Sleep Disruption Research Articles

Evaluation of Urban Plant Vegetation on the Effects of Flight Noise Around the Airport Area

In urban and industrial regions, noise pollution is becoming a bigger environmental issue, particularly around airports. Excessive noise can have a number of detrimental effects on people's physical and mental well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that extended exposure to noise can raise blood pressure, cause sleep disruptions, cause hearing loss, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The fast expansion of air travel and heightened airport operations in Indonesia have made the noise issue worse. A lot of study has been done on how to lessen airport noise. More environmentally friendly natural solutions, such as the use of plants as noise barriers, have attracted attention as effective and sustainable alternatives. It is hoped that this research can provide practical and effective solutions that not only reduce noise but also support environmental sustainability. Thus, the results of this research will provide long-term benefits for the community around the airport and educational institutions such as the Indonesian Aviation Academy Banyuwangi. With an average noise reduction percentage of 46.79%, the study's results demonstrate the most notable decrease in noise levels. With a noise reduction of 29.54%, Tunas Merah comes in second. With a noise reduction of 23.94%, the TFan spruce comes in third. Noise is only decreased by 17.77% in the absence of barrier plants.

Treatment Algorithms for Continuous Low-Level Heat Wrap Therapy for the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain: An Italian Position Paper.

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP), which impacts bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, is a substantial worldwide pain disorder, characterized by muscle soreness, fatigue, inflammation, muscle spasms, sleep disruptions, and functional limitations. MSP is predominantly managed within the primary care setting. Recent consensus recognizes that heat therapy (HT) may provide potential benefits, especially in treating chronic MSP. To develop shared algorithms for the treatment of MSP through local superficial HT (SHT) using continuous low-level heat wrap therapy, a four-member board of experts was designated. Three anatomical sites have been deemed of particular interest regarding potential response to exogenous SHT. Neck and shoulder pain are commonly attributed to traumatic experiences, muscle spasms, postural defects, or poor posture as common potential causes. HT may be helpful for painful contractures, although treatment should be limited in duration to prevent instability. Low back pain, the leading cause of disability, may have either specific or non-specific etiology. SHT, physical therapy, instrumental therapy, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, motor activity, and trunk orthoses are all potential treatment options. SHT should be considered in chronic degenerative disc disease, non-specific LBP with muscle spasm or contracture, postural and overuse myalgia, and osteoarthritis (OA), excluding the inflammatory phase. Assessment of knee pain includes both a review of the patient's medical history and a careful physical examination. SHT of the knee should be considered in case of muscle spasms, overuse pathology, early OA, and indirect muscle lesions. Patients who receive SHT may experience a reduction in pain, restoration of muscle strength, loosening of stiffness, and an overall improvement in their quality of life. This expert opinion proposes shared algorithms for MSP treatment via local SHT with the aiming to provide practical guidance on its proper application, highlighting specific potentialities as well as contraindications.

Interaction of Clock gene variants and behavioral parameters influences adiposity-related traits

ABSTRACT Obesity, a major health concern, is influenced by an individual’s genetic makeup and lifestyle factors (eating, sedentary lifestyle, and sleep disruptions) that affect circadian clock and metabolism. This study investigates the impact of Clock gene variants rs6843722 and rs4864548 on obesity measures in the Pakistani population. Genetic-behavior interaction studies have focused on Western populations, overlooking South Asians. We included 306 overweight/obese and 306 normal-weight controls, matched for age and gender. Anthropometric measures (BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and body fat percentage) were taken using standard procedures while behavioral data (dietary and sleep-related behaviors, shiftwork, and physical activity) was collected by questionnaire. Genotyping was performed by Taqman assays. Data was analyzed using SPSS 19.0. Rank-based inverse normal transformation was executed for quantitative non-normal variables. The linear regression revealed that both Clock gene variants interacted significantly with dietary and sleep-related behaviors and low physical activity, impacting adiposity measures regardless of age and gender. Shiftwork interacted specifically with rs6843722, increasing body fat percentage. This study indicates that Clock gene variants, when interacting with lifestyle factors, play a substantial role in increasing obesity risk highlighting the link between lifestyle choices and disturbances in circadian rhythms controlled by Clock gene variations, ultimately leading to obesity.

An integrated multi-omics analysis identifies novel regulators of circadian rhythm and sleep disruptions under unique light environment in Antarctica.

Light is the dominant zeitgeber for biological clocks, and its regulatory mechanism for sleep-wake activity has been extensively studied. However, the molecular pathways through which the unique Antarctic light environment, with polar days in summer and polar nights in winter, affects human sleep and circadian rhythm remain largely unidentified, although previous studies have observed delayed circadian rhythm and sleep disruptions among expeditioners during polar nights. In this study, we conducted comprehensive dynamic research on the expeditioners residing in Antarctica for over one year. By integrating the phenotypic changes with multi-omics data, we tried to identify the novel candidate regulators and their correlation networks involved in circadian and sleep disorders under abnormal light exposure. We found that during the austral winter, expeditioners exhibited delayed bedtime and getting up time, reduced sleep efficiency, and increased sleep fragmentation. Meanwhile, serum dopamine metabolite levels significantly increased, while serotonin metabolites and antioxidants decreased. These changes were accompanied by altered expression of genes and proteins associated with neural functions, cellular activities, transcriptional regulation, and so on. Through the correlation and causal mediation analysis, we identified several potential pathways modulating human sleep-wake activity, involving genes and proteins related to neural function, glucose metabolism, extracellular matrix homeostasis, and some uncharacterized lncRNAs. Based on the identified causal mediators, LASSO regression analysis further revealed a novel candidate gene, Shisa Family Member 8 (SHISA8), as a potential key regulatory hub in this process. These findings shed light on the probable molecular mechanisms of sleep disorders in Antarctica and suggest SHISA8 as a novel candidate target for medical intervention in sleep disorders under unique light environments.

Progressive noradrenergic degeneration and motor cortical dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.

The locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) system plays an important role in regulating brain function, and its neuronal loss has been well-documented in Parkinson's disease (PD). The LC-NE neurodegeneration is believed to underlie various nonmotor symptoms in people with PD, including neuropsychiatric deficits, sleep disruptions, and cognitive impairments. Of particular interest, LC-NE neurons send intensive axonal projections to the motor regions of the cerebral cortex. However, how NE depletion in the motor cortex contributes to PD pathophysiology remains poorly understood. In addition, recent studies provided increasing mechanistic insights into secondary changes in the cerebral cortex as LC-NE degenerates, which might involve its interaction with dopaminergic signaling during the chronic course of the disease. In the present article, we briefly discuss clinical and preclinical studies that support the critical roles of LC-NE neurodegeneration and motor cortical dysfunction in both motor and nonmotor deficits in Parkinsonian states. We focus our discussion on the potential impact of LC-NE neurodegeneration on motor cortical function and the subsequent symptom manifestation. Last, we propose future research directions that can advance our understanding of cortical pathophysiology in PD by integrating noradrenergic degeneration.

Cognitive Impairment Mechanisms in High-Altitude Exposure: Proteomic and Metabolomic Insights.

High-altitude exposure can adversely affect neurocognitive functions; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Why and how does high-altitude exposure impair neurocognitive functions, particularly sleep? This study seeks to identify the molecular markers and mechanisms involved, with the goal of forming prevention and mitigation strategies for altitude sickness. Using serum proteomics and metabolomics, we analyzed blood samples from 23 Han Chinese plain dwellers before and after six months of high-altitude work in Tibet. The correlation analysis revealed biomarkers associated with cognitive alterations. Six months of high-altitude exposure significantly compromised cognitive function, notably, sleep quality. The key biomarkers implicated include SEPTIN5, PCBP1, STIM1, UBE2L3/I/N, amino acids (l/d-aspartic acid and l-glutamic acid), arachidonic acid, and S1P. Immune and neural signaling were suppressed, with sex-specific differences observed. This study innovatively identified GABA, arachidonic acid, l-glutamic acid, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, and d-aspartic acid as biomarkers and elucidated the underlying mechanisms contributing to high-altitude-induced neurocognitive decline with a particular focus on sleep disruption. These findings pave the way for developing preventive measures and enhancing adaptation strategies. This study underscores the physiological significance of high-altitude adaptation, raising new questions about sex-specific responses and long-term consequences. It sets the stage for future research exploring individual variability and intervention efficacy.

Sarcopenia Seems to Be Common in Older Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder characterized by nocturnally exacerbating pain that leads to significant sleep disturbances. The hormonal and metabolic changes caused by sleep disruption may increase the incidence of muscle-related diseases like sarcopenia in older adults, which is defined by a progressive loss of muscle strength and mass. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between RLS and sarcopenia, which may affect each other through common pathophysiological pathways in older adults. This was a cross-sectional study including 109 patients with RLS and 220 without RLS who applied to the geriatric clinic. RLS was assessed using the Turkish version of the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People-2 criteria. All the demographics, comorbid conditions, medications and findings of comprehensive geriatric assessments were recorded. The association between RLS and sarcopenia was examined by logistic regression. The mean age was 75 ± 7.4 and 73.8 ± 7 years for the RLS and the control groups, respectively (p > 0.05) and the ratio of females was higher in the RLS group (69.7% vs. 57.9%) (p = 0.035). The frequencies of coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension (HT) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) were significantly higher in RLS patients (p = 0.020, p = 0.047, p = 0.010, respectively), while the prevalence of anaemia was 41% and 25-OH Vitamin D levels (25[OH]D) were higher than in the control group (p < 0.001). The frequency of probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia was higher in patients with RLS than in controls (20% vs. 11%, p = 0.037 and 8% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.047, respectively). A significant association between RLS and an increased likelihood of probable sarcopenia, sarcopenia and slow gait speed (odds ratio [OR]: 2.621, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.265, 5.431]; OR: 4.542, 95% CI [1.284, 16.071]; OR: 2.663, 95% CI [1.432, 4.951], respectively) was found after adjusting for factors such as gender, HT, CAD, PAD, serum 25(OH)D levels, anaemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and nutritional status. However, the significance of low muscle mass disappeared (p > 0.05). This study demonstrated that sarcopenia is prevalent among older patients with RLS, which seems to be associated with low muscle strength and slow gait speed. Given the negative health outcomes related to sarcopenia, interventions aimed at preventing its development could be significantly beneficial for patients with RLS in older adults as well.

A Single Night in Hypoxia Either with or without Ketone Ester Ingestion Reduces Sleep Quality Without Impacting Next Day Exercise Performance

ABSTRACT Background Sleeping at altitude is highly common in athletes as an integral part of altitude training camps or sport competitions. However, concerns have been raised due to expected negative effects on sleep quality, thereby potentially hampering exercise recovery and next-day exercise performance. We recently showed that ketone ester (KE) ingestion beneficially impacted sleep following strenuous, late evening exercise in normoxia, and alleviated hypoxemia. Therefore, we hypothesized that KE ingestion may be an effective strategy to attenuate hypox(em)ia-induced sleep dysregulations. Methods Eleven healthy, male participants completed three experimental sessions including normoxic training and subsequent sleep in normoxia or at a simulated altitude of 3,000 m while receiving either KE or placebo post-exercise and pre-sleep. Sleep was evaluated using polysomnography, while next-day exercise performance was assessed through a 30-min all-out time trial (TT30’). Physiological measurements included oxygen status, heart rate variability, ventilatory parameters, blood acid-base balance and capillary blood gases. Results Hypoxia caused a ~3% drop in sleep efficiency, established through a doubled wakefulness after sleep onset and a ~22% reduction in slow wave sleep. KE ingestion alleviated the gradual drop in SpO2 throughout the first part of the night, but did not alter hypoxia-induced sleep dysregulations. Neither KE, nor nocturnal hypoxia affected TT30’ performance, but nocturnal hypoxia hampered heart rate recovery following TT30’. Conclusions We observed that sleeping at 3,000 m altitude impairs sleep efficiency. Although this hypoxia-induced sleep disruption was too subtle to limit exercise performance, we for the first time indicate that sleeping at altitude might impair next-day exercise recovery. KE alleviated nocturnal hypoxemia only when SpO2 values dropped below ~85%, but this did not translate into improved sleep or next-day exercise performance.

Electroacupuncture Regulates Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Expression in a Mouse Fibromyalgia Model: Pharmacological and Chemogenetic Modulation.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness usually accompanied by long-lasting, general pain throughout the body, often accompanied by anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disruption. Meanwhile, doctors and scientists have not entirely discovered detailed mechanisms; patients always have an exaggerated sensation to pervasive pain without satisfied medical service. Given the lack of knowledge on its underlying mechanism, current treatments aim to provide pain and/or symptom relief. The present study aimed to clarify the role of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) signaling in a mouse fibromyalgia pain model. To develop the mouse fibromyalgia model, mice were subjected to intermittent cold stress (ICS). Our results indicated that mechanical (2.09 ± 0.09 g) and thermal hyperalgesia (4.77 ± 0.29 s), which were evaluated by von Frey and Hargraves' tests, were induced by ICS, suggesting successful modeling. The hurting replies were then provoked by electroacupuncture (EA) but not for sham EA mice. Further, in a Western blot analysis, we found significantly decreased CB1 protein levels in the thalamus, somatosensory cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, the levels of pain-related protein kinases and transcription factor were increased. Treatment with EA reliably increased CB1 expression in various brain regions sequentially alleviated by nociceptive mediators. Furthermore, the administration of a CB1 agonist significantly attenuated fibromyalgia pain, reversed EA analgesia by the CB1 antagonist, and further reversed the chemogenetic inhibition of SSC. Our innovative findings evidence the role of CB1 signaling in the interaction of EA and fibromyalgia, suggesting its potential for clinical trials and as a treatment target.

Exploring the impact of aerobic exercise on sleep quality in older adults: A systematic review

Problem: Sleep disturbances are common and impact health, yet the most effective exercise modalities for improving sleep quality remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of aerobic and resistance training in enhancing sleep quality and related health outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of various exercise modalities, including aerobic and resistance training, in improving sleep quality and related health indices, and to determine the most helpful techniques for managing sleep disruptions in old. Methods: This study utilized a systematic literature review approach, gathering and analyzing scientific articles on the effects of exercise on athlete immune function. Articles were sourced from Scopus using search terms such as "aerobic exercise" OR "aerobic training" OR "cardiovascular exercise" OR "endurance exercise" AND "sleep quality" OR "sleep disturbance" OR "sleep improvement" OR "sleep duration" OR "sleep patterns" OR "insomnia" AND "elderly" OR "older adults" OR "aging population" OR "senior citizens" OR "aged" AND "effect" OR "impact" OR "outcome" OR "influence" with a focus on studies published within the past five years that evaluate exercise interventions on immune enhancement in athletes. After collecting relevant articles, descriptive analysis was conducted to identify consistent patterns and findings. Results: Aerobic exercise was consistently the most effective intervention for improving overall sleep quality, including sleep efficiency, duration, and deep sleep, along with cognitive function and inflammation markers. Resistance and combined training also demonstrated significant benefits, with resistance training enhancing sleep onset latency and duration. These findings highlight exercise as a versatile, non-pharmacological approach to improving sleep health in diverse populations. Aerobic exercise was consistently the most effective intervention for improving overall sleep quality, including sleep efficiency, duration, and deep sleep, along with cognitive function and inflammation markers. Resistance and combined training also demonstrated significant benefits, with resistance training enhancing sleep onset latency and duration. These findings highlight exercise as a versatile, non-pharmacological approach to improving sleep health in diverse populations. Conclusion: This systematic study suggests that aerobic exercise improves sleep quality in older persons. Sleep disturbances decreased and sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and sleep start latency improved in multiple studies.

Sleep in hospitalized children with cancer: relationship with psychiatric disorders and hospital conditions.

Children with cancer often undergo prolonged and recurrent hospitalization, which leads to an increased incidence of sleep disruptions and psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to objectively quantify the prevalence of sleep disruptions in hospitalized pediatric oncology patients and to determine the effects of psychiatric disorders, treatment regimens, and hospital conditions on sleep patterns. This cross-sectional study included 39 children who were undergoing treatment and monitoring in the pediatric oncology inpatient service. Parents completed questionnaires providing information about their child's sleep patterns, quality of life, and hospital conditions. The children were monitored for five days using actigraphy to record sleep parameters. They were evaluated with a semi-structured interview form (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version-DSM 5-Turkish Adaptation) for psychiatric diagnoses. Sleep disruptions were identified in 27 (69.2%) children with cancer. In addition to adjustment disorder and anxiety disorder psychiatric diagnoses, behavioral problems and emotional symptoms were more common in the group with sleep disruptions. Actigraphy measurements indicated that poor sleep was associated with younger age, recent cancer diagnosis, specific phobias, depression, daytime napping, and frequent vital sign assessments. Sleep problems in hospitalized children with cancer are linked to psychiatric comorbidities, treatment routines, and hospital conditions. By recognizing psychiatric symptoms and optimizing hospital conditions that affect sleep, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of sleep for these children.

Evaluate First-Year Nursing Students' Understanding of Sleep Hygiene and Quality

Nursing students sometimes suffer from severe sleep problems as a result of academic pressure and environmental changes, despite the fact that getting enough sleep is essential for cognitive performance and general health. The purpose of this study is to assess sleep habits and knowledge of sleep hygiene and how it affects the quality of sleep. Purposive sampling was used to choose 60 first-year nursing students as a sample. A self-administered knowledge questionnaire, the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), and a demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. 55% of the students were between the ages of 18 and 20, 70% lived in rental housing, and 93.33% lived far from their family, according to the demographic data. The findings showed that the individuals experienced substantial sleep disturbances: nightmare problem and sleep apnea affected 22.4% of them, hypersomnia affected 10.5%, and insomnia affected 27.4% of them. Inadequate sleep length and erratic sleep schedules were common examples of poor sleep hygiene habits. The study discovered that the absence of a reliable support network, study pressure, and changes in the surroundings were the main causes of poor sleep quality. The results show how urgently nursing students' sleep hygiene and quality need to be improved. Resolving these problems may improve their general wellbeing and academic achievement. To lessen the negative effects of sleep disruptions, more study should concentrate on creating focused ways for enhancing sleep hygiene practices within this population.

COMPLEX PHYSICAL THERAPY OF PATIENTS WITH ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS

Adhesive capsulitis is predominantly an idiopathic condition and is more common in patients with metabolic disorders. PS contracture can be of varying degrees of severity, depending on the pathology of the PS with which we are dealing. This condition greatly aff ects work capacity and quality of life due to the presence of pain, discomfort and limitation of daily life activities. Prolonged pain syndrome can provoke sleep disorders and depression. Disruption of normal sleep, pain and depression form a pathological closed circle and contribute to the maintenance of the pathological process in the locus morbi.The development of a comprehensive program of physical therapy for patients with adhesive capsulitis with the use of modern means of recovery, which will reduce the risk of the disease re-emerging, and will also contribute to the faster recovery of the functional capacity of the musculoskeletal system of the patients.The objective of the study. The develop and practically substantiate a comprehensive program of therapy for patients with adhesive capsulitis using physical therapy.Materials and Research Methods. The study is based on a comprehensive therapeutic approach for 36 patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis in the acute phase of the condition. The assessed parameters included X-ray and computed tomography results, evaluation of range of motion in the shoulder joint, joint- muscle apparatus, and analysis of pain intensity indicators.Conclusions. To improve the condition of patients and optimize the process of treatment and rehabilitation of patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint in the acute period, it is advisable to use with the diff erentiation of means of therapeutic intervention according to the diagnosis of the international classifi cation of functioning, optimization of physiotherapeutic means and special means of physical therapy allowed to shorten the terms of treatment and recovery of patients with adhesive capsulitis. It was determined that the best combination of means of therapeutic intervention for patients with adhesive capsulitis is the use of a complex of ideomotor exercises to create the patient’s idea of correct movement; correct positioning of the limb during sleep, everyday and professional activity; passive exercises to increase the volume of painless movements (bending, external rotation); restorationof the pattern of typical motor actions and optimization of physiotherapeutic means due to the use of shock wave and TENS therapy signifi cantly improved the eff ectiveness of their recovery in the short-term and long-term stages of the acute period of rehabilitation.

Functional and vascular neuroimaging in maritime pilots with long-term sleep disruption.

The mechanism underlying the possible causal association between long-term sleep disruption and Alzheimer's disease remains unclear Musiek et al. 2015. A hypothesised pathway through increased brain amyloid load was not confirmed in previous work in our cohort of maritime pilots with long-term work-related sleep disruption Thomas et al. Alzheimer's Res Ther 2020;12:101. Here, using functional MRI, T2-FLAIR, and arterial spin labeling MRI scans, we explored alternative neuroimaging biomarkers related to both sleep disruption and AD: resting-state network co-activation and between-network connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SAL) and frontoparietal network (FPN), vascular damage and cerebral blood flow (CBF). We acquired data of 16 maritime pilots (56 ± 2.3years old) with work-related long-term sleep disruption (23 ± 4.8 working years) and 16 healthy controls (59 ± 3.3years old), with normal sleep patterns (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ≤ 5). Maritime pilots did not show altered co-activation in either the DMN, FPN, or SAL and no differences in between-network connectivity. We did not detect increased markers of vascular damage in maritime pilots, and additionally, maritime pilots did not show altered CBF-patterns compared to healthy controls. In summary, maritime pilots with long-term sleep disruption did not show neuroimaging markers indicative of preclinical AD compared to healthy controls. These findings do not resemble those of short-term sleep deprivation studies. This could be due to resiliency to sleep disruption or selection bias, as participants have already been exposed to and were able to deal with sleep disruption for multiple years, or to compensatory mechanisms Mentink et al. PLoS ONE. 2021;15(12):e0237622. This suggests the relationship between sleep disruption and AD is not as strong as previously implied in studies on short-term sleep deprivation, which would be beneficial for all shift workers suffering from work-related sleep disruptions.

Assessment of psychometric properties of the Dari version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among Afghans

BackgroundSleep helps in improving the functions of all systems of human body. Disturbance in sleep can cause immediate adverse effects on normal human physiologic functions. Main objective of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Dari version of the of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among general adult population of Afghanistan.MethodsThis methodological study has been conducted during July to November 2023. Reliability and validity of PSQI were evaluated using Cronbach’s Alpha and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the convergent validity of the components of PSQI, comparing results with those obtained from the DASS-21 subdomains.ResultsIn this cross-sectional study, 965 Afghan adults were studied during five months of duration between July and November, 2023. Mean age of the study participants was 35.2 years. The prevalence of sleep disturbance was 44.6% (430/965). Among them, 59.3% (572/965) reported experiencing subjective sleep quality disturbances less than once a week, 36.2% (349/965) had sleep latency issues less than once a week, 17.6% (170/965) had sleep duration disruption once or twice a week, while 36.3% (350/965) had daytime dysfunction less than once a week. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the seven-component scale was 0.677, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Substantial and statistically significant positive correlations were present among the component of PSQI subjective sleep quality and sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, daytime dysfunction, DASS-Depression, DASS-Anxiety, and DASS-Stress. The overall PSQI exhibited favorable fit indices, supporting the proposed single-factor structure among adult Afghan population.ConclusionPrevalence of sleep disturbance was very high among adult population of Afghanistan. This study provided useful information that will help policy makers (such as ministry of public health as well as international donor agencies like WHO, USAID, and UNICEF) to design a better strategy to reduce the prevalence of sleep disturbance that affects health of the Afghan community at large.

Abstract 4128698: Mental Health and Sleep Quality as Determinants of Physical Activity Levels in Depressed Rural Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Background: Disparities in coronary heart disease (CHD) and other chronic related conditions, such as poor sleep quality and psychological distress, have been observed in rural areas. Both conditions can negatively affect disease progression, possibly through their impact on physical activity. The relationships, however, among sleep quality, psychological distress, and physical activity among depressed rural CHD patients have not been examined. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of sleep quality (i.e., sleep fragmentation [frequent sleep interruption] and nocturnal/sleep movement [increased rates of movement, ‘tossing and turning’ during sleep]) and psychological distress (i.e., anxiety and perceived stress) with levels of physical activity (i.e., sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous) in depressed rural patients with CHD. Methods: A total of 142 depressed rural CHD patients (aged 57.0±11.9 years, 97% White) completed surveys on demographic characteristics, anxiety (Brief Symptom Inventory), and stress (Perceived Stress Scale-4). Participants also wore accelerometer activity monitors for seven days (ActiGraph GT9X Link) to capture physical activity levels and sleep quality. Three different hierarchical regression models were conducted to predict each level of physical activity (sedentary, light, and moderate-vigorous) with predictor variables entered in blocks. Block 1 included demographic variables (i.e., age, sex, marital status, employment status). Block 2 included sleep quality measures, and Block 3 included psychological distress. Results: Participants spent 466±126.0 min/day while awake being sedentary, 483±119.9 min/day in light activity, and 90±65.9 min/day in moderate to vigorous activity. We found that stress was significantly associated with greater sedentary time (B = 6.56, p = .043) and less time in light activity (B = -7.99, p = .024). Nocturnal/sleep movement was significantly associated with increased sedentary time (B = 3.14, p &lt; .001) and decreased time in light (B = -5.29, p =.002) and moderate-vigorous activity (B = -2.58, p = .003). Anxiety was not associated with physical activity. Conclusions: Poor sleep quality and greater perceived stress are associated with a more sedentary lifestyle, a major risk factor for CHD. Addressing both stress and sleep management may play a role in reducing CHD risks associated with inactivity among depressed rural patients with CHD.

The Impact of Sleep Onset and Efficiency on Body Mass Index among College Students: A Factor Analysis Approach

Sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, and college students often face sleep issues due to various factors. Inadequate sleep, which affects metabolism and behavior, increases the risk of obesity. Prior studies typically examine individual sleep factors or compare them, neglecting potential interactions and the multidimensional role of sleep in health outcomes. Hence, this study surveyed the seven sleep components using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to identify factors affecting sleep quality and evaluate its effect on the body mass index of GE-Science, Technology, and Society (GE-STS) students in a private university in Cebu. Three factors were determined through factor analysis: Sleep Health, Sleep Onset and Maintenance Efficiency, and Sleep Disruption Intervention. Moreover, regression analysis supported the significant relationship (p = 0.023) between the sleep onset and maintenance efficiency factor and Body Mass Index (BMI), emphasizing its importance in designing sleep interventions for college students.

A Quasi-Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Hot Water Footbath Therapy on Quality of Sleep among Cancer Patients.

Sleep disruptions are common among cancer patients, adversely affecting their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Warm foot baths have emerged as a potential intervention to improve sleep quality in this population, offering a noninvasive and holistic approach. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 200 cancer patients in Rajasthan, India, with 100 participants in experimental and control groups. The hot water footbath intervention was administered to the experimental group, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using demographic pro forma and the Groningen Sleep Quality Scale. Baseline comparison revealed similar sleep quality levels between groups, but postintervention analysis showed significant differences. The experimental group exhibited higher proportions of disturbed and poor sleep, indicating a nuanced response to footbath intervention. However, the experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher mean sleep quality score (9.85 ± 2.47) compared to controls (8.97 ± 2.44). Statistical analysis confirmed the effectiveness of footbath therapy in improving sleep quality among cancer patients. Hot water footbath therapy effectively improved sleep quality among cancer patients despite varied responses within the experimental group. Integrating footbath therapy into cancer care regimens is recommended to alleviate sleep disturbances and enhance overall well-being during chemotherapy. Further research should explore additional nonpharmacological interventions to alleviate the challenges faced by cancer patients, aiming to optimize their quality of life.

Designing an all-laser processing and operating microheater conceptual device for medical applications

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the population, with a reported prevalence of 33% and 19% in males and females, respectively. OSA is associated with an increased risk of sudden death, with studies suggesting nearly double the risk compared to individuals without OSA. The condition is characterized by frequent sleep disruptions due to airway collapse, often at the level of the tongue or soft palate. Current treatment approaches primarily rely on radiofrequency (RF) ablation for tissue volume reduction. While effective, this technique can cause significant collateral damage and postoperative pain due to extensive burning of surrounding tissues. To avoid such drawbacks, in this work it is proposed and discussed the features of a possible conceptual all-laser-processing and operating device that can produce localized heat affected zones, with the possibility to monitor the local temperature during the procedure. The device is based on the eutectic composition of the system Al2O3-YAG, with double doping Nd3+ and Cr3+ crystalline fiber tip, which is prepared by the Laser-Heated Pedestal Growth technique on a sapphire single crystal fiber end. The results showed that the tip, although highly Nd3+-doped, follows the Jackson-Hunt relation for binary eutectic compounds. The lifetime of the luminescence produced by the Cr3+ doping, emitted by the eutectic tip, can act as a temperature sensor for the device in the range of 30 to 100 °C.

Intersection of Sleep Disorders and Parkinson Disease: Unveiling the Bidirectional Relationship.

Patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) frequently exhibit non-motor symptoms, particularly sleep disturbances. Sleep disorders in PD patients are intricately linked to the pathogenesis and progression of PD itself, exacerbating neurodegenerative processes and worsening patient quality of life. This review underscores the significance of sleep disorders in PD, highlighting their prevalence, impact on disease progression, and the bidirectional relationship between sleep disruption and neurodegeneration. It aims to enhance clinician awareness for better diagnosis and management of sleep-related comorbidities in PD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus using key terms such as "sleep disorders", "Parkinson's disease", "REM sleep behavior disorder", "restless legs syndrome", "insomnia", "obstructive sleep apnea", "excessive daytime sleepiness", "circadian rhythm disorders", "sleep and neurodegeneration". Sleep disorders are prevalent in PD affecting up to 90% of patients. Conditions such as insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, restless legs syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, and circadian rhythm disorders are commonly reported. These disorders are linked to multifactorial biological mechanisms and are associated with more severe disease phenotypes. Of note, several evidence shows that sleep abnormalities may contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, further accelerating the disease course. Sleep disturbances are critical non-motor symptoms in PD. Early diagnosis and tailored management of sleep disorders are essential for improving clinical outcomes and potentially offering neuroprotective benefits.