Improvement In Sleep Disturbance Research Articles

Sensory stimulation for nursing home residents: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of its effects on sleep quality and rest‐activity rhythm in dementia

AbstractBackgroundDespite the evidence that disrupted sleep‐wake cycles are associated with an exacerbation of behavioural disturbances and an acceleration of the disease progression in dementia, the effect of sensory stimulation for improving sleep quality and rest‐activity rhythm is unclear. The aim of the current meta‐analysis is to give an overview of the effectiveness of sensory stimulation interventions on reduction and prevention of sleep disturbances in nursing homes residents with dementia.MethodA systematic literature search and meta‐analysis were performed on December 3, 2019. Twenty‐seven studies examining the effects of a sensory stimulation intervention on rest‐activity rhythm and/or nocturnal restlessness in nursing home residents with dementia were included. Outcomes were measured with Actiwatches and/or standardized observation scales. Extensive subgroup meta‐analyses were performed to adjust for varying characteristics of included studies.ResultUni‐sensory stimulation including tactile and visual stimulation (i.e. light therapy, massage, acupuncture, animal‐assisted interventions) seemed effective for improving sleep quality and strengthen the rest‐activity rhythm (Hedges g=.47, p ≤ .01, Figure 1). More specifically, visual and tactile stimulation with a minimum of 30 minutes/day for two weeks have effectively reduced the duration of nocturnal awakenings (g=‐.29, p≤.05), sleep onset latency (g=‐.25, p≤.05), and nocturnal behaviour disturbances (g=‐.57, p≤.01), and have improved nocturnal sleep duration (g = .38, p ≤ .01), and sleep efficiency (g=.48, p≤.01). The heterogeneity within the majority of outcomes varied between medium and large. The majority of studies were of poor quality (59%, Figure 2). Dementia type and severity, gender, treatment duration and intensity (light levels in lux values) were not related to the effectiveness of sensory stimulation in all outcomes.ConclusionAlthough the methodological quality of the studies was limited, we found indications that sleep quality and nocturnal restlessness in nursing home residents with dementia may benefit from sensory stimulation. Recommended is to use a sensory stimulating environment in nursing homes which may prevent or improve sleep disturbances, and therefore can contribute to higher quality of life of their patients. Future research should conduct RCTs, while using comparable interventions, measuring instruments and procure, so the quality of dementia can be further improved.

Abstract 10138: Evening Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: An Age-Specific Association of Nocturia in the Japanese at High-Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Earlier epidemiologic studies have reported a significant relationship between hypertension and nocturia. However, the underlying pathophysiology has not been established in relation to heart rate (HR). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that blood pressure (BP), HR, and the class of antihypertensive agent might be associated with severity of nocturia in the Japanese at high-risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, these associations were hypothesized to be moderated by age. Methods: In the Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure Study, measurements of home BP as well as HR at evening (mean 11.2 days) were performed in the 4310 patients with one or more cardiovascular risks (64.9 years old, male 47%). A self-administered questionnaire included items on nocturia was used. Results: The mean levels of evening systolic BP (SBP) and HR were 130±15mmHg and 70±9.6bpm, respectively. According to the number of nocturia, we divided into the three groups (no void: n= 2382; one void: n=847; > 2 voids per night: n=1082). In the multinomial logistic regression analysis adjustment for confounders including age, gender, smoking, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, log B-type natriuretic peptide, beta-adrenergic blockade use, clinic SBP and clinic HR, the use of diuretics (OR, 1.23, 95%CI, 1.01-1.50, p<0.05) was significantly associated with one nocturnal void, while evening SBP (OR per 1SD, 1.14, 95%CI, 1.05-1.24, p<0.01) and evening HR (OR per 1SD, 1.12, 95%CI: 1.02-1.24, p<0.05) were significantly associated with multiple nocturnal voids. In the lower aged group (<66yrs), only evening HR remained significant (p=0.003), while only evening SBP remained significant for multiple nocturnal voids in the higher aged group (66yrs < ) (p=0.007). A significant interaction was found between age and evening HR for multiple nocturnal voids (p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study, evening SBP and evening HR were significant indicators of multiple nocturnal voids in the high-risk Japanese population. Increased evening HR was specifically associated with severe nocturia in the lower aged group. Age-stratified approach to reduce BP and HR burdens might be important to improve sleep disturbance caused by nocturia.

Open Hip Abductor Repair Hitting the Sack-Abductor Tendon Repair Significantly Improves Sleep Quality.

Purpose: To (1) describe the prevalence of abnormal sleep quality in patients with hip abductor tears (HAT), to (2) determine whether sleep quality improves after open HAT repair, and to (3) to report clinical short-term outcomes in patients undergoing open HAT repair. Methods: The data of 28 patients (29 hips) who underwant open HAT repair were prospectively analyzed at midterm follow-up. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the University of California, Los Angeles activity scale (UCLA), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain were determined via questionnaire. Paired t-tests were applied to compare preoperative and post-operative Patient-reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Logistic regression was performed to determine the association between PSQI improvement achievement and demographic variables (laterality, sex, age, body-mass-index (BMI), and preoperative mHHS). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated for the mHHS. Results: A total of 28 patients were included. Four patients (14.3%) suffered post-operative complications after open HAT repair. The predominance of patients was female (77.4%), with a mean age of 60 ± 13 years. The average follow-up was 30.35 ± 16.62 months. Preoperatively, 27 (96.4%) patients experienced poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5); at follow-up, 7 (25%) patients experienced poor sleep quality. Univariate logistical regression analysis demonstrated no significant association between preoperative demographic data and achieving postoperative PSQI < 5. The MCID of mHHS was calculated to be 12.5. Overall, 90% of patients achieved MCID for mHHS. Conclusion: Preoperative sleep quality was impaired in 96.4% of HAT patients (PSQI > 5). However, these patients showed an improvement in sleep disturbances after open HAT repair in the early postoperative period. Ninety percent of patients showed significant improvements in mHHS and achieved the corresponding MCID. Level of Evidence: Case series; Level IV.

Can a meditation app help my sleep? A cross-sectional survey of Calm users.

Use of mindfulness mobile apps has become popular, however, there is little information about subscribers' perceptions of app content and its impact on sleep and mental health. The purpose of this study was to survey subscribers to Calm, a popular mindfulness meditation app, to explore perceived improvements in sleep and mental health, evaluate what components of the app were associated with improvements in sleep and mental health, and determine whether improvements differed based on sleep quality. Calm subscribers who had used a sleep-related component in the last 90 days completed a Web-based investigator-developed survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The survey included questions about using Calm for sleep, sleep disturbances, mental health diagnoses (i.e., anxiety, depression, PTSD) and perceived impacts of the app. Participants reported on the extent to which they felt that using Calm had improved their sleep and mental health. Most participants reported sleep disturbance, and almost half reported a mental health diagnosis. The majority of participants reported that using Calm helped them fall asleep, stay asleep, and get restful sleep. All sleep components were associated with perceived improvements in sleep disturbance. Severity of sleep disturbance moderated relationships between using Calm components and reporting improved sleep. Among subscribers with mental health diagnoses, most reported that Calm helped improve symptoms. Perceived improvement in anxiety and depression was associated with using Calm's meditation components but not Sleep Stories or music/soundscapes. Severity of sleep disturbance did not moderate relationships between using Calm components and reporting mental health improvements. Given the accessibility of app-based meditation, research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of meditation apps to improve sleep disturbance. While some sleep content may be helpful for sleep, more research is needed to test what specific content affects mental health.

Ambient bright lighting in the morning improves sleep disturbances of older adults with dementia

BackgroundAmbient light therapies are potentially effective in improving sleep disturbances and circadian rhythms. This study created a new lighting intervention model for elderly patients with dementia. It is hypothesized that exposure to bright ambient light in the morning is more effective than general lighting in improving sleep disturbances and circadian rhythms. MethodsA single-blind longitudinal-group experimental design was employed. The dementia participants came from the community and nursing homes. Those in the experimental group were exposed to ambient light at 2500 lux, and those in the comparison group were exposed to 114–307 lux. The corresponding sleep disturbances and circadian rhythms were determined using an accelerometer (XA-5). A longitudinal experimental design was adopted to observe the time to an effective response. ResultsThe covariates of benzodiazepine use and total activity during the day were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. The experimental group showed significant sleep efficiency improvement, with mean increases of 41.9% (P < 0.001) and 31.7% (P = 0.002), sleep time increases of 141 min (P = 0.001) and 135 min (P = 0.008), awakening time decreases of 116 min (P = 0.001) and 108 min (P = 0.002), and sleep onset advancements of 60–84 min/sleep offset delays of 57–79 min upon the fifth and ninth week, respectively. A 4-week bright ambient light intervention was the most effective. ConclusionsThis study found that bright ambient light in the morning is beneficial for improving sleep disturbances and was driven by stabilizing circadian rhythms.

Sex-specific associations of evening blood pressure burden and cardiac load with nocturia severity in the Japanese at high-risk of cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background Earlier epidemiologic studies have reported a significant relationship between hypertension and nocturia. However, the underlying pathophysiology has not been established. We hypothesized that blood pressure (BP) burden, the classes of antihypertensive agents and cardiac load were associated with severity of nocturia, and that these associations might be moderated by gender. Purpose To investigate the relationships of home BP (HBP) level, the class of antihypertensive agent, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with nocturia severity, and to investigate these associations stratified by gender in the Japanese at high-risk of cardiovascular disease. Methods In the Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure Study, measurements of HBP at evening (mean 11.2 days) as well as BNP were performed in the 4310 patients with one or more cardiovascular risks (64.9 years old, male 47%). A self-administered questionnaire included items on nocturia was used. Results According to the number of nocturia (no void: n=2382; one void: n=847; &amp;gt;2 voids per night: n=1082), significant associations of systolic BP (SBP) at evening (130 vs 130 vs 132 mmHg, p&amp;lt;0.0001) and logBNP (1.20 vs 1.30 vs 1.42, p&amp;lt;0.0001) were observed with nocturia severity. In the multinomial logistic regression analysis adjustment for confounders including age, smoking, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and clinic SBP, the use of diuretics (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06–1.52, p&amp;lt;0.05) was significantly associated with one nocturnal void, while evening SBP (OR: 1.009, 95% CI: 1.003–1.014, p&amp;lt;0.01) and logBNP (1.43, 95% CI: 1.19–1.73, p&amp;lt;0.001) were significantly associated with multiple nocturnal voids. While no significant interaction was found between evening SBP and logBNP for multiple nocturnal voids in the total population, a significant interaction was found between evening SBP and logBNP for multiple nocturnal voids in females (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusions In this study, the use of diuretics was a significant indicator of single nocturnal void, while evening SBP and BNP were those of multiple nocturnal voids in the high-risk Japanese population. Specifically, in the females, treatment to reduce BP burden as well as cardiac overload might be important to improve sleep disturbance caused by nocturia. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Medical cannabis and cannabinoids for impaired sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

We conducted a systematic review to explore the effectiveness of medical cannabis for impaired sleep. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PsychINFO to January 2021 for randomized trials of medical cannabis or cannabinoids for impaired sleep vs. any non-cannabis control. When possible, we pooled effect estimates for all patient-important sleep-related outcomes and used the GRADE approach to appraise the certainty of evidence. Thirty-nine trials (5100 patients) were eligible for review, of which 38 evaluated oral cannabinoids and 1 administered inhaled cannabis. The median follow-up was 35 days, and most trials (33 of 39) enrolled patients living with chronic cancer or noncancer chronic pain. Among patients with chronic pain, moderate certainty evidence found that medical cannabis probably results in a small improvement in sleep quality versus placebo (modeled risk difference [RD] for achieving the minimally important difference [MID], 8% [95% CI, 3 to 12]). Moderate to high certainty evidence shows that medical cannabis vs. placebo results in a small improvement in sleep disturbance for chronic non-cancer pain (modeled RD for achieving the MID, 19% [95% CI, 11 to 28]) and a very small improvement in sleep disturbance for chronic cancer pain (weighted mean difference of -0.19 cm [95%CI, -0.36 to -0.03 cm]; interaction p = .03). Moderate to high certainty evidence shows medical cannabis, versus placebo, results in a substantial increase in the risk of dizziness (RD 29% [95%CI, 16 to 50], for trials with ≥3 months follow-up), and a small increase in the risk of somnolence, dry mouth, fatigue, and nausea (RDs ranged from 6% to 10%). Medical cannabis and cannabinoids may improve impaired sleep among people living with chronic pain, but the magnitude of benefit is likely small.

Seladelpar improved measures of pruritus, sleep, and fatigue and decreased serum bile acids in patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) can result in life-altering cholestatic pruritus and fatigue, but treatment options are limited. Seladelpar, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta (PPARδ) agonist, has demonstrated potent anti-cholestatic effects in clinical studies. This open-label, uncontrolled phase 2 study in PBC patients evaluated the effects of 1-year of seladelpar treatment on measures of pruritus and quality of life. Self-reported experiences of 101 PBC patients were collected at baseline and after 1year of seladelpar treatment using the pruritus visual analog scale (VAS), 5D-itch scale, and PBC-40 questionnaires along with bile acid profiles. In patients with moderate-to-severe pruritus, substantial improvement in pruritus was seen in 58% and 93% of patients in 5/10mg and 10mg treatment groups, respectively. After 1year, patients reporting improvement substantially outnumbered those who worsened in the total 5-D itch (including individual domains) and PBC-40 (itch and fatigue domains) questionnaires. Improvement in sleep disturbance at 1-year was reported in 81% (5/10mg) and 78% (10mg) of the patients with baseline itch-related sleep disturbance by 5-D itch score with similar results using the PBC-40 sleep questionnaire. Seladelpar-treated patients had significant reductions of 46% (5/10mg) and 31% (10mg) in the serum bile acid precursor C4 and reductions of up to 38% in serum bile acids. Seladelpar treatment for 1year led to consistent improvement in both symptom burden and biochemical response, suggesting its potential as a single agent to address two key unmet needs in PBC patients.

A Scoping Review of Aromatherapy Evidence for Test Anxiety in Nursing Education

Background: Aromatherapy is a holistic intervention that is purported to relax or stimulate cognitive performance in nursing students and improve sleep disturbances depending upon the essential oil and the method of delivery. Test anxiety is a prevalent educational issue for nursing students that can lead to poor outcomes during the course of their nursing education. Test anxiety can have adverse consequences for students such as poor performance, failure, and attrition in the nursing program. Objective: The aims of this scoping review were to identify, summarize, and synthesize aromatherapeutic evidence implemented and evaluated in nursing education to decrease anxiety and test anxiety and improve test taking and sleep among nursing students. It also aims to propose methodologies that best utilize aromatherapy in nursing education. Methodology: A scoping review of the research evidence was done using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (2021). Results: Nine studies (2008-2019) were identified from the United States, the Philippines, and Turkey. The majority of designs were reported as RCTs (random control trials), with small non-diverse samples reported. Lavender, rosemary and lemon oil were administered via inhalation and hand massage methods. Anxiety and test anxiety were evaluated using scales (Cognitive Test Anxiety, Westside Test Anxiety Scale, State Trait Anxiety Inventory) and vital sign data. Test anxiety decreased with aromatherapy hand massage, and lavender and rosemary scents. Pulse rate decreased while blood pressure was non-significant. Studies did not use sleep disturbances as a variable. Conclusions and Recommendations: Various essential oils and delivery methods were used to mitigate anxiety and test anxiety among nursing students; however, there is limited data available to understand the design, chemistry and concentration of the essential oils used in the studies. There should be comprehensive reports of the design and evidence for use in nursing education.

The impact of cognitive rehabilitation on quality of life in multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.

BackgroundCognitive impairment in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) negatively impacts daily function and quality of life (QoL). Prior studies of cognitive rehabilitation in pwMS have shown limited benefit but many focused on cognitive function scores rather than QoL measures. Studies using QoL metrics primarily evaluated group cognitive rehabilitation, which may be less appropriate due to variable cognitive profiles in pwMS. This study assesses the impact of an individualized cognitive rehabilitation approach on QoL in MS.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of NeuroQoL assessments done by pwMS (n = 12, mean age 47.9 ± 4.0 years, 75% female, 100% White, 75% RRMS) before and after participation in an individualized compensatory cognitive program. We used a comparison group of pwMS who were candidates for the program but did not participate (n = 9, mean age 48.9 ± 4.4 years, 88.9% female, 100% White, 66.7% RRMS)ResultsPwMS who participated in the rehabilitation program saw improvements in Sleep Disturbance (50.5 from 55.5, p = 0.005), Fatigue (52.5 from 57.0, p = 0.024), Anxiety (49.8 from 55.4, p = 0.011), and Cognitive Function (39.3 from 36.7, p = 0.049).ConclusionsIndividualized compensatory cognitive rehabilitation appears effective for improving QoL measures in pwMS with cognitive complaints, supporting the need for further randomized controlled prospective analysis of this intervention.

Effect of dupilumab on sleep disturbances in adult patients with severe atopic dermatitis.

Sleep disturbances are common in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Considering their relevant burden on health, routine screening of sleep disturbances seems to be very useful in AD adults' management. However, few studies have evaluated the association between sleep disturbances and AD in adults, and real-life data are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of treatment with dupilumab on sleep disturbances in adult patients with severe atopic dermatitis. This is a retrospective, multicenter study including patients (age ≥18 y) with severe atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab for at least 8 months from January 2019 to January 2020. Patients were evaluated three times: at treatment initiation (T0), at 4 (T4) and 8 months (T8) from the start of treatment. At each visit disease activity was assessed by severity score (Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI]), patient-reported outcomes (Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [NRS], Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI], and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]). Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test was performed to evaluate the normality distribution, Bartlett's Test for homoscedasticity. Since the assumptions were met, ANOVA for repeated measures was performed to evaluate the mean difference of PSQI, EASI, DLQI and pruritus NRS between baseline, the 4th month and the 8th month. In addition, χ2 for Trend Test was performed to evaluate the increasing/decreasing prevalence of poor sleepers. A total of 36 patients (15 females and 21 males) with a mean age of 42.5±14.3 (range 20-67) were included in the study. The mean score for PSQI at TO was 9.0±3.6. At week 16 (T4) the mean score for PSQI was 4.92±2.99 and at week 32 (T8), the mean score for PSQI was 4.3±3.0. EASI, NRS pruritus and DLQI significantly improved during follow-up (P<0.001) whereas PSQI improved significantly at 16 weeks (T4); however, no significant further improvement was observed at 32 weeks. Of the 31 patients (86%) with baseline PSQI≥5, 17 (54%) experienced sleep quality improvement during treatment. Overall, we observed a total of 22 patients (61.1%) having a PSQI<5 at 32 weeks. Our data show effectiveness of dupilumab in improving sleep disturbances in adult patients with severe AD. However, further studies are required to understand if PSQI could serve as useful evaluating tool.

Comparison between Two Low Doses of Amitriptyline in the Management of Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Comparative Study.

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a major concern for pain therapists. Many drugs including antidepressants such as amitriptyline have been used in the management of CNP. This study compared the efficacy and safety of 2 different doses of amitriptyline (5 mg and 10 mg at bedtime) in patients with CNP. A total of 80 patients of both sexes with idiopathic CNP, ranging in age from 18 to 75 years, were divided into 2 groups that received 5 or 10 mg oral amitriptyline at bedtime for 120 days. The primary outcome measure was neck pain disability index (NPDI). Neck pain intensity, Athens Insomnia Scale score, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), side effects of the drug, and patient satisfaction were secondary outcome measures. NPDI decreased by 71.9% ± 13.4% in the 10 mg group compared to 47.3% ± 17.3% in the 5 mg group, representing a statistically significant difference (95% confidence interval: 27.3–12.6). Additionally, the 10 mg group showed greater mean reductions in pain score and HADS scores (both the anxiety and depression subscales), as well as improvement in sleep disturbance compared to the 5 mg group. A higher dose (10 mg) of amitriptyline at bedtime significantly reduced neck pain intensity, sleep disturbance, and anxiety and depression compared to a lower dose (5 mg) in patients with idiopathic and nontraumatic CNP after 120 days of treatment, with no significant difference between groups in the rate of side effects.

Non- Pharmacological Approaches on the Improvement of Sleep Disturbances in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Autism is a type of neurodegenerative disorder, caused by genetic and environmental factors. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have symptoms of attention deficit and behavioral problems. Child’s sleep pattern has a significant effect on mood. Sleep problems are more common in children with ASD. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of non-pharmacological approaches on the improvement of sleep disturbances in patients with ASD.Materials & MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct to identify relevant articles published from January 2009 to May 2019. All original articles from observational and interventional studies were reviewed. The CONSORT Statement and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology(STROBE) checklist were used to assess the quality of selected papers.ResultsReviewing 18 eligible articles according to the CONSORT checklist(for interventional studies) and STROBE (for descriptive studies) demonstrated that behavioral interventions, such as cognitivebehavioral therapy, bedtime fading with response cost, and functional behavioral assessment, physical activity such as aerobic exercise, swimming, and aquatic exercise and weighted blankets can improve sleep disturbances.Conclusion:Restlessness, tantrums, increased stereotypic activities, and reducedlearning level and speaking power in children with autism were. caused by poor sleep quality and sleep deficiency, which may affect other dimensions of life. Non- pharmacological approaches to sleep disturbances could improve both sleep quality and quality of life of children with ASD with no adverse effect.

The effect of probiotics supplementation in postoperative cancer patients: a prospective pilot study.

PurposeMicrobiota manipulation through selected probiotics may be a promising tool to prevent cancer development as well as onset, to improve clinical efficacy for cancer treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate change in microbiota composition after-probiotics supplementation and assessed the efficacy of probiotics in improving quality of life (QOL) in postoperative cancer patients.MethodsStool samples were collected from 30 cancer patients from February to October 2020 before (group I) and after (group II) 8 weeks of probiotics supplementation. We performed 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to evaluate differences in gut microbiota between groups by comparing gut microbiota diversity, overall composition, and taxonomic signature abundance. The health-related QOL was evaluated through the EORTC Quality of life Questionnaire Core 30 questionnaire.ResultsStatistically significant differences were noted in group II; increase of Shannon and Simpson index (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001), decrease of Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria at the phylum level (P = 0.032 and P = 0.014, retrospectively), increased of beneficial bacteria such as Weissella (0.096% vs. 0.361%, P < 0.004), Lactococcus (0.023% vs. 0.16%, P < 0.001), and Catenibacterium (0.0% vs. 0.005%, P < 0.042) at the genus level. There was a significant improvement in sleep disturbance (P = 0.039) in group II.ConclusionGut microbiota in cancer patients can be manipulated by specific probiotic strains, result in an altered microbiota. Microbiota modulation by probiotics can be considered as part of a supplement that helps to increase gut microbiota diversity and improve QOL in cancer patients after surgery.

Sleep medicines do not improve sleep disturbances in the long term, study suggests

Long-term use of sleep medicines is not associated with a reduction in sleep disturbances in middle-aged women, an observational study in the BMJ has suggested (11 May 2021)​[1]​. The researchers matched 238 women who had started taking sleep medicines (including benzodiazepines, Z-drugs and other hypnotics) with 447 non-users, and compared the level of self-reported sleep […]

Can foot reflexology be a complementary therapy for sleep disturbances? Evidence appraisal through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To systematically summarize and quantify the effects of foot reflexology on improvements in sleep disturbances. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Datasets including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, CINAHL and two Chinese electronic databases (i.e., AiritiLibrary and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were used to search from their inception to 31 January 2019. Studies which were randomized controlled trials that reported changes in sleep disturbances after the intervention among adults over 18years old and written in the English or Chinese language were included. Two reviewers' independently assessed the eligibility, extracted data, and conducted a quality assessment. Based on the extracted data, two separate meta-analyses were performed. Forty-two articles with a total sample of 3,928 participants were included in the systematic review and were eligible for the meta-analysis. The most commonly employed outcome measurement tool was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, followed by the therapeutic effect between the intervention and control groups (as evaluated by participants with sleep problems compared with those without sleep problems in each group after the intervention). Results revealed that foot reflexology resulted in a greater reduction in the sleep quality score compared with the controls (Hedges' g=-1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI)=-1.81~-0.94). As for the therapeutic effect, participants in the intervention group were less likely to have sleep problems than those in the control group (pooled odds ratio=0.25; 95% CI=0.19~0.31). The findings suggested that foot reflexology produced significant improvements in sleep disturbances. Foot reflexology is a non-invasive and convenient intervention and regularly receiving foot reflexology can be considered complementary therapy to improve the sleep quality of adults with sleep disturbances. Furthermore, healthcare providers can actively press the solar plexus and heart zones to alleviate sleep disturbances when performing foot reflexology.

Abstract 15551: Evening Blood Pressure Burden and Cardiac Load: A Sex-specific Association of Nocturia in the Japanese at High-risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: Earlier epidemiologic studies have reported a significant relationship between hypertension and nocturia. However, the underlying pathophysiology has been unclear. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that blood pressure (BP) burden and cardiac load might be associated with severity of nocturia. In addition, this association was hypothesized to be moderated by sex. Methods: In the Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure Study, measurements of home BP (HBP) at evening (mean 11.2 days) as well as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were performed in the 4310 patients with one or more cardiovascular risks (64.9 years old, male 47%). A self-administered questionnaire included items on nocturia was used. Results: According to the number of nocturia (no void: n= 2382; one void: n=847; ≥ 2 voids per night: n=1082), significant associations of systolic BP (SBP) at evening (130 vs 130 vs 132 mmHg, p&lt;0.0001) and logBNP (1.20 vs 1.30 vs 1.42, p&lt;0.0001) were observed with nocturia severity. In the multinomial logistic regression analysis adjustment for confounders including age, smoking, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and clinic SBP, the use of diuretics (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.06-1.52, p&lt;0.05) was significantly associated with one nocturnal void, while evening SBP (OR: 1.009, 95%CI: 1.003-1.014, p&lt;0.01) and logBNP (1.43, 95%CI: 1.19-1.73, p&lt;0.001) were significantly associated with multiple nocturnal voids. While no significant interaction was found between evening SBP and logBNP for multiple nocturnal voids in the total population (p=0.1), a significant interaction was found between evening SBP and logBNP for multiple nocturnal voids only in females (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, the use of diuretics was a significant indicator of single nocturnal void, while evening SBP and BNP were those of multiple nocturnal voids in the high-risk Japanese population. Specifically, in the females, treatment to reduce BP burden as well as cardiac overload might be important to improve sleep disturbance caused by nocturia.

Assessment of Outcomes After Stopping Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Among Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been associated with improved survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) but are also associated with adverse effects, especially fatigue and diarrhea. Discontinuation of TKIs is safe and is associated with the successful achievement of treatment-free remission (TFR) for some patients. To evaluate molecular recurrence (MRec) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after TKI discontinuation for US patients with CML. The Life After Stopping TKIs (LAST) study was a prospective single-group nonrandomized clinical trial that enrolled 172 patients from 14 US academic medical centers from December 18, 2014, to December 12, 2016, with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. Participants were adults with chronic-phase CML whose disease was well controlled with imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, or bosutinib. Statistical analysis was performed from August 13, 2019, to March 23, 2020. Discontinuation of TKIs. Molecular recurrence, defined as loss of major molecular response (BCR-ABL1 International Scale ratio >0.1%) by central laboratory testing, and PROs (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System computerized adaptive tests) were monitored. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) was performed on samples with undetectable BCR-ABL1 by standard real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR). Of 172 patients, 89 were women (51.7%), and the median age was 60 years (range, 21-86 years). Of 171 patients evaluable for molecular analysis, 112 (65.5%) stayed in major molecular response, and 104 (60.8%) achieved TFR. Undetectable BCR-ABL1 by either ddPCR or RQ-PCR at the time of TKI discontinuation (hazard ratio, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.99-6.50; P < .001) and at 3 months (hazard ratio, 5.86; 95% CI, 3.07-11.1; P < .001) was independently associated with MRec. Molecular recurrence for patients with detectable BCR-ABL1 by RQ-PCR was 50.0% (14 of 28), undetectable BCR-ABL1 by RQ-PCR but detectable by ddPCR was 64.3% (36 of 56), and undetectable BCR-ABL1 by both ddPCR and RQ-PCR was 10.3% (9 of 87) (P ≤ .001). Of the 112 patients in TFR at 12 months, 90 (80.4%) had a clinically meaningful improvement in fatigue, 39 (34.8%) had a clinically meaningful improvement in depression, 98 (87.5%) had a clinically meaningful improvement in diarrhea, 24 (21.4%) had a clinically meaningful improvement in sleep disturbance, and 5 (4.5%) had a clinically meaningful improvement in pain interference. Restarting a TKI resulted in worsening of PROs. In this study, TKI discontinuation was safe, and 60.8% of patients remained in TFR. Discontinuation of TKIs was associated with improvements in PROs. These findings should assist patients and physicians in their decision-making regarding discontinuation of TKIs. Detectable BCR-ABL1 by RQ-PCR or ddPCR at the time of TKI discontinuation was associated with higher risk of MRec; clinical application of this finding should be confirmed in other studies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02269267.

Sensory Stimulation for Nursing-Home Residents: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Its Effects on Sleep Quality and Rest-Activity Rhythm in Dementia

Introduction: Disrupted sleep-wake cycles might be associated with an exacerbation of behavioural disturbances and accelerate disease progression in dementia. The effect of sensory stimulation for improving sleep quality is unclear. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed and all studies examining the effects of a sensory stimulation intervention (i.e. bright light, massage, acupuncture, animal-assisted interventions) on rest-activity rhythm (RAR) and/or nocturnal restlessness in nursing-home residents with dementia were included. Results: Sensory stimulation was shown to improve nocturnal behavioural restlessness as well as sleep duration and continuation, but the effect on the number of awakenings, RAR, and daytime sleep was negligible. Notable was the high heterogeneity between studies regarding treatments and patients’ characteristics and sleep parameters. Conclusion: Sleep quality and nocturnal restlessness in nursing-home residents with dementia may benefit from sensory stimulation. An environment with sensory stimulation may prevent or improve sleep disturbances in nursing homes, and thereby contribute to a better quality of life for their patients.

Can mindfulness mechanistically target worry to improve sleep disturbances? Theory and study protocol for app-based anxiety program.

Anxiety is associated with sleep disturbance and insomnia. Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, have shown consistent anxiety reduction. Mindfulness training has been theorized to affect reinforcement learning, affecting habitual behaviors such as smoking and overeating, but a direct mechanistic link between the use of mindfulness training for anxiety reduction and improvement in sleep has not been studied. Moreover, the mechanisms by which mindfulness might affect worry and subsequent sleep disturbances have not been elucidated. This study protocol evaluates the impact an app-based mindfulness training program for anxiety might have on decreasing worry and improvement in sleep. A randomized controlled study will be conducted in approximately 80 adults with worry that interferes with their sleep. Participants will be randomly allocated (1:1) to two groups: treatment-as-usual (TAU) or TAU + App-Based Mindfulness Training (Unwinding Anxiety app). The primary outcomes will be the non-reactivity subscale of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep quality measures (Baer et al., 2008; Yu et al., 2011). Secondary outcomes will include the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Scale (Mehling et al., 2012; Meyer, Miller, Metzger, & Borkovec, 1990; Spitzer, Kroenke, Williams, & Löwe, 2006). This study will be the first to test the mechanism of app-based mindfulness training on worry and sleep disturbance. Testing the mechanistic effects of mindfulness training using the science of behavior change framework will help move the field forward both in further elucidation of potential mechanisms of mindfulness (e.g., targeting reinforcement learning) and determining whether such a platform might be a viable method for delivering high-fidelity treatment at scale and for a low cost. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).