (16%),and analgesics (30.51%). The relationship of insomnia severity to age was significant from a statistical point of view (p = 0.001). Poor sleep quality has a negative impact on general health and wellbeing and can produce signs and symptoms associated with concussions. The relatively moderate sleep deficits experienced by subjects in this study did not affect, at first, the performance on professional activities.

Sleep disorders among physicians on shift work

Sleep disorders in physicians who perform shift work can result in increased risks of health problems that negatively impact performance and patient safety. Even those who cope well with shift work are likely to suffer from sleep disorders. The aim of this manuscript is to discuss possible causes, contributing factors and consequences of sleep disorders in physicians and to identify measures that can improve adaptation to shift work and treatment strategies for shift work-associated sleep disorders. The risk factors that influence the development of sleep disorders in physicians are numerous and include genetic factors (15 % of the population), age (> 50 years), undiagnosed sleep apnea,, alcohol abuse as well as multiple stress factors inherent in clinical duties (including shift work), research, teaching and family obligations. Several studies have reported an increased risk for medical errors in sleep-deprived physicians. Shift workers have an increased risk for psychiatric and cardiovascular diseases and shift work may also be a contributing factor to cancer. A relationship has been reported not only with sleep deprivation and changes in food intake but also with diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and coronary heart disease. Nicotine and alcohol consumption are more frequent among shift workers. Increased sickness and accident rates among physicians when commuting (especially after night shifts) have a socioeconomic impact. In order to reduce fatigue and to improve performance, short naps during shiftwork or naps plus caffeine, have been proposed as coping strategies; however, napping during adverse circadian phases is less effective, if not impossible when unable to fall asleep. Bright and blue light supports alertness during a night shift. After shiftwork, direct sunlight exposure to the retina can be avoided by using dark sunglasses or glasses with orange lenses for commuting home. The home environment for daytime sleeping after a night shift should be very dark to allow endogenous melatonin secretion, which is a night signal and supports continuous sleep. Sleep disorders can be treated with timed light exposure, as well as behavioral and environmental strategies to compensate for sleep deprivation. Fatigue due to sleep deprivation can only be systematically treated with sleep.

Sleep quality and spiritual well-being in hemodialysis patients.

Background:Sleep disorders are considered as one of the most important problems in hemodialysis patients, making their everyday life a serious hazard. Sleep quality of hemodialysis patients and consequences of sleep disorders on other aspects of health such as spiritual well-being are important issues.Objectives:This study examined the relationship between spiritual well-being and quality of sleep in hemodialysis patients in Isfahan, Iran.Patients and Methods:This study was a correlation research, carried out on 190 hemodialysis patients. Data collection Questionnaires included demographic forms, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and Ellison and Paloutzian spiritual well-being scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis) at P < 0.05 significance level, by SPSS software version 18.Results:Of 190 study participants, 163 (85.78%) with scores more than five index had sleep disturbances and 27 (14.12%) had no sleep disturbance; 3 (1.52%) had mild, 163 (85.78%) moderate, and 24 (12.30%) good spiritual health conditions. Pearson correlation test showed significant relationship between the sleep quality items of Pittsburg and spiritual well-being (P < 0.04, r = 0.149). Through the regression analyses of spiritual health, family, education, financial status, marital status, occupation, and use of sleep medication, the predictive power of these variables was found 0.417% and prediction of spiritual well-being was more than others (ß = 0.209).Conclusions:Considering bed as one of the most vital physical, mental, and emotional needs, it is very important in mental and spiritual well-being of hemodialysis patients as an influencing factor in mental relaxation and reducing disease tensions. Paying attention to sleep quality and spiritual well-being components of hemodialysis patients in formulating and promoting healthcare programs is recommended.

Time to Wake Up: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice for Sleep in Occupational Therapy

Sleep plays an essential role in physical, cognitive and emotional functioning, and in occupational performance and participation; it is now considered within the scope of occupational therapy practice. However, since sleep is not routinely assessed and addressed in standard practice, a practice gap exists. Interventions are available to optimize sleep and cope with the consequences of sleep disorders, but occupational therapists may overlook the effect of sleep on function, so missing opportunities to provide relevant management strategies. This opinon piece argues the benefits of including sleep within occupational therapy practice and provides suggestions to facilitate its inclusion within practice, education and research.

Sleep in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, are considered to be a population at risk for the occurrence of sleep problems. Moreover, recent studies on children with cerebral palsy seem to indicate that this population is at higher risk for sleep disorders. The importance of the recognition and treatment of sleep problems in children with cerebral palsy cannot be overemphasized. It is well known that the consequences of sleep disorders in children are broad and affect both the child and family. This review article explores the types and possible risk factors associated with the development of sleep problems in children with cerebral palsy and the impact of this disorder on the child and family. In addition, a brief summary of current diagnostic and treatment modalities is provided. Finally, the characteristics, diagnostic techniques, and management of sleep-related breathing disorders in children with cerebral palsy are discussed.

Sleep medicine in Saudi Arabia: Current problems and future challenges.

Sleep medicine is a relatively new specialty in the medical community. The practice of sleep medicine in Saudi Arabia (KSA) began in the mid to late nineties. Since its inception, the specialty has grown, and the number of specialists has increased. Nevertheless, sleep medicine is still underdeveloped in the KSA, particularly in the areas of clinical service, education, training and research. Based on available data, it appears that sleep disorders are prevalent among Saudis, and the demand for sleep medicine service is expected to rise significantly in the near future. A number of obstacles have been defined that hinder the progress of the specialty, including a lack of trained technicians, specialists and funding. Awareness about sleep disorders and their serious consequences is low among health care workers, health care authorities, insurance companies and the general public. A major challenge for the future is penetrating the educational system at all levels to demonstrate the high prevalence and serious consequences of sleep disorders. To attain adequate numbers of staff and facilities, the education and training of health care professionals at the level of sleep medicine specialists and sleep technologists is another important challenge that faces the specialty. This review discusses the current position of sleep medicine as a specialty in the KSA and the expected challenges of the future. In addition, it will guide clinicians interested in setting up new sleep medicine services in the KSA or other developing countries through the potential obstacles that may face them in this endeavor.

Metabolic Causes and Consequences of Sleep Disorders

Abstract: In recent years, an increasing amount of evidence has emerged showing that metabolic disturbances influence sleep and that sleep deprivation adversely affects metabolism. Sleep restriction may impair glucose tolerance and alter leptin levels. Physiologically, sleep deprivation creates a misperception of inadequate caloric intake and potentiates development of the Metabolic Syndrome. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) can be produced by sleep problems such as sleep apnea and has also been shown to have an increased prevalence in individuals with endocrine disorders. The interrelationships between sleep, sex hormones, thyroid disorders, and growth hormone regulation in patients with sleep disordered breathing (SDB) are outlined in the present review. Increased prevalence of SDB is seen in diabetes; moreover, glucose control improves upon treatment with continuous positive airway pressure. Sleepiness, however, is more prevalent in obesity even in the absence of SDB. Diabetes is also associated with both sleep onset and sleep maintenance insomnia. The circadian rhythmicity of hormones can impact sleep stages. Perturbation of the circadian clock (eg, in shift work or jet lag) can contribute toward the development of metabolic disorders. In the past, treatment of the underlying metabolic disturbance was considered the mainstay of therapy to improve sleep. However, recent thinking is that the reverse may also be true, ie, improving the sleep disturbance will favorably affect endocrine function.

Prevalence and Consequences of Sleep Disorders in Traumatic Brain Injury

Determine prevalence and consequences of sleepiness and sleep disorders after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prospective evaluation with polysomnography (PSG), multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and neuropsychological testing including Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Functional Outcome of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ). Three academic medical centers with level I trauma centers, accredited sleep disorders centers, and rehabilitative medicine programs. Participants; Eighty-seven (87) adults at least 3 months post TBI. Abnormal sleep studies were found in 40 subjects (46%), including 20 (23%) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 10 (11%) with posttraumatic hypersomnia (PTH), 5 (6%) with narcolepsy, and 6 (7%) with periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). Among all subjects, 22 (25%) were found to have objective excessive daytime sleepiness with MSLT score <10 minutes. There was no correlation between ESS score and MSLT (r = 0.10). There were no differences in age, race, sex, or education between the sleepy and non-sleepy subjects. Likewise, there were no differences in severity of injury or time after injury between sleepy and non-sleepy subjects. Sleepy subjects had a greater body mass index (BMI) than those who were not sleepy (p = 0.01). OSA was more common in obese subjects (BMI > or =30, p < 0.001). Sleepy subjects demonstrated poorer PVT scores (p < 0.05), better self-reported sleep related quality of life (FOSQ scores [p < 0.05]), and no differences in POMS. There is a high prevalence of sleep disorders (46%) and of excessive daytime sleepiness (25%) in subjects with TBI. Sleepy subjects may be more impaired than comparable non-sleepy TBI subjects, yet be unaware of problems. Given the high prevalence of OSA (23%), PTH (11%), and narcolepsy (7%) in this population, there is a clinical indication for NPSG and MSLT.

Attitudes towards treatment among patients suffering from sleep disorders. A Latin American survey.

BackgroundAlthough sleep disorders are common, they frequently remain unnoticed by the general practitioner. Few data are available about the willingness and reasons of patients with sleep disturbances to seek for medical assistance.MethodsThe results of a cross-sectional community-based multinational survey in three major Latin American urban areas, i.e. Buenos Aires, Mexico City and Sao Paulo, are reported. Two-hundred subjects suffering sleep disturbances and 100 non-sufferers were selected from the general population in each city (total number: 600 sufferers vs. 300 non-sufferers). A structured interview was conducted, sleep characteristics, feelings about sleep disturbances and strategies to cope with those problems being recorded. Data were analyzed by employing either t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) to the Z-transformed proportions.Results22.7 ± 3.5 % (mean ± SEM) of subjects reported to suffer from sleep disturbances every night. About 3 out of 4 (74.2 ± 2.0 %) considered their disorder as mild and were not very concerned about it. Only 31 ± 2 % of sufferers reported to have sought for medical help. Although 45 ± 2 % of sufferers reported frequent daily sleepiness, trouble to remember things, irritability and headaches, they did not seek for medical assistance. Among those patients who saw a physician with complaints different from sleep difficulties only 1 out of 3 (33 ± 2 % of patients) were asked about quality of their sleep by the incumbent practitioner. Strategies of patients to cope with sleep problems included specific behaviors (taking a warm bath, reading or watching TV) (44 ± 1.6 %), taking herbal beverages (17 ± 1.2 %) or taking sleeping pills (10 ± 1.1 %). Benzodiazepines were consumed by 3 ± 0.6 % of sufferers.ConclusionPublic educational campaigns on the consequences of sleep disorders and an adequate training of physicians in sleep medicine are needed to educate both the public and the general practitioners about sleep disorders.

Prevalence and consequences of sleep disorders in a shift worker population

Introduction: Irregular work schedules often results in a disruption of the normal circadian rhythm that can causes sleepiness when wakefulness is required and insomnia during the main sleep episode. Method: Two physicians using the Sleep-EVAL system interviewed 817 staff members of a psychiatric hospital. The interviews were done during the working hours. In addition to a series of questions to evaluate sleep and mental disorders, the evaluation included a standard questionnaire assessing work conditions, work schedule and their consequences. Three work schedules were assessed: (1) fixed daytime schedule ( n=442), (2) rotating daytime shifts ( n=323) and (3) shift or nighttime work ( n=52). Results: Subjects working on rotating daytime shifts were younger than the two other groups and had a higher proportion of women. Participants working on rotating daytime shifts reported more frequently than the fixed daytime schedule workers to have difficulty initiating sleep (20.1% vs. 12.0%). The sleep duration of shift or nighttime workers was shorter than that of the two other groups. Furthermore, subjects working rotating daytime schedule reported to have shorter sleep duration of about 20 min when they are assigned to the morning shift. Work-related accidents were two times more frequent among the rotating daytime workers (19.5%) compared with the fixed daytime schedule workers (8.8%) and the group of nighttime or shift workers (9.6%). Sick leaves in the previous 12 months were also more frequently reported in the rotating daytime schedule group (62.8%) as compared with the daytime group (38.5%, P<.001); 51.9% of nighttime or shift workers took sick leave. Conclusions: Working on a rotating daytime shifts causes significant sleep disturbances. As consequences, these workers are more likely to feel sleepy at work and are more likely to have work-related accidents and sick leaves.

Social and Economic Consequences of Sleep Disorders

Social and Economic Consequences of Sleep Disorders