Restorative Sleep Research Articles

Ayurvedic Insights on Improving Poor Sleep Quality

Sleep – this natural urge is so essential phenomenon of life that engages our one third of life-span, still indulging in being slept is mystery to everyone. At one side adequate sleep quality imparts fair concentration, emotional, cognitive motivational harmony inside body’s mind, soul and consciousness. Contrary to which inadequate sleep or poor sleep quality leads to tiredness, lack of focus, exhaustion, a low pain tolerance, anxiety, irritational thoughts, hallucinations, loss of appetite, constipation and many more. Sleep has a positive impact over digestion, metabolism, nourishment and health. It is irresistible, irreplaceable and unique boon for us, which is pillar of our life. The natural cycle of sleep and awakening is depending on Awastha of Sharir Dosha, Kaal Dosha, and few more factors as depicted in Ayurveda texts. So, the quality of sleep depends on these factors. If there is Kshaya of Kapha, or Vriddhi of Vata and Pitta, then the quality of sleep disturbs. In the realm of holistic well-being, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers profound insights into optimizing sleep quality. Through personalized approaches, Ayurvedic remedies like herbal formulations, lifestyle modifications, and relaxation techniques aim to rebalance Doshas and promote restful sleep. Integrating practices such as meditation, gentle yoga, and consistent sleep routines can pacify Vata and Pitta Dosha, calm the mind, and induce relaxation, fostering deeper and more rejuvenating sleep. Ayurveda's holistic perspective provides a natural and sustainable pathway to address poor sleep quality and promote overall well-being. The present paper is here to discuss in detail about Sukh Nidra.

Effectiveness of a grid mattress on adults' sleep quality and health: A quasi-experimental intervention study.

Despite that 93% of people indicate that a mattress plays a pivotal role in achieving high-quality sleep, there is a scarcity of research investigating the influence of mattresses on sleep quality, pain, and mood in nonclinical poor sleepers. The purpose was to examine the effectiveness of a pressure-releasing medium-firm grid mattress on sleep and health outcomes (e.g., mood, pain, daytime fatigue) of adults with nonclinical insomnia symptoms using a quasi-experimental design. Participants were 39 adults (mean age = 45.29) with nonclinical insomnia (i.e., occasional sleeplessness). Following 1 week of baseline assessments on their current mattress, they slept on a pressure-relieving grid mattress for 8 weeks. Participants completed self-report assessments of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Profile of Mood States, Daytime Fatigue Scale, Pain and Sleep Questionnaire, and Brief Pain Inventory at Baseline and Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. Participants continually wore an Oura Ring to objectively assess sleep and daytime activity. The data were collected from January 2022 to April 2022 and were stored electronically. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to analyze mean time differences. Self-reported sleep quality, perceived pain, perceived stress, mood, and daytime fatigue improved significantly from Baseline to Week 8, p's < 0.05. Objective Oura Ring validated the self-reported sleep and daytime activity outcomes with improvements in sleep duration, time awake during the night, light sleep, deep sleep, and total sleep time, p's < 0.05. No significant time effects were evidenced for rapid eye movement sleep. No adverse events were reported. The grid mattress is a simple, noninvasive, and nonpharmacological intervention that improved adults sleep quality and health. Controlled trials are encouraged to examine the effects of this mattress in a variety of populations and environments.

Sleep Disturbance During Post-Traumatic Amnesia and Early Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury.

After moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), sleep disturbance commonly emerges during the confused post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) recovery stage. However, the evaluation of early sleep disturbance during PTA, its recovery trajectory, and influencing factors is limited. This study aimed to evaluate sleep outcomes in patients experiencing PTA using ambulatory gold-standard polysomnography (PSG) overnight and salivary endogenous melatonin (a hormone that influences the sleep-wake cycle) assessment at two time-points. The relationships between PSG-derived sleep-wake parameters and PTA symptoms (i.e., agitation and cognitive disturbance) were also evaluated. In a patient subset, PSG was repeated after PTA had resolved to assess the trajectory of sleep disturbance. Participants with PTA were recruited from Epworth HealthCare's inpatient TBI Rehabilitation Unit. Trained nurses administered overnight PSG at the patient bedside using the Compumedics Somté portable PSG device (Compumedics, Ltd., Australia). Two weeks after PTA had resolved, PSG was repeated. On a separate evening, two saliva specimens were collected (at 24:00 and 06:00) for melatonin testing. Results of routine daily hospital measures (i.e., Agitated Behavior Scale and Westmead PTA Scale) were also collected. Twenty-nine patients were monitored with PSG (mean: 41.6 days post-TBI; standard deviation [SD]: 28.3). Patients' mean sleep duration was reduced (5.6 h, SD: 1.2), and was fragmented with frequent awakenings (mean: 27.7, SD: 15.0). Deep, slow-wave restorative sleep was reduced, or completely absent (37.9% of patients). The use of PSG did not appear to exacerbate patient agitation or cognitive disturbance. Mean melatonin levels at both time-points were commonly outside of normal reference ranges. After PTA resolved, patients (n = 11) displayed significantly longer mean sleep time (5.3 h [PTA]; 6.5 h [out of PTA], difference between means: 1.2, p = 0.005). However, disturbances to other sleep-wake parameters (e.g., increased awakenings, wake time, and sleep latency) persisted after PTA resolved. This is the first study to evaluate sleep disturbance in a cohort of patients as they progressed through the early TBI recovery phases. There is a clear need for tailored assessment of sleep disturbance during PTA, which currently does not form part of routine hospital assessment, to suggest new treatment paradigms, enhance patient recovery, and reduce its long-term impacts.

Lifestyle Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer.

The incidence of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is on the upswing in the USA. These conditions often lead to higher healthcare costs due to the complex nature of diagnosis and the need for specialized medical interventions, surgical procedures, and prolonged medical management. The economic ramification encompasses direct healthcare expenses and indirect costs related to productivity losses, disability, and potential long-term care requirements. Increasing evidence underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing and managing these conditions. Lifestyle medicine employs evidence-based interventions to promote health through six key pillars: embracing a whole-food, plant-predominant dietary pattern; regular physical activity; ensuring restorative sleep; managing stress effectively; removing harmful substances; and fostering positive social connections. This review provides a comprehensive overview of lifestyle interventions for managing and preventing the development of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Association between sleep quality and blood pressure control among hypertensive patients at a rural tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesRestorative sleep is critical in preventing hypertension and other chronic diseases. Limited research has explored the relationship between sleep quality and hypertension in Africa. This study investigated the association between...

Sleep quality and its association with anxiety, stress, sleep-related beliefs and attitudes and postural control in young adults: a cross-sectional study.

Adequate sleep is essential for young adults, as this age group primarily consists of students, job seekers, and working people constantly managing a hectic lifestyle. Poor quality of sleep, which is essential for physical and mental well-being in the short and long term, can result in impaired overall health. However, there exists a gap in the literature regarding the factors affecting sleep among young adults. Hence, the objective of this study was to find the prevalence of sleep-related parameters (sleep health, hygiene, and sleep-related beliefs and attitudes) and potential risk factors for sleep quality and to investigate the association between sleep and postural control in young adults. This prospective, cross-sectional, analytical study included 181 young adults, 113 (62.43 %) females, and 68 (37.57 %) males, with a mean age of 23.82±2.88 years. Sleep quality, health, beliefs, hygiene, stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed using questionnaires. Postural control was assessed using center of pressure (COP) indices. The overall prevalence of poor sleep quality was 79.01 % among young adults. Multiple linear regression showed that predictors explained 44 % of sleep quality variance (adjusted R square=0.44, f (12,168) = 20.91, p<0.05). Poor sleep-related beliefs and attitudes (95 % CI [0.037, 0.679], p=0.029), higher perceived stress (95 % CI [0.005, 0.219], p=0.039), higher anxiety severity (95 % CI [0.108, 0.526], p=0.003), and poor COP stability index A/P (95 % CI[4.986, 11.248], p=0.00) were found to be significant predictors of poor sleep quality. High anxiety and stress, and poor dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep are predictors of poor sleep quality in young adults. These factors may significantly affect sleep quality and the experience of restful sleep among young adults. Also, poor sleep quality is associated with reduced postural control (decreased stability in the A/P direction). These findings are crucial for improving young adults' overall health and well-being, as poor sleep is highly prevalent among this age group.

Potential of the Blue Calm® food supplement in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by a set of behavioral, cognitive, nutritional, and physiological phenomena derived from the uncontrolled use of alcoholic beverages. There are cases in which AUD is associated with anxiety disorder, and when untreated, it requires careful pharmacotherapy. Blue Calm® (BC) is a food supplement indicated to aid restorative sleep, which has traces of medicinal plant extracts, as well as myo-inositol, magnesium bisglycinate, taurine, and L-tryptophan as its main chemical constituents. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of the BC in the treatment alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in adult zebrafish (aZF). Initially, BC was submitted to antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. Subsequently, the aZF (n = 6/group) were treated with BC (0.1 or 1 or 10 mg/mL; 20 μL; p.o.), and the sedative effect and acute toxicity (96 h) were evaluated. Then, the anxiolytic-like effect and the possible GABAergic mechanism were analyzed through the Light & Dark Test. Finally, BC action was evaluated for treating alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in aZF. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interaction of the major chemical constituents of BC with the GABAA receptor. BC showed antioxidant potential, a sedative effect, was not toxic, and all doses of BC had an anxiolytic-like effect and showed potential for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety in aZF. In addition to the anxiolytic action, the main chemical constituents of BC were confirmed in the molecular docking, thus suggesting that BC is an anxiolytic that modulates the GABAergic system and has pharmacological potential for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety.

Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Personalizing Sleep Quality through Gentle Rocking Motion.

Achieving restorative sleep is crucial for overall well-being, yet sleep difficulties affect a substantial portion of the adult population. Sleep disturbances are associated with diminished quality of life, physical complaints, cognitive impairment, and emotional regulation challenges. This study explores the influence of an innovative experimental bed designed to generate rocking motions on sleep parameters. A prospective observational study enrolled 60 adult participants, assessing their sleep on a regular stationary bed and the Inoveris bed, providing gentle rocking movements. Polysomnography was conducted, recording electroencephalography, electrooculogram, electromyogram, respiratory effort, and other parameters. The rocking bed significantly increased total sleep time (TST) and reduced N1 sleep stage duration (p < 0.001). Participants also experienced a quicker transition to the N2 sleep stage (p = 0.01), indicative of a faster shift from wakefulness to deeper sleep. Additionally, rocking led to a higher percentage of N1 sleep stages (p = 0.01) and a significant increase in N3 sleep stage duration (p = 0.004). While some results lacked statistical significance, notable trends in the rocking bed group have clinical relevance, consistently improving sleep parameters, including increased TST. The rocking bed also showed a trend towards higher sleep efficiency (SE) and sleep duration percentage, hinting at a potential overall enhancement in sleep quality. This study contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of rocking motions on sleep architecture. Despite variations in outcomes across studies, our results underscore the potential of rocking beds as a non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing sleep quality. Notable improvements in total sleep time (TST), N1 sleep stage reduction, and accelerated transitions to deeper sleep stages highlight the clinical relevance of rocking interventions. Further research, collaboration, and addressing the identified limitations will advance our understanding of the therapeutic applications of rocking motions in sleep science.

Quiet Time Means No Screen Time: A Project Aiming to Increase Restful Sleep within the Pediatric Acute Care Unit

AbstractThe use of blue-light-emitting smart devices prior to bedtime has been identified as one of the reasons of increased pediatric sleep disturbances and poor sleep quantity. Interrupted sleep is a risk factor for healing and well-being in the pediatric acute ward. The aim of this project was to promote high-quality sleep within our pediatric ward by implementing a standardized protocol that eliminated exposure to electronic blue light prior to bedtime, per recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our objective was to promote enhanced quantity of sleep and healing by restricting and removing all smart devices during nighttime hours in the pediatric acute ward. We utilized the Bedtime issues, Excessive daytime sleepiness, night Awakenings, Regularity and duration of Sleep, and Snoring validated screening tool, Children Sleep Habit Questionnaire, and included a survey question regarding smart device use to evaluate patients' sleep routine. After the implementation of “no screen time” innovation, patients' and parents' quantity of sleep and total restful hours was reassessed and pre/post results analyzed. The pilot project evaluated 57 patients aged 18 months to 19 years with varying admitting diagnoses. The quiet time innovation results demonstrated improved length and reported uninterrupted sleep among patients. Eliminating electronic screens during evening (sleeping) hours in the acute care setting was associated with improved sleep among pediatric patients, enhancing potential for recovery, promoting well-being, and modeling effects of limiting screen time for participants.

Efficacy of biologically-directed daylight therapy on sleep and circadian rhythm in Parkinson's disease: a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled, phase 2 clinical trial

New non-pharmacological treatments for improving non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) are urgently needed. Previous light therapies for modifying sleep behaviour lacked standardised protocols and were not personalised for an individual patient chronotype. We aimed to assess the efficacy of a biologically-directed light therapy in PD that targets retinal inputs to the circadian system on sleep, as well as other non-motor and motor functions. In this randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled trial at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, participants with mild to moderate PD were computer randomised (1:1) to receive one of two light therapies that had the same photometric luminance and visual appearance to allow blinding of investigators and participants to the intervention. One of these biologically-directed lights matched natural daylight (Day Mel), which is known to stimulate melanopsin cells. The light therapy of the other treatment arm of the study, specifically supplemented the stimulation of retinal melanopsin cells (Enhanced Mel), targeting deficits to the circadian system. Both lights were administered 30min per day over 4-weeks and personalised to an individual patient's chronotype, while monitoring environmental light exposure with actigraphy. Co-primary endpoints were a change from baseline in mean sleep macrostructure (polysomnography, PSG) and an endocrine biomarker of circadian phase (dim light melatonin secretion onset, DLMO) at weeks 4 and 6. Participants data were analysed using an intention to treat principle. All endpoints were evaluated by applying a mixed model analysis. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12621000077864. Between February 4, 2021 and August 8, 2022, 144 participants with PD were consecutively screened, 60 enrolled and randomly assigned to a light intervention. There was no significant difference in co-primary outcomes between randomised groups overall or at any individual timepoint during follow-up. The mean (95% CI) for PSG, N3% was 24.15 (19.82-28.48) for Day Mel (n=23) and 19.34 (15.20-23.47) for the Enhanced Mel group (n=25) in week 4 (p=0.12); and 21.13 (16.99-25.28) for Day Mel (n=26) and 18.48 (14.34-22.62) for the Enhanced Mel group (n=25) in week 6, (p=0.37). The mean (95% CI) DLMO (decimal time) was 19.82 (19.20-20.44) for Day Mel (n=22) and 19.44 (18.85-20.04) for the Enhanced Mel group (n=24) in week 4 (p=0.38); and 19.90 (19.27-20.53) for Day Mel (n=23) and 19.04 (18.44-19.64) for the Enhanced Mel group (n=25) in week 6 (p=0.05). However, both the controlled daylight (Day Mel) and the enhanced melanopsin (Enhanced Mel) interventions demonstrated significant improvement in primary PSG sleep macrostructure. The restorative deep sleep phase (PSG, N3) significantly improved at week 6 in both groups [model-based mean difference to baseline (95% CI):-3.87 (-6.91 to-0.83), p=0.04]. There was a phase-advance in DLMO in both groups which did not reach statistical significance between groups at any time-point. There were no safety concerns or severe adverse events related to the intervention. Both the controlled daylight and melanopsin booster light showed efficacy in improving measures of restorative deep sleep in people with mild to moderate PD. That there was no significant difference between the two intervention groups may be due to the early disease stage. The findings suggest that controlled indoor daylight that is personalised to the individuals' chronotype could be effective for improving sleep in early to moderate PD, and further studies evaluating controlled daylight interventions are now required utilising this standardised approach, including in advanced PD. The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Shake IT Up Australia, National Health and Medical Research Council, and Australian Research Council.

(105) What About the Pillow Talk? Exploring Gender Differences Between Quality of Sex and Time to Sleep

Abstract Introduction The notion of a potential difference between men and women in post-coital time-to-sleep has received attention in mainstream media, perpetuating the stereotype that men fall asleep first (1-7). However, scientific literature on this topic is limited and inconclusive (8-10). It is imperative that we establish a clearer understanding of any potential gender differences in the time it takes to fall asleep after intercourse because sleep patterns and post-sexual experiences can significantly impact overall well-being, intimate relationships, and individuals' physical and mental health. Objective The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationship between quality of intercourse and post-coital time-to-sleep utilizing Fitbit wearable technology. The secondary goal of this study was to determine if gender impacts the relationship between quality of intercourse and post-coital time-to-sleep. Methods Healthy volunteers without underlying sexual dysfunction wore a Fitbit Versa 3 devices for 6 weeks. Participants, aged 18 and above, transmitted encrypted, de-identified data through the Fitbit app. Weekly online surveys recorded the number, timing, and type of sexual encounters. Fitbit devices measured heart rate during encounters, normalized to resting heart rate. Sleep data from the Fitbit devices was collected over the study period. Results A total of 14 representative sexual encounters (7 from each gender) were chosen, and linear regressions were conducted to examine the association between sexual satisfaction and sleep duration. The results revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between improved quality of sex and longer time to sleep after sex for men (r2 value = 0.8685, p value = 0.007). This correlation was not seen in women, and although not statistically significant, women trended in the opposite direction, with higher quality sexual encounters resulting in women taking shorter time to fall asleep. (36.16 minutes in males vs. 12.85 minutes in females). These findings suggest that the intensity and satisfaction of sexual experiences may influence the physiological and psychological arousal levels, leading to prolonged wakefulness and delayed onset of sleep in men. Conclusions Our study utilizing Fitbit wearable technology provides valuable insights into the relationship between gender differences, quality of intercourse, and post-coital time-to-sleep. Our findings suggest that there is a positive correlation between higher sexual activity satisfaction and longer time-to-sleep post-intercourse for men. In women, although not statistically significant, the trend was in the opposite direction with greater quality of sex leading to shortened time-to-sleep. These findings have significant implications for understanding the complex interplay between sexual experiences, sleep patterns, and overall well-being, highlighting the need for further research and tailored interventions to optimize sexual health and promote restful sleep for individuals of all genders. Disclosure No.

Nidra: An Ayurvedic Perspective

Introduction: Sleep is a natural, essential activity for the restoration of fatigued tissues, with its mechanism not fully elucidated. Ayurveda considers sleep, along with diet and celibacy, as fundamental pillars of life. Materials &amp; Methods: Various literatures like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Astanga Hridaya, modern medical textbooks, journals and online databases are reviewed Results: Proper sleep promotes happiness, nourishment, strength, knowledge, and longevity. Day sleep (Divaswapna) is recommended under specific conditions, aligning with seasonal rhythms. Insomnia (Nidranasa) is linked to Dosha imbalances, mental exhaustion, and systemic disturbances. Discussion: Ayurvedic recommendations for daytime sleep vary based on individual constitutions and health conditions. The approach underscores the significance of balancing these factors for sound and restorative sleep. Conclusion: The Ayurvedic perspective emphasizes obtaining the right amount of sleep at the right time for overall well-being. Sleep is deemed a rejuvenating force, contributing to strength, nourishment, and satisfaction. Individualized regimens are crucial to ensure proper sleep and address potential imbalances, aligning with Ayurvedic principles for holistic health.

Medical clowns improve sleep and shorten hospitalization duration in hospitalized children

Intervention by medical clowns was proven to have a positive effect in reducing stress and anxiety, increasing cooperation and improving the child's experience prior to a medical procedure and during the various stages of hospitalization. Sleep has long been known to be essential for recovery from injury and sickness, improving immune functions, and there is an emerging understanding of the restorative role quality sleep has on health and diseases. Hospitalized children are more exposed to sleep disorders and sleep deprivation due to the hospitalized environment, anxiety, and illness. Different behavioral interventions to promote sleep were previously studied in hospitalized children, some showing potential benefits. In this study, we sought to examine the ability of medical clowns to positively impact the child's sleep during hospitalization. The study is an observational matching (case–control) interventional study which took place at the department of pediatrics in Carmel Medical Center. Forty-two hospitalized children ages 2–17 were included in two equal groups of intervention or control. Children in the control group were recruited based on a method of matching the chief complaint plus the medical diagnosis and age of the children in the intervention group in a 1:1 matching. The children's sleep parameters were objectively evaluated for two consecutive nights using an Actigraph device and subjectively by parent's questionnaire. Additional factors such as hospital length of stay and demographics were also monitored. The study group had an encounter with a medical clown (15–30 min) before bedtime on either the first or the second night, and the control group was not exposed to a medical clown at all. We then compared the data from both groups using unpaired t-tests. Hospitalized children exposed to a medical clown prior to bedtime (n = 21) and children not exposed to a medical clown (n = 21) were comparable in age and clinical characteristics. The study group had a significantly delayed wake-up time compared to the control group (06:59 ± 46 min vs. 07:26 ± 42 min, p < 0.05) (mean difference of 27 min). Night's duration (from bedtime to wake-up) was significantly longer in the study versus the control group (570 ± 76 vs. 500 ± 66.1 min, p < 0.05), a total mean increase of 70 min, and sleep efficiency were significantly increased (92.3 ± 4.6% vs. 87.9 ± 8.7%, p < 0.05). Within the clown group, when comparing nights with and without exposure to a medical clown, total sleep time was prolonged by a mean of 54 min on the night of the intervention (518 ± 74 min vs. 464 ± 59 min, p < 0.01), and the total wake time during the night were reduced (52 ± 27 min vs. 77 ± 61 min, P < 0.05), mean difference of 25 min), mainly by reduction of wake period after sleep onset (WASO) (42 ± 25 min vs. 66 ± 58 min, p < 0.05), mean difference of 24 min). Regarding general medical outcomes, hospital stay was significantly shorter in the clown group vs. control (104 ± 42 h vs. 128 ± 42 h, p < 0.05), a mean reduction of 23 h—nearly an entire day. An encounter with a medical clown before bedtime in hospitalized children positively affects sleep parameters, which may be of great importance for healing in general. The clown intervention was also shown to shorten the hospital stay. Larger scale studies are warranted to establish these findings.

Sex-Dependent Effects of Chronic Circadian Disruption in AβPP/PS1 Mice.

Chronic disruption of the circadian timing system, often reflected as a loss of restful sleep, also includes myriad other pathophysiological effects. The current study examined how chronic circadian disruption (CD) could contribute to pathology and rate of progression in the AβPP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A chronic CD was imposed until animals reached 6 or 12 months of age in AβPP/PS1 and C57BL/6J control mice. Home cage activity was monitored for a period of 3-4 weeks prior to the endpoint along with a single timepoint measure of glucose sensitivity. To assess long term effects of CD on the AD phenotype, animals were re-entrained to a no disruption (ND) schedule just prior to the endpoint, after which a Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess spatial learning and memory. Dampening of nighttime activity levels occurred in disrupted animals, and female animals demonstrated a greater adaptability to CD. Diminished arginine vasopressin (AVP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of 12-month male AβPP/PS1 exposed to the CD paradigm were observed, potentially accounting for the diminished re-entrainment response. Similarly, CD worsened performance in the MWM in 12-month male AβPP/PS1 animals, whereas no effect was seen in females. Collectively, these findings show that exposure to chronic CD impairs circadian behavioral patterns and cognitive phenotypes of AβPP/PS1 mouse model in a sex-dependent manner.

Exploring the short-term influence of a proprietary oil extract of black cumin (Nigella sativa) on non-restorative sleep: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled actigraphy study.

Nigella sativa (black cumin, or black seed) is popularly known as the seed of blessings in the Arab system of medicine. Though not widely recommended for sleep, a unique proprietary black cumin extract (BlaQmax®/ThymoDream™; BCO-5) has been shown to be helpful in the management of stress and sleep issues. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of BCO-5 on the sleep quality of volunteers characterized with a self-reported non-restorative sleep disorder. Healthy male and female participants (n = 70), aged 18-65 years (BMI 22-28 Kg/m2) were randomized to either placebo or BCO-5 (n = 35/group). Both interventions were supplemented at 200 mg/day for seven days. Actigraphy and a validated restorative sleep questionnaire (RSQ-W) were used to monitor the influence of BCO-5 on sleep. Compared to placebo, BCO-5 significantly improved sleep quality, as evidenced by both intra-group and inter-group analyses of the actigraphy data. The relative improvements observed were sleep efficiency (7.8%, p < 0.001), total sleep time (19.1%, p < 0.001), sleep onset latency (35.4%; p < 0.001), and wake-after-sleep-onset (22.5%; p < 0.001) compared with placebo. BCO-5 also improved sleep by 75.3% compared to baseline (p < 0.001) and by 68.9% compared to placebo (p < 0.001), when monitored by RSQ-W. BCO-5 was well-tolerated with no reports of side effects or toxicity. BCO-5 significantly improved non-restorative sleep in seven days, indicating its potential role as a natural sleep aid.

A Matter of Time: A Web-Based Investigation of Rest and Sleep Effects on Speech Motor Learning.

Here, we examine the possibility that memory consolidation during a period of postpractice rest or nocturnal sleep can bolster speech motor learning in the absence of additional practice or effort. Using web-administered experiments, 74 typical, American English talkers trained in a nonnative vowel contrast then had a 12-hr delay with (SLEEP) or without nocturnal sleep (REST) or proceeded immediately (IMMEDIATE) to a posttraining production assessment. For ecological validity, 51 native Danish talkers perceptually identified the American English talkers' productions. We observed that practice resulted in productions that were more acoustically similar to the Danish target. In addition, we found that rest in the absence of further practice reduced the token-to-token variability of the productions. Last, for vowels produced immediately following training, listeners more accurately identified vowels in the trained context, whereas in the untrained context, listener accuracy improved only for vowels produced by talkers who slept. A single session of speech motor training promotes observable change to speech production behavior. Specifically, practice facilitates acoustic similarity to the target. Moreover, although a 12-hr postpractice period of rest appears to promote productions that are less variable, only the productions of those who slept are perceived as more accurate by listeners. This may point to sleep's role in contextualizing the acoustic goal of the production to the learner's own vocal tract and its role as a protective mechanism during learning. These results are unaccounted for under existing models and offer potential for future educational and clinical applications to maximize speech motor learning. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24707442.

Sleep health among medical students in Abakaliki Nigeria: A descriptive study

BackgroundSleep health focuses on those measurable characteristics of sleep that are most clearly associated with physical, mental, and neurobehavioral well-being, and not necessarily the absence of sleep disorder. Sleep health is characterised by subjective satisfaction, appropriate timing, adequate duration, high efficiency, and sustained alertness during waking hours. Adequate and restful sleep is particularly crucial for medical students, who face unique challenges due to the demanding nature of their academic and clinical responsibilities. There is limited data on sleep health among medical students in Nigeria. ObjectivesThis research study investigated the pattern of sleep health among medical students in Abakaliki Nigeria. MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study was undertaken among the medical students of 2 public institutions in Abakaliki Nigeria from 16th to 23rd June 2023. ResultsOut of the 288 medical students (males- 53.1 %, females- 46.9 %), good sleep health was recorded in 6.6 %. The mean SATED sleep score was 4.9 ± 1.7 (male- 4.9 ± 1.8, female- 4.9 ± 1.6) (p-value = 1) and it was significantly lower among the final-year students. Age difference, sex difference, and presence of chronic headache did not significantly affect the SATED sleep score. The mean sleep duration was 6.1 ± 1.5 hours (male- 6.1 ± 1.6, female- 6.0 ± 1.4). Sleep duration (54.5 %) had the best rating while sleep efficiency (44 %) had the lowest rating among the assessed sleep domains. ConclusionSleep health is poor among medical students in Abakaliki Nigeria and significantly poorer among final-year medical students.

Sleep experiences of parents of children 18 years or younger with sickle cell disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

The coronavirus disease pandemic has highlighted disparities in health care. Parents assist in sickle cell disease management in children. Understanding sleep in parents of children who are diagnosed with sickle cell disease is an important facet of disease management. Our objectives were to identify sleep characteristics of parents of children with sickle cell disease age 18 years or younger during the coronavirus disease pandemic, to investigate measures used by parents to achieve restful sleep, and to discuss how sleep may be improved in parents of children diagnosed with sickle cell disease. This study conducted 14 face-to-face semistructured interviews with parents of children diagnosed with sickle cell disease. A majority of the interviews (93%) were conducted at a hematology clinic. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze data. All parents reported that their child experienced pain because of sickle cell disease. Most parents (86.7%) reported that their child was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Four themes were identified: difficulty obtaining restful sleep during their child's sickle cell crisis, sleep during the coronavirus disease pandemic, factors affecting sleep, and effects of sleep disturbance and deprivation on parental performance. This research has highlighted some of the difficulties experienced by parents of children who are diagnosed with sickle cell disease and allows for additional insight into the sleep experiences of parents as they attempt to manage their child's disease. Osborne JC, Odlum M, Sedrak A. Sleep experiences of parents of children 18 years or younger with sickle cell disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(5):777-782.

Unraveling the associations between unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and mental health in the general adult Chinese population: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study examined the cumulative risk of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and the associations between overall lifestyle and common mental disorders (CMDs), insomnia, stress, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and functional impairment. Additionally, the treatment preferences for managing CMDs and insomnia were examined. MethodsA survey was conducted on 1487 Chinese Hong Kong adults, assessing their lifestyle behaviors (i.e., diet and nutrition, substance use, physical activity, stress management, restorative sleep, social support, and environmental exposures), mental health-related outcomes, and treatment preferences via a vignette. ResultsThe findings revealed significant additive relationships between the number of ‘worse’ lifestyle domains and the risk of all outcomes. A healthier overall lifestyle was significantly associated with reduced risks of all outcomes (AORs = 0.88 to 0.93). Having healthier practices in diet and nutrition, substance use, stress management, restorative sleep, and social support domains were significantly associated with lower risks of all outcomes (AORs = 0.93 to 0.98), except that substance use was not significantly associated with stress. Physical activity was inversely associated with only depressive symptoms (AOR = 0.98), anxiety symptoms (AOR = 0.99), and stress (AOR = 0.99). Environmental exposures were not significantly associated with functional impairment but with all other outcomes (AORs = 0.98 to 0.99). Besides, lifestyle interventions (55 %) were significantly more preferred for managing CMDs and insomnia relative to psychotherapy (35.4 %) and pharmacotherapy (9.6 %). ConclusionsOur findings underscore the importance of considering lifestyle factors when managing CMDs, insomnia, stress, HRQOL, and functional impairment, with a particular emphasis on adopting a multicomponent treatment approach.

Recognition of Sleep Disorders using IoT-Based Wearables and Neutrosophic Data Analytics

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare technology, the amalgamation of Internet of Things (IoT) systems and Neutrosophic Data Analytics has heralded a paradigm shift. This study delves deep into this transformative synergy by presenting an innovative IoT-based wearable system design for the recognition of sleep disorders. Our meticulously crafted multilayer cellular system seamlessly integrates IoT devices, data acquisition, cloud computing, and machine learning to unlock a wealth of insights into sleep patterns, their anomalies, and the presence of sleep disorders. Through fair and rigorous experimental comparisons, we unveil the prowess of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) within the machine learning realm, showcasing its superior performance over baseline models. The results affirm LSTM's ability to detect sleep disorders with remarkable accuracy, precision, and recall, revolutionizing sleep medicine and healthcare practices. This research, at the crossroads of innovation and healthcare, not only illuminates the path to advanced sleep disorder diagnosis but also heralds a new era of personalized healthcare interventions and remote monitoring solutions. As we navigate the realm of IoT and data-driven healthcare, our findings hold the promise of improving the quality of life for countless individuals, reaffirming the pivotal role of technology in safeguarding one of the most fundamental aspects of human well-being – a peaceful and restorative night's sleep.