Higher Insomnia Severity Index Scores Research Articles

Cross‐sectional analyses of factors associated with the presence and aggravation of chronic insomnia by symptom subtypes

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the association of psychological and chronobiological factors with the presence and severity of chronic insomnia by symptom subtypes and their impacts on daytime dysfunctions.MethodsParticipants of the present web‐based epidemiological study were classified as follows: difficulty initiating sleep (DIS) (n = 91); difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS) (n = 13); early morning awakening (EMA) (n = 48); DIS + DMS (n = 67); DIS + EMA (n = 23); DMS + EMA (n = 24); triplet of DIS, DMS, and EMA symptoms (TRP) (n = 69); and normal sleepers (n = 4590). The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ), insomnia‐related psychological measures (including the Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test [FIRST] and the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep Scale [DBAS]), and the cognitive and somatic domains of the Pre‐Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS) were evaluated.ResultsThe presence of DIS and DIS + DMS were significantly associated with an evening preference, and EMA and EMA + DMS with a morning preference, while TRP showed no significant association with either chronotype. The increase in DBAS scores was associated with higher ISI scores in all subtypes. Meanwhile, the associations of each psychological measure varied among insomnia subtypes, with the association of PSAS cognitive arousal to DIS and PSAS somatic arousal to both DMS + EMA and TRP. Pathological HADS score was associated with all subtypes.ConclusionChronotypes may be associated with the presence of some insomnia subtypes; however, only psychological factors were speculated to contribute to the aggravation of all subtypes. All insomnia subtypes possibly contribute to the formation of depression.

The impact on the quality of life and sleep complaints in a vitiligo sample and the influence of inflammatory cytokines in the interaction between vitiligo and sleep

IntroductionVitiligo is an autoimmune dermatosis that affects quality of life, which englobes sleep quality. Sleep regulates the immune system, including inflammatory cytokines, and other pathways, which may influence vitiligo pathogenesis. ObjectivesTo analyze levels of immune serum components (cytokines) in a vitiligo group, and assess whether there was any association with sleep. MethodsThis study comprised 30 vitiligo patients and 26 control individuals. Quality of life and sleep questionnaires were completed [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)]. Seven cytokines have been measured: IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-12 p40 and TNF-α. ResultsThe mean age of the vitiligo group was 47.7 years-old, with prevalence of females (66.7 %). Mucosal (70 %), acral (60 %) and focal subtype (53.3 %) predominated. Signs of vitiligo activity were identified in 63.3 % of the disease sample. Total PSQI scores and scores for domain 4 (sleep efficiency) were statistically worse in vitiligo group. The SF-36 and ISI total scores were worse in the vitiligo group, although not statistically significant compared with controls. Four SF-36 domains were statistically worse in vitiligo sample, and the DLQI mean score was mild to moderate (5.57). Cytokine levels were not different between groups, or when associated with PSQI. Higher ISI scores (more severe insomnia) were related to increased IL-17A. Higher IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were associated with previous phototherapy. ConclusionsPoor sleep and impaired aspects of quality of life predominated in the vitiligo sample. Insomnia was related to IL-17A increase in vitiligo. Increased levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were related to previous ultraviolet B narrow band (UVB-NB) phototherapy, suggesting an interaction of this treatment on immune system. Sleep disruption and the course of vitiligo may have common pathways in respect of circadian cytokines, which may represent an important subject in vitiligo management.

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

To determine the prevalence of preadmission insomnia symptoms among hospitalized patients and assess the association of insomnia symptoms with objective in-hospital sleep and clinical outcomes. We conducted a prospective cohort study of medicine inpatients (age ≥ 50, no previously diagnosed sleep disorders). Participants answered the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire to assess for preadmission insomnia symptoms (scored 0-28; higher scores suggest more insomnia symptoms). Sleep duration and efficiency were measured with actigraphy. Participants self-reported 30-day postdischarge readmissions and emergency department and/or urgent care visits. Of 568 participants, 49% had ISI scores suggestive of possible undiagnosed insomnia (ISI ≥ 8). Higher ISI scores were associated with shorter sleep duration [β = -2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.1 to -1.1, P = .001] and lower sleep efficiency (β = -0.39, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.15, P = .001). When adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidities, higher ISI scores were associated with longer length of stay (incidence rate ratio 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, P = .011), increased risk of 30-day readmission (odds ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, P = .018), and increased risk of 30-day emergency department or urgent care visit (odds ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.07, P = .043). Among medicine inpatients, there was a high prevalence of preadmission insomnia symptoms suggestive of possible undiagnosed insomnia. Participants with higher ISI scores slept less with lower sleep efficiency during hospitalization. Higher ISI scores were associated with longer length of stay, increased risk of a 30-day postdischarge readmission, and increased risk of a 30-day postdischarge emergency department or urgent care visit. Neborak JM, Press VG, Parker WF, etal. Association of preadmission insomnia symptoms with objective in-hospital sleep and clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(5):681-687.

Prediction of early postoperative pain using sleep quality and heart rate variability.

Accurate predictions of postoperative pain intensity are necessary for customizing analgesia plans. Insomnia is a risk factor for severe postoperative pain. Moreover, heart rate variability (HRV) can provide information on the sympathetic-parasympathetic balance in response to noxious stimuli. We developed a prediction model that uses the insomnia severity index (ISI), HRV, and other demographic factors to predict the odds of higher postoperative pain. We recruited gynecological surgery patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1-3. An ISI questionnaire was completed 1 day before surgery. HRV was calculated offline using intraoperative electrocardiogram data. Pain severity at the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was assessed with the 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS). The primary outcome was the model's predictive ability for moderate-to-severe postoperative pain. The secondary outcome was the relationship between individual risk factors and opioid consumption in the PACU. Our study enrolled 169 women. Higher ISI scores (p = 0.001), higher parasympathetic activity (rMSSD, pNN50, HF; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001), loss of fractal dynamics (SD2, alpha 1; p = 0.012, p = 0.039) in HRV analysis before the end of surgery were associated with higher NRS scores, while laparoscopic surgery (p = 0.031) was associated with lower NRS scores. We constructed a multiple logistic model (area under the curve = 0.852) to predict higher NRS scores at PACU arrival. The five selected predictors were age (OR: 0.94; p = 0.020), ISI score (OR: 1.14; p = 0.002), surgery type (laparoscopic or open; OR: 0.12; p < 0.001), total power (OR: 2.02; p < 0.001), and alpha 1 (OR: 0.03; p < 0.001). We employed a multiple logistic regression model to determine the likelihood of moderate-to-severe postoperative pain upon arrival at the PACU. Physicians could personalize analgesic regimens based on a deeper comprehension of the factors that contribute to postoperative pain.

0302 Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sleep pattern of a Brazilian population sample

Abstract Introduction As of late 2019, a new viral variant that causes respiratory infection has concerned humanity: SARS-CoV-2. The following year, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization. The spread of the virus across country borders led to the implementation of security measures to contain new infections. The confinement during the pandemic helped to minimize new infections, but it affected people's mental health, including sleep parameters. This study evaluated the impact of the pandemic and social isolation on sleep parameters, including sleep quality and hygiene, in a sample of the Brazilian population. Methods An online questionnaire on the Google Docs platform was sent to all participants who agreed to contribute to the study, constituting a convenience sample. The questionnaire consisted of 8 parts: written consent; socio-demographic characteristics; assessment of quarantine status, COVID-19 infection, and other health complaints; general sleep evaluation; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI); closing remarks. All questions were presented in Portuguese and participants had to answer them considering 2 different contexts: before and during the pandemic. PSQI and ISI categorical data from the two periods were evaluated using the McNemar-Bowker test. To evaluate the effects of the pandemic on questionnaire scores, sleep efficiency and total sleep duration (TSD), generalized estimating equations models were used. Age and quarantine time were covariates in the model. Results The final sample comprised 1,109 individuals. During the pandemic, it was observed an increase in sleep efficiency (β=3.537; p=0.002) and in the TSD (β=29.212; p=0.002). Yet, during the pandemic there was an elevation in the PSQI score (β=4.196; p&amp;lt; 0.001) and in the ISI score (β=–6.952; p&amp;lt; 0.001). For this last, there was a statistical significance when considering the interaction between life context and gender, in which women during the pandemic had higher ISI scores than men before the pandemic (β=–1.877; p&amp;lt; 0.001). A decrease in the SHI score was reported during the pandemic (β=–6.768; p&amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion An increase in sleep efficiency, total sleep time and SHI score was reported in the sample during the pandemic, although insomnia symptoms and sleep quality worsened. Support (if any)

Insomnia Symptoms and Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in the Community.

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders yet its relationship to the biology of Alzheimer's disease remains equivocal. We investigated the cross-sectional relationship between insomnia symptom severity and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in a cognitively unimpaired middle-aged community sample. A total of 63 participants from the Healthy Brain Project (age = 59±7 years; 67% women) completed a lumbar puncture and two weeks of actigraphy to measure two of insomnia's core features: difficulty initiating sleep (prolonged sleep onset latency) and difficulty maintaining sleep (wake after sleep onset [WASO] and number of awakenings). Additionally, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was completed by 58 participants. Linear and Tobit regression were used to estimate the associations between each insomnia variable and CSF Aβ42, phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau181), total-tau, and neurofilament light chain protein (NfL), adjusting for age, sex, and APOEɛ4 genotype. Higher ISI score was associated with greater average levels of CSF Aβ42 (per point: 30.7 pg/mL, 95% CI: 4.17-57.3, p = 0.023), as was higher WASO (per 10 min: 136 pg/mL, 95% CI: 48-223, p = 0.002) and more awakenings (per 5:123 pg/mL, 95% CI = 55-192, p < 0.001). Difficulty initiating sleep was not associated with CSF Aβ42, nor were insomnia features associated with p-tau181, total-tau, or NfL levels. Insomnia symptoms were associated with higher CSF Aβ42 levels in this relatively young, cognitively unimpaired sample. These findings may reflect increased amyloid production due to acute sleep disruption.

Impact of sleep disorders and disease duration on neurotrophins levels in cocaine use disorder

IntroductionBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its precursor proBDNF contribute to brain plasticity and neuronal remodeling. Recently, the ratio between proBDNF and BDNF (RpB) has been proposed as a possible marker in major psychiatric disorders. Convergent lines of evidence suggest neurotrophins alterations could be involved into the pathophysiology of Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) and insomnia. The aims of the present study are to evaluate the correlations between neurotrophins levels, insomnia and clinical features among CUD patients. Materials and methodsSubjects with a moderate to severe CUD were recruited. ProBDNF, BDNF and consequently RpB values were analyzed using ELISA technique. Insomnia severity index (ISI) scale was used to assess the severity of insomnia. Sociodemographic characteristics and CUD habits (e.g., years of cocaine use) were also collected. ResultsTwenty-four subjects (mean age 39.3 ± 6.7 years) were recruited. Correlation analysis showed that lower values of RpB were associated with higher ISI score (r = −0.469; p = 0.021), longer history of cocaine use (r = −0.584, p = 0.022) and higher amount of cocaine used (r = −0.655, p = 0.004). DiscussionThese preliminary findings may offer a novel insight on neurobiological alterations sustaining cocaine use. Lower RpB, as observed both in high insomnia levels and in chronic cocaine use, could induce a neuroprotective state as a synaptic homeostatic response to chronic damage. These findings also highlight the important role of neurotrophins balance on neurobiological alterations induced by cocaine misuse and insomnia, suggesting that RpB could be considered as a marker of neurotrophic and metabolic state of neural tissue.

0054 A Fear of Dying: How an Obsession with Death During the Pandemic Contributes to More Severe Insomnia

IntroductionThe prevalence of insomnia and other sleep disorders increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. While general anxiety, which increased during the pandemic, may account for some of the rise in sleep complaints, other factors may also contribute to insomnia. Here, we examined the potential contribution of fear of dying from the novel coronavirus on the severity of insomnia. We hypothesized that those endorsing a high fear of dying specifically from COVID-19 within 12 months of their assessment would demonstrate more severe insomnia.MethodsFrom April 2020 through October 2021, 13,298 U.S. participants (18-92 years old; 57.5% female) completed a online survey (~1,000 participants per month) that included an assessment of their perceived likelihood of dying from COVID in the next year, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale-7 (GAD-7), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). We examined insomnia over the course of the first year of the pandemic and divided the sample into those who endorsed at least a 50% or greater perceived likelihood that they would die from COVID-19 in the next year versus those who endorsed a less than 50% perceived likelihood of dying from the illness.ResultsFear of dying (50% chance or higher) was associated with higher ISI scores (p<.00001) and tended to decline over the course of the year (p<.00001). A significant month x fear interaction (p=.021) suggested that individuals who believed they would die within the year showed significantly fluctuations in insomnia over the course of 13 months with peaks around June and October 2020. Even accounting for situational anxiety (GAD-7), those with a fear of dying still demonstrated higher insomnia levels than their counterparts (p<.00001).ConclusionSelf-perceived likelihood of dying from COVID-19 in the near future was associated with significantly elevated severity of insomnia, and this remained true even when controlling for a clinical assessment of generalized anxiety levels. These findings suggest that fear of succumbing to the novel coronavirus contributed significantly to the severity of sleep problems during the first year of the pandemic.Support (If Any)

Prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among Chinese international students in US colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundPrevious studies showed that the COVID-19 outbreak increased the levels of depression and anxiety in heterogeneous populations. However, none has explored the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among Chinese international students studying in US colleges during the pandemic.ObjectiveThis study examines the prevalence of depression and anxiety among Chinese international students enrolled in US universities during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies the associated factors, including habits, social and psychological support, sleep quality, and remote learning.MethodsBetween June and July 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional study through Wenjuanxing, a web-based survey platform. Participants were recruited with snowball sampling through 21 Chinese international student associations in US universities. The survey consisted of demographic questions, the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and self-constructed questions on academic performance, financial concerns, use of social media, physical exercise, and psychological support. Cut-off scores of 10 were used for both PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to determine the binary outcomes of depression and anxiety, respectively. Bivariant analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the associated factors.ResultsAmong 1881 participants, we found a prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score⩾ 10) at 24.5% and that of anxiety (GAD-7 score⩾ 10) at 20.7%. A higher risk of depression was associated with recent exposure to traumatic events, agreement to pandemic’s negative impacts on financial status, agreement and strong agreement to the negative impacts of remote learning on personal relationships, and a higher ISI score. A lower risk of depression was associated with disagreement to the negative impacts of remote learning on academic performance and future careers, strong willingness to seek professional help with emotional issues, and a higher SSRS score. In addition, a higher risk of anxiety was associated with recent exposure to traumatic events, a lot of workloads, often staying up for online classes, agreement and strong agreement to the negative impacts of remote learning on personal relationships, and a higher ISI score. A lower risk of anxiety was associated with the willingness and strong willingness to seek professional help with emotional issues, and a higher SSRS score.ConclusionThis study showed a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among Chinese international students studying in US colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple correlates—including recent exposure to traumatic events, pandemic-related financial concerns, workload, social support, remote learning, willingness to seek professional help, and sleep quality—were identified. It is critical for future studies to further investigate this student population and for universities to provide more flexible learning options and more access to psychological services.

Associations of actigraphy derived rest activity patterns and circadian phase with clinical symptoms and polysomnographic parameters in chronic insomnia disorders

We explored the associations of actigraphy-derived rest-activity patterns and circadian phase parameters with clinical symptoms and level 1 polysomnography (PSG) results in patients with chronic insomnia to evaluate the clinical implications of actigraphy-derived parameters for PSG interpretation. Seventy-five participants underwent actigraphy assessments and level 1 PSG. Exploratory correlation analyses between parameters derived from actigraphy, PSG, and clinical assessments were performed. First, participants were classified into two groups based on rest-activity pattern variables; group differences were investigated following covariate adjustment. Participants with poorer rest-activity patterns on actigraphy (low inter-day stability and high intra-daily variability) exhibited higher insomnia severity index scores than participants with better rest-activity patterns. No between-group differences in PSG parameters were observed. Second, participants were classified into two groups based on circadian phase variables. Late-phase participants (least active 5-h and most active 10-h onset times) exhibited higher insomnia severity scores, longer sleep and rapid eye movement latency, and lower apnea–hypopnea index than early-phase participants. These associations remained significant even after adjusting for potential covariates. Some actigraphy-derived rest-activity patterns and circadian phase parameters were significantly associated with clinical symptoms and PSG results, suggesting their possible adjunctive role in deriving plans for PSG lights-off time and assessing the possible insomnia pathophysiology.

Childhood Trauma and Insomnia Increase Suicidal Ideation in Schizophrenia Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of childhood trauma, especially its specific dimensions, and clinical risk factors for suicidal ideation in patients with schizophrenia.Methods: A total of 83 inpatients with schizophrenia were enrolled and divided into two groups: with suicidal ideation (n = 33) and without suicidal ideation (n = 50). All participants were administered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Modified Overt Aggression Scales, the auditory hallucination rating scale, the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.Results: In our sample, 39.8% of the subjects had suicidal ideation, and 60.6% of them had suffered from childhood trauma. Patients with suicidal ideation had a higher Insomnia Severity Index score, Physical neglect score, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form total score (all P < 0.05) compared to those without. The logistic regression analysis revealed that physical neglect in Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (OR = 5.46, P < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.007–0.483). Further stepwise multiple linear regression identified that insomnia (β = 0.272, P = 0.011) and physical neglect (β = 0.257, P = 0.017) were strong risk factors for the severity of suicidal ideation in patients with schizophrenia. Mediation analysis showed that insomnia played a complete mediating role between physical neglect and suicidal ideation.Conclusion: Our results indicate that childhood maltreatment of physical neglect is a strong independent risk factor for suicidal ideation in schizophrenia. The risk is probably aggravated by the poor quality of sleep. Early screening and psychosocial treatment are recommended for psychotic individuals with a trauma history.

381 Evening Chronotype Predicts Subjective Sleep Symptom Severity in Pregnant Women with Insomnia Disorder

Abstract Introduction Evening chronotype is associated with greater reports of insufficient sleep and sleep-related distress. Little research has examined this relationship within the context of pregnancy. This study investigated whether eveningness predicts insomnia severity, sleep effort, dysfunctional sleep beliefs, and sleep reactivity to stress in pregnant women with insomnia disorder. Methods Pregnant women with insomnia disorder who spoke English or Spanish enrolled in a clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (N = 178; M age = 32.6 years). Before beginning treatment, participants completed the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (GSS), Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Stress Scale (DBAS), and Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST). Participants were categorized into evening, intermediate, or morning chronotypes (bottom 25%, middle 50%, or top 25% of CSM scores, respectively). MANCOVA examined whether chronotype predicted higher baseline ISI, GSS, DBAS, and FIRST scores after adjusting for age, gestational week of pregnancy, and language. Results Sleep measures collectively differed by chronotype, F(8, 336) = 4.05, p &amp;lt; .001; Wilk’s Λ = .83, partial η-sqd = .09. Follow-up ANOVAs testing individual dependent variables were all significant (partial η-sqd = .04 – .10, p &amp;lt; .05). Pairwise comparisons (Bonferroni-adjusted; p &amp;lt; .05) found that evening types had higher ISI scores than intermediate (M difference = 2.21) and morning types (M difference = 2.30), and higher DBAS scores than morning types (M difference = .95). Morning types had lower FIRST scores than evening (M difference = 5.44) and intermediate types (M difference = 3.89). Conclusion Evening chronotype was associated with greater insomnia severity and maladaptive sleep-related cognition than other chronotypes among pregnant women with insomnia disorder. Future research may examine whether differences in chronotype have implications for insomnia treatment outcome during pregnancy, and whether greater morningness confers protection against sleep challenges during the early postpartum period. Support (if any) NIH R01 NR013662

Clinical and Genetic Factors Associated With the Breast Cancer-Related Sleep Disorders: The “CAGE-Sleep” Study–A Cross-Sectional Study

ContextDespite being among the most reported concerns in breast cancer patients, sleep disturbances are still poorly assessed and managed in routine clinical practice. Correctly evaluating these symptoms and understanding the underlying clinical and genetic factors would help medical teams develop an adequate treatment strategy for each patient. Objectives1) To explore the severity of insomnia as well as sleep quality in a sample of Lebanese women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy; 2) To examine the correlation between sociodemographic, clinical, psychiatric (anxiety and depression), genetic factors, and alterations in sleep patterns. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) (December 2017–June 2019; Ethical reference number: CEHDF1016). All patients gave their written consent and were genotyped for several polymorphisms in CLOCK, CRY2, PER2, COMT, DRD2, OPRM1, and ABCB1 genes using Lightcycler® (Roche). ResultsOur sample included a total of 112 women. Almost half of the patients reported insomnia problems (with 20.5% moderate insomnia and 7.1% severe insomnia). Multivariable analyses taking the PSQI score as the dependent variable, showed that higher depression score and dyslipidemia (yes versus no) were significantly associated with higher PSQI scores (worse sleep quality), whereas having the DRD2 CT genotype versus CC and a higher chemotherapy cycle number were significantly associated with lower PSQI scores (better sleep quality). Depression was also significantly associated with higher ISI scores. When forcing all the genes in each model, the results remained the same except for depression that has been replaced by anxiety in the multivariable analysis. ConclusionOur study confirms the relationship between anxiety/depression, cycle number, dyslipidemia and DRD2 polymorphism with insomnia and highlights the importance of treating all associated factors to improve the overall QOL of patients.

The Relationship Between Smartphone Use, Insomnia, Stress, and Anxiety Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The rapid increase in the number of smartphone users has raised concern about the negative psychosocial and physical effects of this use. A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted to investigate the relationship between smartphone use, anxiety and insomnia among university students. A convenience sample of 404 students from one public university completed questionnaires with items from the Smartphone Addiction Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and the Insomnia Severity Index, with some demographic data. High smartphone addition scale score was significantly associated with higher anxiety and stress scores of the Depression Anxiety Stress scale, and higher insomnia severity index score. The findings support the importance of an intervention program to promote appropriate use of smartphones and to improve sleep and psychological symptoms such as stress and anxiety among university students.

Factors related to mental health of inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China

ObjectiveTo evaluate the mental health status of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to explore the related factors. MethodThis was a cross-sectional survey among COVID-19 inpatients in two isolation wards of a designated hospital in Wuhan, China, from March 7, 2020, to March 24, 2020. Participants’ demographic data, clinical data and levels of circulating inflammatory markers were collated. Mental health symptoms were evaluated with questionnaires, which included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scale, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, and questions about patients’ self-perceived illness severity. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to explore factors that associated with mental symptoms, and a structural equation model (SEM) was used to assess the possible relationships between those factors and the patients’ mental health. ResultsAmong the 85 participants, 45.9% had symptoms of depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 5), 38.8% had anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 5), and 54.1% had insomnia (ISI ≥ 8). According to multivariate regression analysis, female sex, a higher level of interleukin (IL)-1β and greater self-perceived illness severity were all significantly associated with a higher PHQ-9 score, higher GAD-7 score and higher ISI score. In addition, the disease duration and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were positively related to patients’ self-perceived illness severity. The results of the SEM analyses suggested that sex (β = 0.313, P < 0.001), self-perceived illness severity (β = 0.411, P < 0.001) and levels of inflammatory markers (β = 0.358, P = 0.002) had direct effects on patients’ mental health. The disease duration (β = 0.163, P = 0.003) and levels of inflammatory markers (β = 0.101, P = 0.016) also indirectly affected patients’ mental health, with self-perceived illness severity acting as a mediator. ConclusionA majority of COVID-19 infected inpatients reported experiencing mental health disturbances. Female sex, disease duration, levels of inflammatory markers and self-perceived illness severity are factors that could be used to predict the severity of patients’ mental symptoms.

Consistent altered internal capsule white matter microstructure in insomnia disorder

Study ObjectivesSuggested neural correlates of insomnia disorder have been hard to replicate. Even the most consistent finding, altered white matter microstructure in the anterior limb of the internal capsule, is based on handful studies. The urge for replicable targets to understand the underlying mechanisms of insomnia made us study white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) across three samples of cases and controls.Methods3-Tesla MRI diffusion tensor imaging data of three independent samples were combined for analysis, resulting in n = 137 participants, of whom 73 were diagnosed with insomnia disorder and 64 were matched controls without sleep complaints. Insomnia severity was measured with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). White matter microstructure was assessed with FA. White matter tracts were skeletonized and analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics. We performed a region-of-interest analysis using linear mixed-effect models to evaluate case–control differences in internal capsule FA as well as associations between internal capsule FA and insomnia severity.ResultsFA in the right limb of the anterior internal capsule was lower in insomnia disorder than in controls (β = −9.76e−3; SE = 4.17e−3, p = .034). In the entire sample, a higher ISI score was associated with a lower FA value of the right internal capsule (β = −8.05e− 4 FA/ISI point, SE = 2.60e− 4, p = .008). Ancillary whole brain voxel-wise analyses showed no significant group difference or association with insomnia severity after correction for multiple comparisons.ConclusionsThe internal capsule shows small but consistent insomnia-related alterations. The findings support a circuit-based approach to underlying mechanisms since this tract connects many brain areas previously implicated in insomnia.

Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: An online survey.

Female sexual hormones have known hypnogenic effects and the use of hormonal replacement therapy in postmenopausal women leads to improvement in sleep quality. However, the effects of hormonal contraceptives in women of reproductive age are still scarcely understood. This study sought to evaluate the impact of hormonal contraceptive use on subjective self-reports of sleep through a web-based cross-sectional survey. A total of 2,055 women between 18 and 40years old participated by answering an online questionnaire evaluating hormonal contraceptive use, sleep-related characteristics and related features. Sleep assessment tools comprised the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Statistical comparisons were performed between hormonal contraceptive users and those who reported no current use. Analyses were repeated to compare users of combined contraceptives with users of progestagens only, as well as to compare users of different generations of contraceptives. Among the total sample, 1,286 participants met the inclusion criteria (918 of them were currently taking a hormonal contraceptive). Contraceptive users reported more frequent sleep complaints and had higher scores on ESS and ISI, which means increased excessive daytime sleepiness and more insomnia symptoms. Women using progestagen-only therapies reported lower total sleep duration compared with combined therapy. Users of third-generation contraceptives showed lower total sleep time and higher ISI score when compared with non-users. In conclusion, contraceptive users have more insomnia symptoms and increased excessive daytime sleepiness when compared with women who do not use any hormonal contraceptive method, and progestagen-only therapy was associated with lower sleep duration.

Suicidal risk and demoralization in Parkinson disease.

We aimed to determine suicide risk and lifetime suicidal ideation in Parkinson disease (PD) patients versus controls and how depression, demoralization, and insomnia are associated with suicidality. In this case-control study, PD patients and matched controls were recruited from movement disorder clinics, Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Research Match websites. Suicide risk and suicidal ideation were assessed using the Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-revised (SBQ-R) and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Lifetime depression was assessed using the Brief Lifetime Depression Scale, sleep using Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), demoralization using Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research and Kissane Demoralization Scales, and non-motor symptoms using UPDRS Non-Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living scale (nM-EDL). 186 PD participants and 177 controls were matched for age (64.2 ± 7.7years), sex (48.8% female), and socioeconomics. PD participants were not more likely than controls to have high suicide risk (SBQ-R ≥ 7) (7.5% vs. 11.3%; p = 0.22) or to have had a lifetime suicide plan or attempt (2.7% vs. 5.1%; p = 0.24), but were less likely to have had lifetime suicidal ideation (23.1% vs. 35.0%; p = 0.01). PD participants were more likely than controls to have lifetime depression history (34.4% vs. 20.9%; p = 0.004), and demoralization (19.9% vs. 10.7%; p = 0.02), and had higher ISI scores (8.7 ± 5.8 vs. 5.1 ± 4.5; p < 0.0001). PD patients with high versus normal suicide risk had higher nM-EDL scores (16.5 ± 6.8 vs. 10.7 ± 5.9; p = 0.002), and more demoralization (71.4% vs. 21.5%; p < 0.0001). Suicide risk is not elevated and suicidal ideation is uncommon in PD, despite the high prevalence of depression and demoralization.

Risk Factors for Persistent or Recurrent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

Purpose To investigate the risk factors for persistent or recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Materials and Methods Consecutive treatment-naïve CSC patients were included from January 2017 to October 2018. All patients were asked to complete questionnaires, addressing previously described risk factors for the development of CSC. Patients were divided into two groups: those with acute CSC, who were in the first episode, with spontaneous resolution of subretinal fluid within 3 months, and with no recurrence within 1 year; and those with persistent or recurrent CSC, the remaining patients. Results In total, 138 patients were enrolled: 20 (14.5%) with acute CSC and 118 (85.5%) with persistent or recurrent CSC. Using multivariate analysis, male sex (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval: 5.63 [1.02–31.02]; p=0.047), older age (OR: 1.14 [1.03–1.25]; p=0.008), and higher Insomnia Severity Index score (OR: 1.30 [1.05–1.60]; p=0.015) were found to be independently associated with persistent or recurrent CSC. Conclusions Male sex, age, and sleep disorders are risk factors for persistent or recurrent CSC in the natural history. These patients may require early photodynamic therapy. Treatment for sleep disorders is strongly recommended. All CSC patients may require careful and periodic follow-up.

Screening for Insomnia: An Observational Study Examining Sleep Disturbances, Headache Characteristics, and Psychiatric Symptoms in Patients Visiting a Headache Center.

Effective treatments for insomnia exist, but few physicians treating headaches have routine methods for screening for insomnia. We sought to 1) describe the migraine characteristics and comorbid conditions that can affect sleep and 2) assess their relationships with positive screens on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of the migraine and sleep characteristics of new patients in our headache center (August 15, 2015-October 28, 2015) who were suspected of having migraines based on the new patient intake questionnaire. The questionnaire included the ISI, questions about headache characteristics, and screens for psychiatric comorbidities. Two tailed t tests and analysis of variance evaluated relationships between headache characteristics, comorbidities, and ISI score. A total of 61 new patients were suspected to have migraines. The mean number of headache days per month was 11.6. Only 41% of patients reported sleeping seven or more hours; 49.2% had an ISI of 15 or higher (positive screen). Regarding the insomnia scores, there were no differences between moderate and severe headache pain, between episodic and chronic headaches, and between the associated symptoms (nausea/vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia; P > 0.05). Musculoskeletal pain (18.7 vs 13.8, P = 0.027), depression (rho = 0.610), and general anxiety (rho = 0.436) were associated with higher ISI scores. Nearly half of the patients with suspected migraines in a headache center screened positive for insomnia, independent of whether they had episodic or chronic headaches. This would generate a substantial number of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) referrals. Given the strong association between comorbid musculoskeletal pain, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, we suggest prioritizing CBT-I referral for those patients regardless of their headache frequency.