Self-reported Poor Sleep Quality Research Articles

Daily links between objective smartphone use and sleep among adolescents.

Concerns abound on how digital technology such as smartphone use may impair adolescent sleep. Although these linkages are supported in cross-sectional studies, research involving intensive longitudinal assessments and objective measures has called into question the robustness of associations. In this study, a sample of ethnically diverse U.S. adolescents (N = 71; Mage = 16.49; 56% girls) wore Fitbit devices and submitted screenshots of their smartphone screen time, pickups, and notifications over a 14-day period in 2021. The Fitbits recorded nightly sleep quality and sleep onset. Adolescents also completed daily diaries reporting the previous night's sleep onset time and sleep quality. On days when adolescents engaged in greater nighttime screen time and, to some extent, pickups relative to their own average, they also had poorer sleep outcomes that night. Greater screen time was associated with later self-reported and Fitbit-recorded sleep onset and poorer self-reported sleep quality. Greater pickups was associated with later self-reported and Fitbit-recorded sleep onset. Smartphone use during the day did not relate to sleep outcomes, indicating the importance of distinguishing nighttime from daytime use. Parents and clinicians should help adolescents develop healthy digital skills to avoid exacerbating sleep problems that are known to occur during this developmental period.

Heterogeneities in sleep duration and quality among U.S. immigrants from different racial and ethnic backgrounds

ObjectivesSleep plays an essential role in well-being. Although U.S. immigrants are considerably growing, few studies have examined sleep in this diverse population, particularly those from Asian backgrounds. It is also unclear how sleep differs by the length of residence across immigrant groups. In this study, we examined the relationships among race/ethnicity, length of residence, and sleep using a nationally representative cohort of U.S. immigrants. MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey. The sample (N = 27,761; 14% ≥65 years old) included foreign-born adults from the following racial/ethnic backgrounds: non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Asian (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian), and Hispanic/Latino. Length of residence was categorized as <5, 5-9, 10-14, and ≥15years. Sleep was assessed with self-reported sleep duration (normal, short, and long) and poor sleep quality (trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, and waking up unrested). ResultsFilipino and Hispanic/Latino immigrants reported the highest prevalence of short (41.8%) and long (7.0%) sleep, respectively. Non-Hispanic White immigrants had the highest prevalence rate across all three poor sleep quality measures (range 17.7-41.5%). Length of residence ≥15years was significantly associated with worse sleep, and it moderated White-Asian differences in sleep quality. Immigrants from different racial/ethnic groups showed variations in sleep patterns as they resided longer in the US. ConclusionsImmigrants exhibited substantial heterogeneities in sleep. Future research should investigate the contributing factors to the variations in their sleep patterns, both between groups and within the same group of immigrants, in order to inform tailored interventions.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is Associated with Self-Reported Quality of Sleep in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Ghana.

Sleep disturbances are common in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and this exacerbates disease severity and results in poor quality of life. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been reported to mediate the association between T2DM and poor sleep health. The burden of self-reported poor sleep quality and duration in T2DM and their association with serum BDNF levels were investigated. In this case-control design, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Instrument was used to assess self-reported sleep quality and duration in 100 patients with T2DM and 80 nondiabetic controls. Sociodemographic data and medical history were collected from case notes and/or using a structured questionnaire. Fasting venous blood samples (5 mL) were collected to measure plasma lipid profile and serum BDNF levels. patients with T2DM had low levels of BDNF, poor sleep quality (61.9% vs 27.5%, p<0.001), and shorter sleep duration (6.1±2.2 vs 6.9±1.1 h, p=0.003). T2DM status was associated with doubling the odds of poor sleep quality [OR (95%CI)=2.06 (1.07-6.43), p=0.039] and 1.6 times the odds of short sleep duration [1.63 (1.03-3.79), p=0.028]. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed no association between serum BDNF levels and sleep status. However, there was a negative biological interaction between T2DM and BDNF levels on poor sleep quality, resulting in 0.28 relative excess risk due to the interaction and a 12% attributable proportion due to the interaction. In this study population, patients with T2DM had a high burden of self-reported poor quality of sleep and shorter sleep duration compared to the nondiabetic controls. T2DM interacts negatively with serum BDNF levels to affect sleep quality.

Sleep disturbances, altered brain microstructure and chronic headache in youth.

Chronic headache (persistent or recurrent headache for 3-months or longer) is highly prevalent among youth. While sleep disturbances have been associated with headache, their inter-relationship with brain connectivity remains unknown. This observational study examined whether self-report and actigraphy measures of sleep were associated with alterations to white matter tracts (i.e., uncinate fasciculus and cingulum) in youth with chronic headache versus healthy controls. Thirty youth aged 10-18 years with chronic headache and thirty controls underwent an MRI. Diffusion tensor images were obtained and mean fractional anisotropy values of the cingulum and uncinate were extracted. One-week prior to their MRI, youth wore an actigraph to obtain sleep duration, wake after sleep onset and sleep efficiency measures. Moreover, they completed questionnaires regarding their sleep quality and pain symptomatology. Linear regression was applied to examine the relationships between sleep (self-report and actigraphy), fractional anisotropy, and number of headache days per month. Self-report and actigraphy measures of sleep did not differ between patients and controls. However, poorer self-reported sleep quality was associated with lower fractional anisotropy values in the left uncinate (P = 0.05). Lower left uncinate fractional anisotropy was related to increased headache frequency (P = 0.002) in youth with chronic headache. Therefore, alterations to connectivity may be associated with the relationship between altered perceptions of sleep and headache chronicity.

Bipolar disorder and delayed sleep-wake phase disorder: Findings on sustained attention, sleep, and circadian rhythm parameters

BackgroundSleep and circadian rhythm disruptions can contribute to cognitive disturbances in bipolar disorder (BD); however, the profile of specific sleep/circadian phenotypes remains to be elucidated. The aim of our work is to compare sleep/circadian parameters and sustained attention between patients with BD and comorbid delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (BD-DSWPD), patients with BD without DSWPD comorbidity (BD-Control), and healthy controls (HC). MethodsBD patients (N = 70, BD-DWSPD N = 25, BD-Control N = 45) and HC (N = 86) were evaluated through actigraphy for sleep and circadian rhythm parameters, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire for chronotype and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task for sustained attention. ResultsThe BD-DSWPD diagnosis was associated with poorer self-reported sleep quality, lower sleep efficiency, higher wake after sleep onset, and later acrophase compared to both HC and BD-Control groups. BD-DSWPD was also associated with lower relative amplitude compared to HC. Regarding sustained attention variables, the diagnosis of BD-DSWPD was associated with increased response times compared to HC, while both BD-DSWPD and BD-Control were associated with major lapses than HC. LimitationsSample size and multivariate statistics not adjusted for pharmacological treatment. ConclusionsPatients with BD-DSWPD showed greater disturbances in sleep and circadian rhythm parameters compared to both HC and BD-Controls; moreover, BD-DSWPD showed increased response times compared to HC. Further studies are required to evaluate whether treatments focused on advancing the sleep phase may contribute to improving cognition, sleep, and circadian rhythmicity in patients with BD and comorbid DSWPD.

Sleep and dizziness in middle-aged and elderly persons: A cross-sectional population-based study

ObjectivesDizziness is a physical and mental burden that affects 33% of the population at age 70. Research in clinical samples suggests that poor sleep may contribute to dizziness complaints, but this has yet to be determined in the general population. We assessed the association of self-reported and actigraphy-estimated sleep with dizziness in a population-based sample. MethodsData of 4702 participants from the population-based Rotterdam Study, included between 2011 and 2014, were analyzed (mean age: 65.8 years, 55.7% women). Sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Experience of dizziness and associated characteristics were self-reported, characteristics were categorized as vestibular or non-vestibular. A subsample of 1440 participants (mean age: 64.9 years, 51.3% women) wore an actigraph for a median of 7 days to allow objective estimation of total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, and wake after sleep onset. We used logistic regression to assess the associations between different sleep parameters and dizziness. ResultsPoor self-reported sleep quality was associated with more dizziness (OR = 1.065, 95% CI: 1.043 to 1.087). This effect size was somewhat larger for dizziness with non-vestibular characteristics (OR = 1.108, 1.069 to 1.149) than for dizziness with vestibular characteristics (OR = 1.062, 0.988 to 1.142). Actigraphy-estimated sleep parameters were not associated with dizziness. ConclusionsA poor self-reported sleep quality is associated with more dizziness in a population-based sample of middle-aged and elderly persons. We encourage clinicians to assess sleep quality in patients presenting with dizziness, and vice versa.

Sleep Quality Drives Next Day Pain and Fatigue in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Short Report.

Poor sleep is prevalent in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and is associated with increased symptom severity and decreased quality of life. To date, research is mostly cross-sectional, limiting the ability to examine the causal direction between sleep and IBD symptoms. This short report aims to assess the temporal associations among sleep quality, pain, fatigue, and physical activity in adults with IBD. Adult IBD patients [N = 18] completed a structured electronic diary two times per day [morning and evening] over 14 consecutive days. Morning diary items assessed sleep [sleep quality, wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings] and evening diary items assessed daytime IBD symptoms [abdominal pain, fatigue]. An actigraph measured daily step count [physical activity]. Generalised estimating equation models evaluated the lagged temporal associations between sleep ratings and next day pain, fatigue, and physical activity as well as reverse lagged temporal associations between daytime symptoms and physical activity and subsequent sleep ratings. Poor self-reported sleep quality predicted increased next day abdominal pain and fatigue scores. Increased time awake during the night predicted decreased next day physical activity. In the reverse analyses, only the relationship between daytime abdominal pain and wake after sleep onset was significant. Poor sleep appears to drive IBD-related outcomes, such as pain and fatigue. These findings are a first step in demonstrating the key role of sleep in the IBD patient experience, potentially resulting in a treatment target for intervention. Future research is needed to confirm results in a larger sample.

0930 What explains high self-reports of poor sleep quality in Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders?

Abstract Introduction High rates of poor sleep quality have been reported among patients of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) race. Unrestful sleep might be attributable to short sleep times or to elevated rates of obstructive sleep apnea among NHPIs. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with self-reported poor sleep quality among NHPIs in a nationwide, representative community sample. Methods Using the 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), we used logistic regression to model the odds of individuals reporting that they did not awake feeling rested at least two out of the prior seven days. NHPIs from the NHPI-NHIS and non-NHPIs from the general sample were compared. Age, sex, BMI, smoking status, report of heavy drinking, employment status, marital status, and reported average hours of sleep time were evaluated in terms of their effects on self-reported sleep quality. Results Data from 36,697 non-NHPI and 2,590 NHPI individuals was available for analysis. There were significant differences in age, BMI, marital and current employment status between NHPIs vs. non-NHPIs. NHPI patients reported less sleep (mean 6.86±1.41 hours) in contrast to non-NHPIs (mean 7.12±1.42 hours) (P&amp;lt; 0.001). NHPIs were more likely to report two or more days awakening not feeling rested (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (95CI) 1.12–1.32) as compared to non-NHPIs. After adjusting for demographics, BMI, alcohol, smoking, and marital and employment status, the relationship persisted (OR 1.17, 95CI 1.07-1.28). When additionally controlling for sleep time, which was strongly associated with the likelihood of awakening unrested (OR 3.1 95CI 2.9-3.2 for six or fewer average hours of sleep), there was no significant relationship between race and likelihood of awakening unrested (OR 1.02, 95CI 0.93-1.13). Findings were similar when evaluating different thresholds of unrestful nights per week. Conclusion NHPIs are more likely to awake feeling unrested than non-NHPIs. The higher rate of unrestful sleep is associated with higher reports of short (6 hours or less) sleep time. Therefore, future research to improve sleep quality in NHPIs should also investigate the cultural and social factors leading to short sleep time. Support (if any) BWL: NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award 5T32HL105321 and the ATS ASPIRE Fellowship

Poor sleep quality and associated determinants among textile and garment manufacturing workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundSleep is a physiological process that is essential to human physical, emotional, and mental health. Sleep difficulties affect an estimated 150 million individuals globally, with roughly 17% of the population in developing countries. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of poor sleep quality among textile and garment manufacturing workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2022. MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was done from July 15th to August 15th, 2022, using a simple random sample technique. The degree of self-reported poor sleep quality was quantified using a validated, interviewer-administered, standardized Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. To determine the relationship between independent variables and poor sleep quality, multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out with a p-value of less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI). ResultsThe prevalence of poor sleep quality was 75.4% (95% CI: 70.8, 80). Working more than 8 h per day (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.01, 7.94), work dissatisfaction (AOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.52–7.05), and using electronic materials before sleeping (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.01–4.30) were all associated with poor sleep quality. ConclusionPoor sleep quality was common among garment and textile industrial workers. Work dissatisfaction, working hours, and the utilization of electronic materials before bedtime were all substantially related to poor sleep quality, which should be taken into account and addressed early to reduce poor sleep quality.

Associations between exposure to phthalates, phenols, and parabens with objective and subjective measures of sleep health among Mexican women in midlife: a cross-sectional and retrospective analysis.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may impact sleep during the menopausal transition by altering sex hormones. However, these studies are scarce among Latin American women. This investigation utilized cross-sectional and retrospective data from midlife women enrolled in the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) study to examine associations between exposure to EDCs (phthalates, phenols, and parabens) and sleep health measures. For cross-sectional analyses, single spot urine samples were collected between 2017-2019 from a pilot sample of women (N = 91) of midlife age to estimate the urinary concentration of individual phthalates, phenols, and parabens and to calculate the summary concentration of phthalate mixtures. Seven-day nightly sleep duration, midpoint, and fragmentation were obtained from wrist-actigraphy devices and estimated from the actigraphy data using a pruned dynamic programming algorithm. Self-reported poor sleep quality was assessed by one item from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). We examined associations between urinary summary phthalate mixtures, phthalate metabolites, phenol, and paraben analytes with each sleep measure using linear or logistic (to compute odds of poor sleep quality only) regression models adjusted for specific gravity, age, and socioeconomic status. We ran similar regression models for retrospective analyses (N = 74), except that urine exposure biomarker data were collected in 2008 when women were 24-50years old. At the 2017-2019 midlife visit, 38% reported poor sleep quality. Cross-sectionally, EDCs were associated with longer sleep duration, earlier sleep timing, and more fragmented sleep. For example, every 1-unit IQR increase in the phenol triclosan was associated with a 26.3min per night (95% CI: 10.5, 42.2; P < 0.05) longer sleep duration and marginally associated with 0.2 decimal hours (95% CI: -0.4, 0.0; P < 0.10) earlier sleep midpoint; while every 1-unit IQR increase in the phthalate metabolite MEHP was associated with 1.1% higher sleep fragmentation (95% CI: 0.1, 2.1; P < 0.05). Retrospective study results generally mirrored cross-sectional results such that EDCs were linked to longer sleep duration, earlier sleep timing, and more fragmented sleep. EDCs were not significantly associated with odds of self-reported poor sleep quality. Results from cross-sectional and retrospective analyses revealed that higher exposure to EDCs was predictive of longer sleep duration, earlier sleep timing, and more fragmented sleep among midlife women.

Associations between post-traumatic stress symptoms and sleep/circadian parameters: Exploring the effect of chronotype as a moderator variable

ABSTRACT The present study aimed at evaluating how post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are associated with rest-activity circadian and sleep-related parameters, assessed both subjectively (via questionnaires) and objectively (via actigraphy). Specifically, we explored whether chronotype could moderate the association between sleep/circadian parameters and PTSS. Participants (n = 120 adults; mean age 35.6 ± 14; 48 male) were assessed through the Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self Report (TALS-SR) for lifetime PTSS, the reduced version of the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) for chronotype, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for self-reported sleep quality, and wrist actigraphy for sleep and circadian parameters. Eveningness, poor self-reported sleep quality, lower sleep efficiency (SE), lower interdaily stability (IS), and higher intradaily variability (IV) were correlated with higher TALS-SR scores. Regression analyses showed that IV, SE, and PSQI remained associated with TALS symptomatic domains after adjusting for potentially confounding factors (age and gender). Moderation analysis showed that only the PSQI remained significantly associated with TALS symptomatic domains; however, the interaction with chronotype was not significant. Targeting self-reported sleep disturbances and rest-activity rhythms fragmentation could mitigate PTSS. Although the effect of chronotype as a moderator of the associations between sleep/circadian parameters and PTSS was not significant, eveningness was associated with higher TALS scores, thus confirming the vulnerability of evening types to worse stress reactions.

Poor sleep quality during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions associated with reduced psychological wellbeing in healthcare students

ABSTRACT Sleep is inexorably linked to both physiological and psychological wellbeing. Restrictions imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted upon daily and weekly routines, which can have a negative impact on a range of factors including sleep quality, and/or quantity and general wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 related restrictions on sleep patterns and psychological wellbeing of healthcare students. A survey was delivered to healthcare students across three faculties at a single institution. Participants completed questionnaires on the effect of COVID-19 restrictions on course delivery and clinical placements, its effect on sleep-wake times, sleep quality, sleep hygiene, psychological wellbeing, their current sleep knowledge and sleep education in their current course. Using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), over 75% of participants were found to have poor sleep quality. Changes in sleep habits and sleep behaviours during COVID-19 restrictions were associated with poorer sleep quality, and this poor sleep quality was associated with poor psychological wellbeing, particularly, motivation, stress and fatigue. Increases in negative sleep hygiene behaviours were associated with a statistically significant increase in PSQI global score. Positive emotions were positively correlated with PSQI (r = 0.22–0.24, p < .001), negative emotions were negatively correlated with PSQI (r = −0.22 - −0.31, p < .001). Also, a self-perceived lack of sleep education was identified. This study illustrates the negative association between self-reported poor sleep behaviour and poor sleep quality during COVID-19 restrictions on university student mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, there is a self-perceived lack of sleep education with little to no time spent educating students in their current degree. Hence, appropriate sleep education may improve sleep behaviours and subsequent sleep quality, which may prove to be a protective factor against poor mental health in the face of unexpected changes to routines.

Prevalence and predictors of sleep problems in women following a cancer diagnosis: results from the women's wellness after cancer program.

Using a discrete dataset from the Women's Wellness after Cancer Program (WWACP), we examine the prevalence and predictors of self-reported sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer. Participants were 351 women (Mage = 53.2, SD = 8.8) from the WWACP who had completed surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for breast, gynaecological or blood cancers within the previous 24months. Sleep problems were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Baseline data (i.e. prior to intervention randomisation) were analysed. Most women (59%) reported clinically significant sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5), 40% reported insufficient sleep duration (< 7h), 38% self-reported poor sleep quality and 28% reported poor habitual sleep efficiency (sleep efficiency < 75%). Fewer psychological and vasomotor climacteric symptoms, age < 45years and having a partner were associated with reduced odds (AOR < 1) of sleep problems. Higher levels of pain-related disability, and an intermediate compared to 'high' level of education, were associated with increased odds (AOR > 1) of sleep problems. These findings confirm previous studies that have found a high prevalence of sleep problems in women previously treated for cancer. A range of sociodemographic, climacteric and pain-related factors were associated with sleep problemsin this study. Targeted interventions to improve sleep quality after cancer treatment should be explored in this population. Predictors identified in this study could inform intervention targeting and development.

Exploratory Study on the Associations between Lifetime Post-Traumatic Stress Spectrum, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythm Parameters in Patients with Bipolar Disorder.

The present study aimed at exploring whether lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms are associated with chronotype in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Moreover, we explored whether the chronotype can moderate the potential associations between lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms and rest-activity circadian and sleep-related parameters. A total of 74 BD patients were administered the Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR) lifetime version for lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for self-reported sleep quality, and the Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) to discriminate evening chronotypes (ETs), neither chronotype (NT), and morning chronotype (MT). Actigraphic monitoring was used to objectively evaluate sleep and circadian parameters. Patients classified as ET reported significantly higher scores in the re-experiencing domain, as well as poorer sleep quality, lower sleep efficiency, increased wake after sleep onset, and delayed mid-sleep point compared with both NT and MT (p-value ≤ 0.05). Moreover, ET presented significantly higher scores in the TALS-SR maladaptive coping domain than NT and lower relative amplitude than MT (p-value ≤ 0.05). Moreover, higher TALS-SR total symptomatic domains scores were significantly correlated with poor self-reported sleep quality. Regression analyses showed that the PSQI score maintained the association with the TALS total symptomatic domains scores after adjusting for potentially confounding factors (age and sex) and that no interaction effect was observed between the chronotype and the PSQI. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that patients with BD classified as ET showed significantly higher lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms and more disrupted sleep and circadian rhythmicity with respect to other chronotypes. Moreover, poorer self-reported sleep quality was significantly associated with lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms. Further studies are required to confirm our results and to evaluate whether targeting sleep disturbances and eveningness can mitigate post-traumatic stress symptoms in BD.

A nationwide study on pain manifestations and sleep problems in community-dwelling older adults: findings from ELSI-Brazil.

Sleep problems are common and affect approximately 36-70% of older adults worldwide and can be associated with negative outcomes such as pain. There is believed to be a bidirectional relationship between sleepproblems and pain, modulated by inflammation and stress. The objective was to investigate the association between self-reported sleep problems and pain manifestations. A cross-sectional study using data from the second wave of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (2019-2021) was conducted. The exposure variables were self-reported sleep problems: poor sleep quality, insomnia (initial, intermediate, and final), and daytime sleepiness. The outcomes were self-reported pain manifestations: frequent pain, moderate/intense/strong pain, and pain-related disability. Logistic regressions were performed to verify the association between exposures and outcomes. A total of 6875 community-dwelling older adults participated in this study (71.1 ± 8.3years; 54.4% female). Older adults with self-reported poor sleep quality, initial, intermediate and final insomnia, and daytime sleepiness had, respectively, 1.99 (95% CI 1.57-2.53), 1.47 (95% CI 1.11-1.97), 1.65 (95% CI 1.27-2.14), 1.69 (95% CI 1.29-2.22), and 1.76 (95% CI 1.35-2.29) greater odds of reporting frequent pain. The odds of moderate/intense/strong pain were higher in older adults that reported poor sleep quality (OR: 2.21; 95% CI 1.08-4.51). Older adults with self-reported poor sleep quality, initial, intermediate and final insomnia, and daytime sleepiness had, respectively, 1.84 (95% CI 1.11-3.02), 1.73 (95% CI 1.14-2.62), 1.80 (95% CI 1.19-2.73), 1.58 (95% CI 1.07-2.34), and 1.63 (95% CI 1.11-2.39) greater odds of reporting pain-related disability. Self-reported sleep problems are associated with pain manifestations in older adults. The results may help in the proposition of programs and public health policies.

Sleep Disorders Among Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Self-reported sleep problems are common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with potential negative health implications, yet relatively little research has focused on sleep in RA. We examined the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk, restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms, and short sleep (SS) in a large RA cohort (n=4,200) and factors associated with each. Data are from FORWARD, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases. Validated screening measures assessed OSA risk and RLS symptoms. SS was based on self-reported average sleep time (<6 hours). The Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Problems Index I measured self-reported sleep quality. Multivariable logistic regression models identified independent predictors of sleep disorders and sleep quality and the independent association of OSA risk, RLS symptoms, and SS with self-reported poor sleep quality. Twenty-one percent (n=899) had OSA diagnosis or risk, 30% (n=1,272) had RLS symptoms or diagnosis, and 43% (n=1,737) reported SS, and RA disease activity was associated with each sleep disorder. Abatacept use was associated with lower odds of RLS and SS. Use of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or abatacept was less frequent in the SS group. No medications were associated with OSA in multivariable analyses. Both RLS and SS was associated with worse perceived sleep quality. Almost two-thirds met criteria for at least one sleep disorder. RA disease activity and pain were significantly associated with each sleep condition. Additional research is needed to identify the causal pathway between sleep disorders and RA disease activity and pain and the long-term consequences of sleep disorders in RA.

Poor quality sleep is associated with greater carotid intima media thickness among otherwise healthy resident doctors.

Sleep is important for maintaining the metabolic processes in the body, and hence, disruption in sleep leads to metabolic derangement and accelerated atherosclerosis. The effect of sleep duration on subclinical atherosclerosis has been examined in several studies; however, data regarding sleep quality is lacking. The study aimed to assess the association between sleep quality and carotid intima-media thickness among healthy young doctors. This was an observational cross-sectional study among 110 healthy young resident doctors. Anthropometric data were recorded and morning fasting venous blood samples were collected to assess fasting blood sugar, lipid profile and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Berlin questionnaire assessed subjective sleep quality and risk for obstructive sleep apnea, respectively. Carotid ultrasonography was done to detect the intima-media thickness. Average age of the participants was 26.45 (±1.43) years, and 51.8% were male. Self-reported poor sleep quality was found in 54.5%. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was increased among 44.5% of participants. In the multivariate analysis, only poor sleep quality appeared to be associated with higher CIMT (P < 0.001, OR = 7.4; 95% CI = 2.70-20.32). When different components of sleep quality was analyzed through multivariate logistic regression, subjective sleep onset latency (>30 min), sleep efficiency (<85%) and sleep disturbance was found to be associated with the increased CIMT. Poor sleep quality, especially prolonged sleep onset latency, poor sleep efficiency, and sleep disturbance are associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness among healthy young adults.

Impact of reduced night work on shift workers' sleep using difference-in-difference estimation.

We used a quasi-experimental design to investigate the impact of a change in the shift work system by reducing overnight work on the sleep health of workers. A difference-in-difference (DID) analysis was used to investigate changes in sleep time and sleep quality between the experimental group (shift workers, N = 116 in 2007 and N = 118 in 2013) and the control group (regular day workers, N = 256 in 2007 and N = 185 in 2013) before and after a change in the shift system that eliminated overnight work. The sleep outcomes were measured using a questionnaire that inquired about sleep duration, mid-sleep awakenings, and subjective sleep quality. We used a generalized estimating equation model to investigate differences in the prevalence of sleep-related outcomes between baseline and post-intervention. In the DID models, the sleep time per day (+0.5 h), the prevalence of awakening during sleep (-13.9%), and self-reported poor sleep quality (-34.9%) were improved with statistical significance during evening shifts in the experimental group, but there was no significant change during day shifts in the experimental group compared to the control group after the implementation of the new shift system without overnight shift. Quitting overnight work improved sleep health of shift workers.

Association of maternal self-reported sleep quality with gestational diabetes

Poor sleep quality has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. One mechanism by which poor sleep quality may lead to adverse outcomes is increased cortisol levels, which may contribute to weight gain and impaired glucose metabolism. Our objective was to evaluate the association between maternal self-reported sleep quality in the first half of pregnancy and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A prospective cohort study of 744 pregnant individuals was conducted from 2013-2015 at 4 US sites. Participants were ≥18 yrs. old with a singleton pregnancy, < 21 weeks pregnant, English speaking, and without fetal anomalies, progesterone treatment, or corticosteroid use during pregnancy. We excluded those with pre-gestational diabetes. Participants completed the Sleep Quality Index (SQI) between 12w0d-20w6d gestation. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between self-reported poor sleep quality (score >5) and GDM. Covariates included age, income, parity, race/ethnicity (as a social construct), and study site. By including an interaction term in the model, we also tested whether the association between sleep quality and GDM was moderated by obesity status. Among 650 eligible subjects, 60% were white, 16% Black, and 17% Hispanic. The mean BMI was 27.5 kg/m2 (SD: 7.3), and 55 (8.5%) subjects developed GDM. Individuals with GDM were significantly more likely to be older, multiparous, have higher pre-pregnancy BMI, and have lower income. Poor sleep quality was similar between those who developed GDM and those who did not (36.4% vs 37.3%, respectively, p = 0.98). The odds of developing GDM among those reporting poor sleep quality (score >5) was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.42, 1.43). Similarly, those scoring in the upper quartile on the SQI (score > 6) were not at increased risk of developing GDM (aOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.41, 1.59). There was no interaction with BMI or obesity (p >0.05). Poor sleep quality in the first half of pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of developing GDM.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Poor self-reported sleep quality associated with suicide risk in a community sample of American Indian adults

Abstract Study Objectives Although American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) have high suicide rates few studies have systematically investigated sleep quality and its association with suicidal behaviors in AI/AN. This study is a cross-sectional investigation of self-reported sleep quality and suicidal behaviors in an adult AI population. Methods A semi-structured interview was used to collect data on suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, and suicidal attempts and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was collected to assess sleep quality in American Indian adults. Results In this sample (n = 477), 91 (19%) of the participants endorsed suicidal ideation (thoughts and plans), and 66 (14%) reported suicidal attempts, including four who subsequently died by suicide. More women reported suicidal thoughts or acts than men. Those endorsing suicidal thoughts slept fewer hours during the night, reported more nocturnal awakenings, and showed poorer subjective sleep quality according to PSQI total scores compared to those with no suicidal thoughts or acts. Participants with suicidal acts (n = 66) reported more bad dreams and higher PSQI total scores compared to those with no suicidal thoughts or acts. When those with any suicidal thoughts or acts (n = 157, 33%) were compared to those without, they were more likely to endorse nocturnal awakenings and bad dreams and demonstrated significantly higher PSQI total scores. Conclusions Although additional research is needed to evaluate sleep disturbances as a proximal, causal risk factor for suicidal behaviors in AI, findings highlight need for further study of sleep as a warning sign and intervention tool for suicide prevention among American Indian adults.