Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory Research Articles

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Poor Sleep Quality in Older Adults: The Influence of Cognitive Reappraisal

AbstractBackgroundPoor sleep quality is associated with increased risk for developing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in older age. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with sleep impairment across the lifespan, but little is known about modifiable factors that may ameliorate this relationship.MethodData were obtained from an online questionnaire completed by a community sample of older adults (N = 267). The questionnaire included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, an Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), and measures of pain, health conditions, and other psychosocial information. Moderation analyses were used to examine the interaction between ACEs and the positive reappraisal facet of CERQ on sleep quality in older adults, while accounting for the effects of sex, income, pain, body mass index, and health.ResultACEs were significantly associated with worse sleep quality in older adults, and this effect was moderated by positive reappraisal (ps<.05). For individuals reporting greater use of positive reappraisal skills, ACEs had no effect on sleep quality, whereas for individuals reporting less frequent use of positive reappraisal, ACEs were associated with substantially worse sleep quality. This relationship remained significant after accounting for sex, income, pain, body mass index, and health conditions in the model.ConclusionThe effects of early adversity on sleep quality persist into older age and may ultimately contribute to further health and cognitive problems. However, the modifiable emotion regulation skill of positive reappraisal appears to protect against sleep impairment in individuals with higher ACEs. These findings provide valuable information on techniques that may be beneficial for developing lifestyle interventions for high‐risk older adults.

Insufficient Physical Activity Is a Global Marker of Severity in Alcohol Use Disorder: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in 382 Treatment-Seeking Patients.

Improving physical activity (PA) in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) has recently emerged as an important component of the global treatment strategy to improve drinking outcomes and quality of life. However, this new approach should focus on AUD patients with insufficient baseline PA and requires this subgroup to be better characterized. In a population of 382 treatment-seeking AUD patients, PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and participants were divided into two groups: insufficient PA group and sufficient PA group. The severity of the AUD was assessed using the DSM-5 criteria, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, and the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire. In logistic regression models, individuals with insufficient PA were more likely than other AUD individuals to present a higher Body Mass Index (p < 0.001), a higher number of AUD DSM-5 criteria (p < 0.05), more frequent opioid use (p < 0.05), higher scores at the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (p < 0.001), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (p < 0.001), impulsivity scale (p < 0.05), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (p < 0.05), and lower WHO Quality of Life (p < 0.001) scores. In AUD, an insufficient baseline PA is associated with several markers of severity, and physical exercise interventions should be part of a multimodal treatment program integrating the global impairments of patients.

Sleep quality and circadian rhythm profile of persons with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in a tertiary epilepsy center: A case-control study

PurposeThis study evaluated sleep quality, chronotype, and excessive diurnal somnolence in persons with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) and their possible association with clinical variables. MethodsThis cross-sectional controlled study evaluated 49 consecutive patients (65% females, mean age 27.53 years) with an electroclinical diagnosis of JME and 49 healthy controls (55% females, mean age 28.55 years). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to evaluate excessive daytime sleepiness. The patients' chronotype was evaluated by the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Epilepsy-related factors gathered from the medical chart and personal interview were epilepsy duration, age at onset, frequency of myoclonic (Mcl), generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) and absence (ABS) seizures, pharmacoresponse, and current antiseizure medication (ASM). ResultsPersons with JME did not differ from the control group regarding daytime sleepiness (p=0.840); however, the JME group had worse sleep quality (p=0.01) than the controls. Persons with JME presented a more evening chronotype than controls (p = 0.003). The age at onset, epilepsy duration, frequency of Mcl seizure, frequency of GTC seizure, frequency of ABS seizure, and drug response did not predict ESS and MEQ scales. Pharmacoresponsive patients had lower PSQI scores compared with pharmacoresistant patients (p=0.036). ConclusionPersons with JME have worse sleep quality and a more evening chronotype. Notably, pharmacoresistant patients present a worse sleep quality that deserves attention and special care due to the relationship between sleep deprivation and seizure worsening.

The Impact of Workplace Violence on Headache and Sleep Problems in Nurses.

Workplace violence (WV) is a significant occupational hazard for nurses. Previous studies have shown that WV has a reciprocal relationship with occupational stress. Headaches and sleep problems are early neuropsychological signs of distress. This cross-sectional study aims to ascertain the frequency of physical or verbal assaults on nurses and to study the association of WV with headaches and sleep problems. During their regular medical examination in the workplace, 550 nurses and nursing assistants (105 males, 19.1%; mean age 48.02 ± 9.98 years) were asked to fill in a standardized questionnaire containing the Violent Incident Form (VIF) concerning the episodes of violence experienced, the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) regarding headaches, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) on sleep quality. Occupational stress was measured using the Effort/Reward Imbalance questionnaire (ERI). Physical and non-physical violence experienced in the previous year was reported by 7.5% and 17.5% of workers, respectively. In the univariate logistic regression models, the workers who experienced violence had an increased risk of headaches and sleep problems. After adjusting for sex, age, job type, and ERI, the relationship between physical violence and headaches remained significant (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 2.25; confidence interval CI95% = 1.11; 4.57). All forms of WV were significantly associated with poor sleep in a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for sex, age, job type, and ERI (aOR = 2.35 CI95% = 1.44; 3.85). WV was also associated with the impact of headaches and with sleep quality. WV prevention may reduce the frequency of lasting psychoneurological symptoms, such as headaches and poor sleep quality, that interfere with the ability to work.

The Relationship between the Severity of the COVID-19 Disease, Temperament and Psychological Factors.

Objective: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic negatively affects public mental health around the world. Individuals' reactions to COVID-19 vary depending on their temperament, individual differences, and personality traits. Therefore, the current study is conducted to assess the association of demographical features, Persian temperament, and psychological characteristics with the severity of COVID-19. Method: An online survey was sent to COVID-19 patients to collect their demographic information, COVID-19 symptoms, and clinical data. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DAAS-21) questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Spiel Berger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) , Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), and Persian general and brain temperament Questionnaire were also completed by 258 participants (127 men and 131 women) 45 days after recovery from COVID-19. Non-parametric analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results: Results showed the significant relationship of demographic factors such as weight, age and gender with the severity of the COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Mean scores of brain temperament (warm/cold) in the severe group were significantly lower than the moderate and mild groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the dry/wet temperament of the brain in the severe and moderate groups compared to the mild group (P < 0.05). The results of DASS-21 showed a significantly higher anxiety in patients with severe COVID-19 compared with moderate and mild groups (P < 0.05). The severe group was found to be significantly different compared to moderate group in the results of BDI-II (P < 0.05). The result of STAI (state and trait) showed a significant difference between the severe group and the mild and moderate groups. The score of PSQI between the moderate and mild groups was significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate the relationship between demographic factors such as weight, age and gender, brain temperament, as well as some psychological factors such as sleep quality and anxiety with the severity of the COVID-19 disease.

Effects of mindfulness in patients with mild cognitive impairment with insomnia: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveCurrent research on the effects of mindfulness therapy on MCI and insomnia has been inconsistent. It is still a hot topic of research and discussion. This study aimed to improve the sleep quality, cognition, and mental state of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with insomnia. MethodsA double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-five patients who met the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to the mindfulness (n = 38) or health education (n = 37) treatment group. The primary outcomes were sleep, measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, and cognition, measured by The Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini-Mental State Examination. Secondary outcomes included insomnia, measured by the Insomnia Severity Index, depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. EEG signals were collected at rest with eyes closed in the mindfulness state. The power spectrum was analyzed from these data. ResultsCognitive function and sleep quality were significantly improved in the mindfulness group (95% confidence interval 0.04 - 0.05, 0.03 - 0.04, -5.58 - -1.55, respectively). Anxiety and perceived stress scores were significantly lower than those in the control group (95% confidence interval 0.002 - 0.004, 0.009 – 0.013, respectively). The power spectrum differences in δ, θ, β, and γ bands were significant between the rest and mindfulness states (P < .05). Good safety was achieved in both groups with no deaths or serious adverse events. ConclusionMindfulness improved sleep quality, cognitive function, and mentality of patients. Mindfulness practice caused deep relaxation in the brain and changes in electrical frequency bands associated with attention and cognitive tasks. Mindfulness learning can be performed successfully for individuals with MCI. Additionally, it is suitable for adoption in nursing homes.

A-257 The Relationship between BMI, Sleep Quality, and Cognitive Performance among Overweight Adults

Abstract Objective: The primary objective is to examine the main effects of Body Mass Index (BMI) and sleep quality on cognitive performance. Method: Adults between the ages of 25-84 (n=217) were recruited for the Loma Linda University Healthy Avocado Trial study. Participants had a mean age of 49.61 (SD=13.13), mean education of 14.66 years (SD=2.44), and a mean BMI of 33.87 (SD=5.48). Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), and cognition was measured using a two-hour neurocognitive battery including tests of attention/working memory (WM), processing speed, executive function, and learning/memory. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine the effects of BMI and sleep quality on cognitive performance, while controlling for age, sex, and education. Results: There were no significant main effects of either BMI or sleep quality on cognitive performance. However, strong trends were observed for the effect of BMI on attention (b=0.127, t(211)=1.883, p=0.061) and learning/memory (b=0.126, t(211)=1.948, p=0.057). Trends were also observed for an effect of PSQI on executive function (b=-0.115, t(211)=-1.834, p=0.069) and processing speed (b=-0.106, t(211)=-1.774, p=0.077). Conclusion(s): While it was expected that both BMI and poor sleep quality would be associated with reduced cognitive performance, significant main effects were not found. Trends were observed for an effect of BMI on attention and memory, and of sleep quality on executive function and processing speed. One hypothesis for these results is that the deleterious effects of BMI and poor sleep may not manifest until later adulthood and may be weaker or not detected in younger adults.

Mood and Sleep Status and Mental Disorders During Prolonged Winter-Over Residence in Two Korean Antarctic Stations.

PurposeAntarctica is a region with extreme climate, characterized by extreme cold and photoperiod. No research has been conducted on the mental health of Korean Antarctic dispatchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of mental illness and changes in mood and sleep among Korean crew members staying for a long-term period in the Antarctic station.MethodsFrom 2017 to 2020, crew members who were dispatched from South Korea to two Antarctic stations for a one-year period participated in this study. The crew were evaluated for mood and sleep status and mental illness through psychological tests and interviews by board-certified psychiatrists once before departure and twice during their stay in Antarctica. The incidence of mental illness was confirmed and changes in sleep and depression were analyzed.ResultsA total of 88 participants were included in the final analysis, and 7 of them (8.0%) were diagnosed with mental disorders such as insomnia in early winter. The total Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score increased significantly in the early winter period, and the total Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) scores increased in both early and late winter. The difference in changes in mood and sleep symptoms before, during, and after dispatch between the two stations was not significant.ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate the mental illness and mood and sleep status of Korean crews dispatched to Antarctica. In early winter, there were significant increases in mental illness and depressive symptoms, and a worsening of sleep status.

The Effect of COVID-19 Outbreak on Anxiety and Sleep Quality of the Surgical ‎Nurses

We aimed to determine sleep quality and anxiety levels of surgical nurses fighting the COVID-19 ‎outbreak. This study was carried out as a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The data were collected by ‎using a sociodemographic data form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory ‎‎(BAI). A total of 302 healthcare workers participated in this study. The mean age of the participants was ‎‎31.95±7.82, and 73.2% of the participants were female, 58.9% of the participants were married and 31.5% ‎of them working in the surgical intensive care and operating room services. Of all participants, 73.5% had ‎poor sleep quality and mean PSQI was 8.18±3.69. The BAI score of surgical nurses was 16.61±12.12 and ‎‎22.5% of them experienced severe anxiety. The means of PSQI and BAI were higher in women, working in ‎surgical intensive care and operating room services, working over 40 hours a week (p&lt;0.05). BAI score was ‎responsible for 45.6% of the change on PSQI score (p&lt;0.001). The COVID-19 outbreak dramatically ‎increased the level of anxiety and negatively affected sleep quality. The mental health of the surgical nurses ‎should be monitored closely. It is recommended to provide psychological support to the healthcare workers.

The Subjective and Objective Improvement of Non-Invasive Treatment of Schumann Resonance in Insomnia-A Randomized and Double-Blinded Study.

PurposeAccumulated studies revealed that electromagnetic field can affect human brain and sleep, and the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field, Schumann resonance, may have the potential to reduce insomnia symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the responses of patients with insomnia to a non-invasive treatment, Schumann resonance (SR), and to evaluate its effectiveness by subjective and objective sleep assessments.Patients and MethodsWe adopted a double-blinded and randomized design and 40 participants (70% female; 50.00 ± 13.38 year) with insomnia completed the entire study. These participants were divided into the SR-sleep-device group and the placebo-device group and were followed up for four weeks. The study used polysomnography (PSG) to measure objective sleep and used sleep diaries, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and visual analogy of sleep satisfaction to measure subjective sleep. The 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to evaluate quality of life. Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon test were used to analyze the data.ResultsAbout 70% of the subjects were women, with an average age of 50±13.38 years and an average history of insomnia of 9.68±8.86 years. We found that in the SR-sleep-device group, objective sleep measurements (sleep-onset-latency, SOL, and total-sleep-time, TST) and subjective sleep questionnaires (SOL, TST, sleep-efficiency, sleep-quality, daytime-sleepiness, and sleep-satisfaction) were significantly improved after using the SR-sleep-device; in the placebo-device group, only such subjective sleep improvements as PSQI and sleep-satisfaction were observed.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the SR-sleep-device can reduce the insomnia symptoms through both objective and subjective tests, with minimal adverse effects. Future studies can explore the possible mechanism of SR and health effects and, with a longer tracking time, verify the effectiveness and side effects.

Substance Misuse Decreases Heart Rate Variability

There are few biomarkers to reflect the physiological conditions for substance misuse. In this study, autonomic nervous and cardiovascular parameters were measured for participants in deferred prosecution programs. The goal of this study is to develop significant biomarkers of the above subjects and enhance their motivation to join further substance misuse disorder treatment program. This study recruited 34 participants with a mean age of 35.1 years. The participants spent approximately five minutes filling in the basic information form and another five minutes filling in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability data were also measured. Their sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) with an average score of 8.6 and average systolic and diastolic pressure measured of 116.1 ( standard deviation SD = 13.7 ) and 77.9 mmHg ( SD = 8.1 ) during resting, respectively. Average heartbeat rates are 90.4 beats per minute ( SD = 17.0 ); and average low-frequency power ratio is 56.4% ( SD = 19.8 %). Of the participants, 35% exhibited a low-frequency power rate below 30% and above 70%. The average biological HRV age of the participants was 46.0 years ( SD = 22.9 ), which was significantly older than their average actual age ( p = 0.002 ∗ ∗ ). The biological HRV age of the participants is 10 years older than their own actual age, and it effectively reflects the physiological conditions of participants in deferred prosecution programs. These physiological parameters, especially the biological HRV age, can be used in future treatment for substance use disorder counseling programs to increase the illness insight of program participants and increase their motivation to join further substance misuse disorder treatment program.

The effect of Attachment with Significant Others on Emotion Regulation and Quality of Sleep among Youth

Purpose of the current study is to investigate the effect of attachment with significant others one motion regulation and quality of sleep among youth was to find out the impact of attachment with parents and peers on emotional regulation and sleep quality. Furthermore study find out the correlation among emotional regulation and sleep quality and in the same way the relation between attachment and sleep quality. Method: The cross-sectional co relational design was used to find out relation between variables and impact of one variables of the current study. Sample size was calculated by G power, a total number of 250 participants with age range of 18 to 25 year-old were selected by using the convenient sampling technique. The data was collected from two universities located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Pakistan. Demographic Performa, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) were used to gather data from participants. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, in which the Pearson’s product moment co relational test was applied to check the degree of association. Results: The results of the current study suggest that Parents and Peer attachment have significant negative association with quality of sleep. Secondly, the significant positively associated with emotion reappraisal and negatively associated with emotional suppression among youth was found. Thirdly, the findings also demonstrated that significant association exists between emotional regulation and sleep quality. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the attachment plays a significant role in emotion regulation and sleep quality.

Clinical Efficacy of the Chinese Herbal Medicine Shumian Capsule for Insomnia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

PurposeShumian capsule (SMC) is a patent Chinese herbal medicine that can soothe the liver and relieves depression, quiet the spirit. Here, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of SMC for treating insomnia using both scales and polysomnography (PSG).Patients and MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed. Twenty-six insomnia patients randomly received SMC (n = 11) or placebo (n = 15) for four weeks. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), 9-items Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), 7-items Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) were applied at the baseline and the 2nd, 4th week after treatment. Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale was used to assess adverse reactions. We used PSG to record and analyze sleep features at baseline and after four weeks.ResultsPSQI, ISI, PHQ-9, HAMD-17, and HAMA scores decreased significantly after SMC treatment. Also, the total sleep time, rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep latency, stage 2 sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and sleep efficiency improved significantly after SMC treatment. In the placebo group, the only significant change was the decrease of PHQ-9 at week-2. Furthermore, both SMC and placebo reported no adverse events.ConclusionSMC could safely improve sleep quality with depression and anxiety remission in insomnia patients.

Marshalling the senses for a good night's sleep: Multiple studies have linked poor sleep to cancer and other negative health outcomes; in part 1 of a 2-part series, we explore how efforts to improve sleep patterns are focusing on aligning multiples senses and on correcting misconceptions: Multiple studies have linked poor sleep to cancer and other negative health outcomes; in

Marshalling the senses for a good night's sleep: Multiple studies have linked poor sleep to cancer and other negative health outcomes; in part 1 of a 2-part series, we explore how efforts to improve sleep patterns are focusing on aligning multiples senses and on correcting misconceptions: Multiple studies have linked poor sleep to cancer and other negative health outcomes; in

The effect of Attachment with Significant Others on Emotion Regulation and Quality of Sleep amongYouth

Purpose of the current study is to investigate the effect of attachment with significant others one motion regulation and quality of sleep among youth was to find out the impact of attachment with parents and peers on emotional regulation and sleep quality. Furthermore study find out the correlation among emotional regulation and sleep quality and in the same way the relation between attachment and sleep quality. Method: The cross-sectional co relational design was used to find out relation between variables and impact of one variables of the current study. Sample size was calculated by G power, a total number of 250 participants with age range of 18 to 25 year-old were selected by using the convenient sampling technique. The data was collected from two universities located in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Pakistan. Demographic Performa, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) were used to gather data from participants. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, in which the Pearson’s product moment co relational test was applied to check the degree of association. Results: The results of the current study suggest that Parents and Peer attachment have significant negative association with quality of sleep. Secondly, the significant positively associated with emotion reappraisal and negatively associated with emotional suppression among youth was found. Thirdly, the findings also demonstrated that significant association exists between emotional regulation and sleep quality. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the attachment plays a significant role in emotion regulation and sleep quality.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ПРАКТИКИ ОСОЗНАННОСТИ НА КОГНИТИВНЫЙ И ПСИХОЭМОЦИОНАЛЬНЫЙ ПРОФИЛЬ ЛИЦ, НАХОДЯЩИХСЯ В УСЛОВИЯХ СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ ИЗОЛЯЦИИ

The article presents a study of the mindfulness practice effect on the cognitive and psycho-emotional profile of two groups of people who have been in social isolation for 6 months. There are few interventions that affect significantly the reduction of the adverse impact of social isolation. Mindfulness practices that train skills for monitoring the present moment experiences have shown promising results. The study was conducted on a sample of 19 participants with 3–5 and 5–10 years of mindfulness practices. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether mindfulness practices can compensate for the negative impact of social isolation on the psycho-emotional and cognitive profile of participants. To test this hypothesis, the following methods were used: the Beck Depression Scale, the Rumination Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory, the five-factor personality model, the Visual Analogue Scale for assessing the emotional state, and computerized cognitive tests. The results showed the potential value of mindfulness practices in reducing symptoms of depression and sleep disturbances.

The efficacy of acupuncture combined with Bailemian capsule in the treatment of cervical spondylosis accompanied by headache, anxiety, and depression

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of using acupuncture combined with Bailemian capsule to treat cervical spondylosis by observing the improvement in the degree of headache, anxiety, and depression suffered by patients. MethodsA total of 100 patients with cervical spondylosis of the cervical type were equally divided into a combination group and a control group using the random number table method. The patients in the combination group were treated with acupuncture combined with the oral administration of Bailemian capsule, while those in the control group were only treated with acupuncture. Patient self-assessment was conducted, comprising the visual analogue scale, the self-assessment scale for anxiety, and the self-assessment scale for depression. Before treatment and on the14th and 28th days of treatment, the therapeutic effects of the two treatment modalities on the cervical spondylosis and accompanying headache, anxiety, and depression were analyzed using the Hamilton anxiety scale, the Hamilton depression scale, the Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory, and the Neck Disability Index (%). ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between the two groups in all seven indicators at the different treatment time points (p < 0.01). The seven indicators were significantly reduced in both groups on the 14th and 28th days of treatment compared with before the treatment. Moreover, except for the Neck Disability Index results at 14 days, which did not differ between the groups (p = 0.37), all the other indicators were significantly lower in the combination group than in the control group on the 14th and 28th days of treatment (p < 0.01), and at the end of the treatment, the therapeutic effect was significantly better in the combination group than in the control group (p = 0.006). ConclusionBoth acupuncture combined with Bailemian Capsule and acupuncture alone were effective in the treatment of cervical spondylosis, but the combination therapy was better than the acupuncture alone in improving the accompanying negative symptoms of headache, anxiety, and depression.

P046 More teaching, less sleeping: The impact of stressful periods of the school year on the sleep of Australian schoolteachers

Abstract Introduction There are approximately 270,00 schoolteachers in Australia and this population experience multiple stressors at work. This can lead to poor sleep quality and quantity and, consequently, adverse outcomes for both schoolteachers and students. While it is well-established that certain periods of the year may lead to increased stress for schoolteachers, the impact of this on sleep is unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of stressful periods of the school year on the sleep of schoolteachers. Methods The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) and questions on stressful school periods (including report writing, standardised testing, school appraisal, and teacher performance) were completed online by 775 Australian primary and secondary schoolteachers (89.1% female, 29.9% 25–34 years). Pearson Chi-square analyses were performed. Results Scores on the PSQI indicated that 611 (79.0%) of participants were experiencing poor sleep quality. There were significant relationships between each of the stressful periods of the year and PSQI score, such that increased stress during periods of report writing (p&amp;lt;0.001), standardised testing (p&amp;lt;0.001), school appraisal (p&amp;lt;0.001), and teacher performance (p&amp;lt;0.001) was associated with poor sleep quality. Discussion Australian schoolteachers are at risk of poor sleep quality and quantity, and this is exacerbated by stressful periods of the school year. Given the vital role schoolteachers play in the community, organisations should be mindful of these periods of the year in order to improve the sleep of schoolteachers.

Subjective sleep parameters in prodromal Alzheimer's disease: a case-control study.

Objective:People with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia have impaired sleep. However, the characteristics of sleep in the early stages of AD are not well known, and studies with the aid of biomarkers are lacking. We assessed the subjective sleep characteristics of non-demented older adults and compared their amyloid profiles.Methods:We enrolled 30 participants aged ≥ 60 years, with no dementia or major clinical and psychiatric diseases. They underwent [11C]PiB-PET-CT, neuropsychological evaluations, and completed two standardized sleep assessments (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory and Epworth Sleep Scale).Results:Comparative analysis of subjective sleep parameters across the two groups showed longer times in bed (p = 0.024) and reduced sleep efficiency (p = 0.05) in individuals with positive amyloid. No differences in other subjective sleep parameters were observed. We also found that people with multiple-domain mild cognitive impairment (MCI) had shorter self-reported total sleep times (p = 0.034) and worse overall sleep quality (p = 0.027) compared to those with single-domain MCI.Conclusions:Older adults testing positive for amyloid had a longer time in bed and lower sleep efficiency, regardless of cognitive status. In parallel, individuals with multiple-domain MCI reported shorter sleep duration and lower overall sleep quality.

Potential biomarkers of major depression diagnosis and chronicity.

BackgroundMolecular biomarkers are promising tools to be routinely used in clinical psychiatry. Among psychiatric diseases, major depression disorder (MDD) has gotten attention due to its growing prevalence and morbidity.MethodsWe tested some peripheral molecular parameters such as serum mature Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mBDNF), plasma C-Reactive Protein (CRP), serum cortisol (SC), and the salivary Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), as well as the Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory (PSQI), as part of a multibiomarker panel for potential use in MDD diagnosis and evaluation of disease’s chronicity using regression models, and ROC curve.ResultsFor diagnosis model, two groups were analyzed: patients in the first episode of major depression (MD: n = 30) and a healthy control (CG: n = 32). None of those diagnosis models tested had greater power than Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-6. For MDD chronicity, a group of patients with treatment-resistant major depression (TRD: n = 28) was tested across the MD group. The best chronicity model (p < 0.05) that discriminated between MD and TRD included four parameters, namely PSQI, CAR, SC, and mBDNF (AUC ROC = 0.99), with 96% of sensitivity and 93% of specificity.ConclusionThese results indicate that changes in specific biomarkers (CAR, SC, mBDNF and PSQI) have potential on the evaluation of MDD chronicity, but not for its diagnosis. Therefore, these findings can contribute for further studies aiming the development of a stronger model to be commercially available and used in psychiatry clinical practice.