Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Research Articles

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Sleep, Daytime Sleepiness, and Depression-Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has presented significant challenges to global health, with acute and chronic implications for various aspects of well-being, including sleep and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and quality of life in hospitalised and home-treated patients after three and six months. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted, enrolling hospitalised patients from a single clinical university hospital and home-treated participants through a survey spread through social networks. Individuals who had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the past three months and had a symptomatic course of the disease were included in the study. Participants with previously diagnosed sleep disorders were excluded from the study. Participants were evaluated using internationally validated self-evaluation scales, including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Data were collected three and six months after laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, with informed consent obtained from all participants. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact, Pearson Chi tests and Spearman correlation. Results were considered statistically significant with p value < 0.05. Results: In total, 66 participants with a mean age of 44.05 ± 21.61 years were enrolled in the study. Most patients (n = 36) were treated at home and 30 at hospital. Six months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, home-treated patients reported a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality (52.8%, n = 19, p = 0.015, PSQI) and hospitalised patients showed a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms (p < 0.001, PHQ-9) as 90% (n = 27) had minimal or no symptoms compared to 30.6% (n = 11) in a home-treated group. Conclusions: These findings mark the importance of the COVID-19 patients' management settings as people treated at home had worse sleep quality and more depressive symptoms six months after infection indicating worse life quality.

Prevalence and impact of sleep-related breathing disorder in multiple system atrophy patients: a cross-sectional study and meta-analysis.

Sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD) is a prevalent non-motor symptom in multiple system atrophy (MSA). However, the reported prevalence of SRBD in MSA from different studies has shown inconsistency. Additionally, only one study has examined the impact of SRBD on both motor and non-motor symptoms in MSA. Cross-sectional study of 66 patients with probable MSA from China. SRBD was ascertained with polysomnography (PSG). All the MSA individuals were assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Unified Multiple-System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Moreover, a meta-analysis was conducted by searching studies related to MSA and SRBD in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Data were pooled as necessary to calculate prevalence of SBRD with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Our study included 66 patients with MSA, 52 of whom had a diagnosis of SRBD (78.8%). There were no significant differences between the MSA with SRBD and without SRBD groups on the age, sex, disease onset, disease duration, UMSARS I, II, and IV, the NMSS, the HAMA, HAMD, the ESS the FSS, the MMSE, and the PSQI scales. However, MSA patients with SRBD having a significant higher obstructive apnea index and percentage of snoring during sleep than MSA patients without SRBD [10.0 (4.1-10.6) vs. 0.1 (0-0.3), and 8.3 (5.1-12.2) vs. 4.2 (0-7.5)]. Also, between the two groups, the mean and minimum oxygen concentrations during sleep were lower in MSA patients with SRBD than in those without SRBD [93.7 (93-95) vs. 95.5 (95.8-97), p = 0.001] and [83.9 (81.2-89.0) vs. 90.3 (89.8-93.3), p = 0.000]. The primary search strategy identified 701 articles, with 10 meeting the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of SRBD in a combined sample of 295 MSA patients was found to be 60.5% (95% CI, 43.2-76.5%). Further analysis revealed that the prevalence of SRBD in MSA patients in Asia was 79.2% (95% CI, 54.7-96.3%), which was higher than that in Europe (41.6, 95% CI, 32-51.5%). The study found a prevalence of 78.8% of SRBD in MSA patients, with a notably higher prevalence in Asia compared to Europe. The majority of SRBD cases in MSA were attributed to obstructive apnea. Furthermore, the presence of SRBD did not show a significant impact on the motor and non-motor symptoms of MSA patients.

Exploring the correlation between paediatric narcolepsy and serum neurofilament light chain levels: An exploratory study

BackgroundThe study seeks to assess serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in paediatric narcolepsy-diagnosed patients. Moreover, it aims to explore the correlation between NfL levels and the severity of narcolepsy symptoms, sleep quality, and manifestations of anxiety and depression. MethodsThis retrospective analysis included 98 paediatric narcolepsy cases and 100 controls matched for age and gender. The study focused on comparing serum NfL levels across these groups. Severity of EDS in patients was measured with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Moreover, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HAMD-24), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale-14 (HAMA-14) were used to assess narcolepsy symptoms, sleep quality, and psychological conditions. ResultsPatients with paediatric narcolepsy had significantly higher serum NfL levels than controls (P < 0.05). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between serum NfL levels and ESS scores (P < 0.001). An independent link between serum NfL and paediatric narcolepsy was established via multiple logistic regression (OR = 0.943, 95 % CI = 0.921–0.993, P = 0.004). Moreover, serum NfL's diagnostic precision for paediatric narcolepsy was evident from the ROC curve area of 0.938 (95 % CI: 0.86–0.99, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe study implies a positive correlation between increased serum NfL levels and the severity of paediatric narcolepsy. Nevertheless, the causative link between serum NfL levels and paediatric narcolepsy remains uncertain, highlighting the need for larger sample sizes and well-structured cohort studies to offer more definitive.

Sleep disturbance, suicidal ideation and psychosis-risk symptoms in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis

Insomnia and suicidal ideation (SI) are common in schizophrenia, including in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P). Previous studies have found associations between sleep disturbance, SI, and psychopathology in schizophrenia. We explored these associations in a CHR-P cohort. We leveraged data from CHR-P individuals in the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Studies (NAPLS-3) (n = 688) cohort. We investigated relationships between sleep disturbance (Scale of Prodromal Symptoms [SOPS]; Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia [CDSS], and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), suicidal ideation (CDSS), and psychosis-risk symptoms. The prevalence of terminal insomnia, sleep disturbance, and SI in NAPLS3 was 25 %, 69 %, and 29 %, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, multiple indices of sleep disturbance (SOPS, PSQI: OR = 1.05–1.40) were significant indicators of concurrent SI. Terminal insomnia was not associated with conversion to psychosis. Multiple indices of sleep problems were associated with higher total and subscale psychosis-risk symptom scores (β = 0.09–0.39). Sleep problems are prevalent and associated with SI and more severe psychosis-risk symptoms in CHR-P individuals. These findings underscore the importance of designing longitudinal intervention studies to investigate whether the treatment of sleep disturbances may reduce suicidality and symptoms in this population.

Prevalence of sleep disturbances among intensive care nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Demanding intensive care unit (ICU) work environments may lead to sleep disturbances in nurses, impacting their health and potentially patient safety. Yet, the prevalence remains unclear around the world. To quantify the prevalence of sleep disturbances in intensive care nurses. Systematic review and meta-analysis. A database search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL from their inception to April 2024 for relevant studies. Data from observational studies (cross-sectional or cohort) that reported the prevalence of sleep disturbances, assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI > 5), pooled in random-effects meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses were used to investigate variations in the prevalence estimates in terms of available variables. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)-compliant protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023476428). In total, 24 articles were included in this study published from 1996 to 2023. Included studies were from 15 unique countries. Almost all of the studies were descriptive cross-sectional studies (n = 22; 91.7%). The included studies encompassed a range of intensive care nurses, from 42 to 605, involving a total of 3499 intensive care nurses. The reported proportion of intensive care nurses with sleep disturbances ranged from 20.0% to 100.0%, with a median of 76.7% (interquartile range: 62.9-85.7). The pooled prevalence of sleep disturbances in intensive care nurses was 75.1% (95% confidence interval: 37.2-53.1; 95% prediction interval: 30.5-95.4). Sleep disturbance is a common issue in intensive care nurses. The study results highlight the importance of implementing effective interventions as early as possible to improve ICU sleep quality. High prevalence of sleep disturbances among intensive care nurses necessitates global interventions. Gender-neutral approaches that acknowledge comparable risks and stable prevalence over time require long-term strategies. Raising awareness through programmes is vital for implementing evidence-based interventions to promote sleep health in intensive care nurses.

Effectiveness of the IKAP Nursing Mode in Improving the Prognosis of Patients after Spontaneous Pneumothorax Single-Hole Thoracoscopy: Retrospective Study

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the information-knowledge-attitude-practice (IKAP) nursing mode in improving the prognosis of patients after spontaneous pneumothorax single-hole thoracoscopy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax who underwent single-hole thoracoscopy from June 2020 to June 2023. Among these patients, 59 received traditional nursing care and 52 received care under the IKAP nursing mode. Data on patient demographics, intraoperative variables, rehabilitation time, complications, adverse events, pain scores, quality of life, psychological status, and sleep quality 72 hours after surgery were collected and compared between the two groups. Results: Compared with the traditional nursing group, the IKAP nursing group exhibited significantly shorter chest tube retention time (55.46 ± 9.26 hours vs. 60.74 ± 10.13 hours; p = 0.005), gas stop escape time (50.92 ± 8.73 hours vs. 55.13 ± 7.68 hours; p = 0.009), and overall hospitalization time (4.15 ± 1.53 days vs. 5.17 ± 2.46 days; p = 0.009); significantly lower rates of pleural infection (1.92% vs. 16.95%; p = 0.008) and bleeding events (1.92% vs. 16.95%; p = 0.008); and lower pain scores at 12 hours (4.56 ± 1.57 vs. 5.19 ± 1.14; p = 0.020) and 72 hours after surgery (2.84 ± 0.48 vs. 3.07 ± 0.45; p = 0.010). The patients under the IKAP nursing care also exhibited statistically significant improvements in somatization (81.72 ± 3.98 vs. 79.53 ± 4.02, p = 0.005) and emotion management (81.14 ± 5.26 vs. 78.10 ± 4.78, p = 0.002) compared with those under traditional nursing. Significantly lower levels of anxiety (10.37 ± 2.21 vs. 11.82 ± 2.53, p = 0.002), depression (9.37 ± 2.06 vs. 10.61 ± 2.35, p = 0.004), and stress (21.68 ± 4.16 vs. 23.54 ± 4.78, p = 0.032) were observed under the IKAP nursing mode compared with those under traditional nursing at 72 hours post-surgery. The IKAP nursing group exhibited better sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) score (7.94 ± 1.56 vs. 8.64 ± 1.95, p = 0.041) but longer sleep duration (7.45 ± 1.37 vs. 6.72 ± 1.29, p = 0.005) compared with the traditional nursing group. Conclusion: Compared with traditional nursing, the IKAP nursing mode demonstrated favorable outcomes including shorter rehabilitation times, reduced rates of postoperative complications, and improved pain management, emotion management, and sleep quality. This comprehensive and patient-centered approach shows potential to optimize the postoperative care, outcomes, and overall prognosis of patients undergoing thoracoscopy for spontaneous pneumothorax. Owing to its retrospective nature, the potential for selection bias and confounding variables in this work cannot be discounted. Future prospective studies with large and diverse cohorts are warranted to validate these findings.

Examination of the Effects of Pilates Exercises on Sleep Quality and Physical Activity.

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of pilates exercises applied to university students for 8 weeks on physical activity and sleep quality scores. Forty students (20 female, 20 male) studying at Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University voluntarily participated in the study. Individuals participating in the study were administered the International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ); short form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as well as personal information forms including demographic variables. Then, the experimental group practiced Pilates exercises for 8 weeks, 2 days a week, 60 minutes a day, and the training and measurement process was completed by retaking the information obtained as pre-tests through the forms. In the analysis of the data, the normality test was evaluated with Kolmogorov Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilks tests, and Pearson correlation analysis was used for the relationships between variables with normal distribution. Independent Sample T Test was used to compare variables. Confidence interval was 95% and values below p&amp;lt;0.05 were considered significant. According to the analysis results of the participants, it was determined that there were significant differences in favor of the experimental group in the Sleep Quality score (p=,041), Physical Activity total (p=,000) score and physical activity sub-dimensions (High, Medium, Walking) scores of 8-week pilates practices applied to university students. In addition, there was a moderate (r=637) positive correlation between total physical activity score and physical activity sub-dimensions. As a result, regular pilates exercises provided statistically significant differences in sleep quality, physical activity total score and physical activity sub-dimensions and increased the daily physical activity level in participants with a sports background. In the light of these results, we can recommend pilates exercises to increase physical activity level and sleep quality.

The impact of diet, physical activity, and sleep habits on obesity risk among female teachers in Lhokseumawe City

Unhealthy living behaviors and the double workload of female teachers have led to lifestyle changes that have an impact on the risk of obesity. This study aimed to determine the influence of diet, physical activity, and sleep habits on the risk of obesity among female teachers in Lhokseumawe City. This cross-sectional design research was conducted in Lhokseumawe City from November 2023 to April 2024 on 289 female teachers using multistage random sampling. Eating patterns were measured using a semi-FFQ questionnaire, physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), sleeping patterns using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and body mass index (BMI) using anthropometric measurements. Bivariate analysis uses the chi-square test and multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression. The results show, Physical activity (p=0.023, RP=2.295) and fat intake (p=0.007, RP=0.484) influenced the incidence of obesity, whereas carbohydrate intake (p=0.622), energy (0.524), protein (0.225), type of food (0.066), and sleep patterns (0.138) did not affect the incidence of obesity among female teachers in Lhokseumawe City. Conclusion: Physical activity is a dominant risk factor for obesity. The risk of obesity was 2.295 times greater for female teachers who were not physically active.

States of consciousness and interoceptive hypersensibility: A study in patients with insomnia disorder.

This exploratory study aimed to investigate the relationship between interoceptive sensibility and quality of consciousness in individuals with insomnia disorder, in order to understand how the modulation of internal states may contribute to modifying the experience of consciousness during sleep difficulties. A total of 37 patients with insomnia disorder (mean age = 46.05 ± 18.16) and 41 healthy good sleepers (mean age = 50.2 ± 12.99) underwent a psychometric sleep and interoceptive sensibility assessment, using Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA). Moreover, patients with insomnia disorder also completed a quality of consciousness evaluation, using the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI). Patients with insomnia disorder exhibited heightened interoceptive sensibility, particularly in noticing body sensations (p < 0.0001) and emotional awareness (p = 0.032), along with diminished abilities in attention regulation (p = 0.040), not-worrying (p = 0.001), and trusting (p = 0.002). Furthermore, correlations between interoceptive sensibility and multiple aspects of the consciousness state during the insomnia night were identified. Specifically, higher emotional awareness was linked to a 2.49-fold increase in the likelihood of subjectively experiencing altered consciousness states during insomnia. The study sheds light on the relationship between interoceptive sensibility and the subjective state of consciousness during insomnia, emphasising the importance of exploring and considering interoception as part of the therapeutic process for insomnia disorder. Given the exploratory nature of the study and the increased risk of type-I error from numerous correlations, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further research is needed to validate and confirm their robustness.

Prevalence of poor sleep quality during menopause: a meta-analysis.

Numerous researches have demonstrated that sleep quality deteriorates during menopause, but the prevalence rates vary between studies. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality during menopause and to explore potential moderators of discrepancies in prevalence between studies. Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase databases were comprehensively searched from database creation to June 19, 2024. Studies were included if they focused on menopausal women and provided an estimate of the prevalence of poor sleep quality, which could be derived from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Totally, 37 studies with 29,284 menopausal women were included in the analysis. A meta-analysis based on a random-effects model revealed that the prevalence of poor sleep quality during menopause was 50.8% (95% CI: 45.4-56.3%). The PSQI score was 6.24 (95% CI: 5.73-6.75). Subgroup analyses indicated that cut-off values of PSQI, menopausal status, age range, depressive symptoms and geographic region moderated the prevalence of poor sleep quality. Meta-regression analyses indicated that quality score was negatively correlated with the pooled prevalence. Poor sleep quality is a prevalent phenomenon among women during menopause. In light of the numerous adverse effects of poor sleep quality on menopausal women, it is of paramount importance to assess sleep quality on a regular basis and to implement effective interventions for menopausal women.

Uncovering the symptom relationshipamongsleep quality, anxiety, and depression in Chinese patients with breast cancer: multidimensional data validation using PSQI versus actigraphy.

The interplay between sleep quality, anxiety, and depression among breast cancer patients remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate and compare thesymptoms relationships among these three factors in Chinese breast cancer patients, utilizing two sleep assessments. Our study encompassed 288 participants diagnosed with breast cancer, from whom we collected demographic information through questionnaires. Sleep quality symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and wrist actigraphy, while anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Network analyses were conducted using R to calculate the centrality (strength) and further identify central symptoms and bridge symptoms in two networks that differed by sleep assessments. Central symptoms are closely related to other symptoms, whereas bridge symptoms indicate that symptoms may increasespread riskbetween different conditions. In the network using PSQI data, "I have lost interest in my appearance" had the highest strength centrality (rs = 2.417), followed by "sleep duration" (rs = 1.068) and "sleep efficiency" (rs = 0.955). In the network using wrist actigraphy data, "wake after sleep onset" had the highest strength value (rs = 2.437), followed by "sleep efficiency" (rs = 2.397) and "sleep latency" (rs = 1.506). Two bridge symptoms were identified: "I feel cheerful" and "I look forward with enjoyment to things" in both networks. Depressive symptoms played a leading role in the sleep-anxiety-depression network, underscoring the need for targeted intervention tailored to survivors' specific needs. Health workers can give priority to symptom-specific screening and therapies, incorporating psychological support into standard cancer care.

The relationship between adolescents' physical activity, circadian rhythms, and sleep.

To explore the correlation between physical activity, circadian rhythms, and sleep in adolescents, and analyze the influencing factors of sleep quality in this population. A total of 381 high school students were selected through cluster sampling in a specific high school. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was employed to categorize the participants into a good sleep quality group (n=199) and a poor sleep quality group (n=182). Comprehensive assessments were conducted using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), PSQI, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire-5 (MEQ-5), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The prevalence of poor sleep quality is 47.8%. The BMI in the poor sleep quality group is higher than that in the good sleep quality group, and the male ratio is lower than that in the good sleep quality group. The poor sleep quality group exhibits significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, evening chronotype, and low physical activity compared to the good sleep quality group.Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the PSQI total score and HAMA and HAMD scores, and a negative correlation with physical activity and MEQ-5 scores. Binary logistic stepwise regression analysis identified lack of physical activity, eveningness chronotype, anxiety, and depression as risk factors for poor sleep quality. Adolescent sleep quality is correlated with gender, BMI, anxiety, depression, chronotype, and physical activity levels. The findings highlight the importance of considering these factors in interventions aimed at improving sleep health in adolescents.

Association of anxiety, depression and sleep quality with binge-watching behavior in college students – An observational study

Abstract Background: Binge-watching is the habit of watching television or series for extended periods, often involving consecutive viewing of multiple episodes from the same series. This phenomenon is prevalent among adolescents and young adults, often likened to addiction due to its pervasive nature. It is intertwined with detrimental effects on physical health, mental well-being, social engagement, and academic performance. Neither the International Classification of Diseases, eleventh revision nor the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition have acknowledged binge-watching as a disorder. Aim: The aim of the study was to study the association of anxiety, depression, and sleep quality with binge-watching behavior in college students. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on students belonging to medical, dental, engineering, and arts. Sociodemographic details were taken. Binge-watching Engagement and Symptoms Questionnaire, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were applied. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The Chi-square test and analysis of variance were used. Results: In our study, which included 400 students from various academic specialities, 364 (91%) displayed binge-watching behavior. A significant association was found between binge-watching and measures of anxiety (BAI, P = 0.02), depression (BDI, P = 0.01), and sleep quality (PSQI, P = 0.03). Conclusions: A large proportion of students exhibited binge-watching behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of addressing binge-watching behaviors in promoting overall well-being among students. There is a need to monitor this behavior due to its deleterious effects.

Physical activity and sleep quality among pregnant women during the first and second trimesters are associated with mental health and adverse pregnancy outcomes

BackgroundAppropriate physical activity (PA) and good sleep are beneficial to maternal and fetal health. This paper sought to explore the associations of PA and sleep quality among healthy women at the first and second trimesters of pregnancy on mental health and pregnancy outcomes.MethodsTotally 268 healthy pregnant women were retrospectively analyzed as study subjects, 134 each in the first trimester (FT) and second trimester (ST). Their baseline clinical data were obtained respectively at two stages of pregnancy. The PA/sleep quality of subjects were assessed through the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire-Chinese version (PPAQ-C)/Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale. The mental health was assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The correlations of PA and sleep quality with mental health were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. Pregnancy outcomes of all subjects, associations of moderate intensity (MI) PA and sleep quality with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and independent influencing factors for adverse outcomes were analyzed.ResultsPregnant women in the ST group exhibited higher levels of MI, worse sleep quality, and lower levels of anxiety and depression than those in the FT group. Anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with MI but positively linked with PSQI scores at the first and second trimesters. MI ≥ 7.5 MET-h/week and good sleep quality were associated with a reduced incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionMI ≥ 7.5 MET-h/week and good sleep quality at the first and second trimesters of pregnancy benefit mental health and markedly reduce the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Pricking-cupping combined with auricular thumbtack needle for postherpetic neuralgia of qi stagnation and blood stasis on chest and waist: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the clinical effect of pricking-cupping combined with auricular thumbtack needle for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) of qi stagnation and blood stasis on chest and waist. A total of 98 patients with PHN of qi stagnation and blood stasis on chest and waist were randomized into an observation group (49 cases, 1 case was eliminated, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (49 cases, 1 case dropped out). In the observation group, treatment of pricking-cupping combined with auricular thumbtack needle was delivered, pricking and cupping were applied at Jiaji points (EX-B 2) at the related spinal segments corresponding to the pain sites and regional ashi points, once every other day, auricular thumbtack needle was applied at Xin (CO15), Shenmen (TF4), Neifenmi (CO18), Pizhixia (AT4), etc., once every 3 days. In the control group, pregabalin capsule was taken orally, 75 mg a time, twice a day. The treatment of 4 weeks was required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of TCM symptom, visual analogue scale (VAS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) were observed, the serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated in the two groups. After treatment, the item scores and total scores of TCM symptom, as well as the scores of VAS, PSQI, SDS and SAS were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05); the item scores of pruritus degree, tactile sensitivity, skin numbness and total score of TCM symptom, as well as the scores of VAS, PSQI, SDS and SAS in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of IgG were increased (P<0.05), while the serum levels of IL-6 and CRP were decreased (P<0.05) compared with those before treatment in the two groups; in the observation group, the serum level of IgG was higher (P<0.05), while the serum levels of IL-6 and CRP were lower (P<0.05) than those in the control group. The total effective rate was 95.7% (45/47) in the observation group, which was superior to 77.1% (37/48) in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence rate of adverse reaction was 6.4% (3/47) in the observation group, which was lower than 12.5% (6/48) in the control group (P<0.05). Pricking-cupping combined with auricular thumbtack needle can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms in patients with PHN of qi stagnation and blood stasis on chest and waist, reduce the pigmentation of herpes and improve itch or burning, numb sensations in the skin lesions, improve the sleep quality and relieve anxiety and depression.

A quantitative examination of sleep quality, burnout, psychological distress, and social support availability of electrical workers in Ontario, Canada

Electrical workers experience difficult psychosocial working conditions that may expose them to poor mental health outcomes. This study aims to explore the relationships between psychological distress, access to social support, burnout, and sleep quality in Canadian electrical workers. A 30-item cross-sectional survey including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and social support questions from the WHO-QoL-BREF were completed by 118 electrical workers. Data was analyzed to determine differences between groups, correlations between variables, and to identify predictors of poor sleep quality. No significant differences were found in burnout scores and subjective sleep quality between apprentices, electricians, and contractors. Apprentices reported being more psychologically distressed than electricians (p = 0.005) and contractors (p < 0.001). Electrical workers preferred social support from spouses, family, or friends when things get tough at work. Poor sleep quality was correlated with personal burnout (r = 0.45), work-related burnout (r = 0.37), and psychological distress (r = 0.39); however, these factors did not predict poor sleep quality. The study suggests a need for improved interpersonal communication, stress management, and help-giving behavior among electrician-apprentice and contractor-apprentice relationships in the workplace. Future research should explore the cultural and social dynamics between workers to better understand their impacts on health and wellbeing.

Dimensionality and cross-language invariance of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index among Indian adolescents and adults.

Sleep quality, key to physical and mental health, requires regular assessment in clinical and non-clinical settings. Despite widespread use, the dimensionality of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is debated, and its Hindi version's factor structure remains unexplored. Our study evaluates the PSQI's dimensionality among Indian adolescents and adults aiming to demonstrate cross-language (Hindi and English) invariance of its factor structure. The PSQI showed satisfactory item reliability, and a best-fitting two-factor model: "sleep efficiency" (comprising sleep duration and habitual sleep efficiency), and "perceived sleep quality" (comprising remaining five PSQI components). This model showed configural invariance across age groups, sexes, and languages. Metric invariance was noted across age groups, but a partial metric non-invariance was observed across languages and sexes as reflected by differences in factor loadings. The second-order factor structure model had an excellent fit indicating the usefulness of aggregate scores of the two factors as a single index of sleep quality. Our findings better support a two-factor structure of sleep quality (both for English and Hindi versions of PSQI) in India. However, further validation in diverse clinical and non-clinical samples is warranted.

Associations between masturbation frequency, anxiety, and sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 era.

The COVID-19 pandemic has markedly influenced people's lifestyle and sexual behaviors, including masturbation patterns. This study delved into how masturbation frequency could impact anxiety levels, sleep quality, and somatic symptoms post-masturbation among Chinese adults during this period. From December 2022 to January 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey, gathering data via WenJuanXing, a leading online survey platform in China. This platform facilitated the recruitment of a diverse cohort, spanning various age groups and geographical locations. Masturbation frequency among participants was subjectively categorized into three levels: 'lesser' (a few times over the past year), 'moderate' (once to three times a month), and 'greater' (weekly to almost daily). To assess anxiety levels and sleep quality, we employed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Among 1500 participants, we received 1423 valid responses. Among these, 65% (n = 930) reported engaging in masturbation in the past year, of whom 87.5% reported subjectively experiencing various levels of fatigue post-masturbation. These 930 responses were subsequently analyzed in-depth (e.g., non-parametric test and pathway analysis), with ages ranging from 18 to 54 years (mean age = 30.5, SD = 7.42). Notably, our findings indicate that participants with greater masturbation frequency exhibited higher anxiety levels [GAD-7 median score: 6 (lesser) vs. 4 (moderate) vs. 8 (greater), p < 0.001, Cohen's f = 0.41] and poorer sleep quality [PSQI median score: 5 (lesser) vs. 4 (moderate) vs. 7 (greater), p < 0.001, Cohen's f = 0.46]. A rough positive correlation between masturbation frequency and PSQI score was also observed (β = 0.16, p < 0.001). These results suggest potential mental and sleep benefits at moderate frequencies, especially in contrast to greater frequencies. However, the cross-sectional design and subjective categorization of masturbation frequency in our study limit our ability to draw definitive causal conclusions. These limitations highlight the need for future longitudinal research employing more precise categorizations of masturbation behavior, such as frequency, to delve deeper into these relationships and understand their underlying mechanisms.

Beyond the Classroom: The Influence of Food Insecurity, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality on University Students' Academic Performance.

We aimed to analyze the association between food insecurity (FI) and academic performance in university students, including mental health and sleep quality (SQ), in an association model. A cross-sectional design included university students (n = 466, 72.5% women) from Mexico. We applied the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Students self-reported their academic grading (AG) and perceptions about their academic performance. Spearman's rho and multiple logistic regression models were used. Almost half (47%) experienced some level of FI. The median AG was 95. AG was not significantly (p > 0.05) correlated with FI, nor with depression, anxiety, stress, and SQ. Considering mental health and SQ, moderate/severe FI remained significantly associated with perceived overall progress in college (OR: 2.96; 95%CI: 1.49, 5.88) and attendance to classes (OR:3.14; 95%CI: 1.19, 8.28) as poor or regular, and it was positively related to perceiving difficulties in completing their studies (OR:2.75; 95%CI: 1.43, 5.29). Stress, anxiety, depression symptoms, and poor SQ were also significantly associated with poor/regular perception of academic performance. These findings highlight the need to address psychological and nutritional factors in university students to promote their well-being and academic success.

Effectiveness of hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium Officinale on sleep quality, asthma control and quality of life in asthmatic patients: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Considering the role of oxidants in asthma, airway inflammation, and the anti-inflammatory effects of Nasturtium officinale extract, this study aimed to investigate the impact of the hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium officinale on sleep quality, asthma control, and quality of life in asthmatic patients. Methods: This parallel group randomized clinical trial was conducted in Yasuj, Iran. It included 60 patients who randomly received either Nasturtium officinale hydroalcoholic extract (500 mg daily, for four weeks, orally plus routine care) or a placebo (500 mg capsule containing flour daily, for four weeks, orally plus routine care). To achieve the study objectives, lung function (FEV1, FVC, PEF, FEF 25-75%, and FEV1/FVC), quality of life as measured by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and asthma control as examined by the Asthma Control Test (ACT) were assessed at baseline and one-month follow-up. Results: In total, 48 patients (22 patients in the intervention group and 26 patients in the control group) completed the study. The analyses showed no significant differences between the two groups regarding changes in lung function, quality of life, sleep quality, and status of asthma control within a one-month follow-up. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Nasturtium Officinale does not appear to improve sleep quality, asthma control, and quality of life in asthmatic patients in the short term.