Significant Improvement In Sleep Quality Research Articles

Effects of 12 weeks of functional and resistance training on stress perception and sleep quality in Bra-zilian older people

The study investigated the effects of a 12-week functional and resistance training program on the perception of stress and sleep quality in Brazilian older people, involving 49 participants. The Perceived Stress in older adults and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used. The training protocol included a general warm-up, resistance and functional training sessions, followed by a cool-down phase, held twice a week, lasting an average of 60 minutes over the 12 weeks. Data analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, bootstrapping, t-tests and Pearson correlation, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed a significant reduction in sleep disturbance and total sleep quality score after the intervention. Men initially had lower stress and better sleep quality in some aspects compared to women, while older people between 60 and 69 years old had improvements in sleep quality in certain aspects before and after the intervention, compared to older people aged 70 and over. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the perception of stress and several components of sleep quality, such as subjective quality, duration and total score. In short, the study demonstrated that the exercise program had varying impacts on sleep quality, but not on the perception of stress among the older people, highlighting a significant improvement in sleep quality after the intervention. Keywords: Aging. Exercise Therapy. Sleep Quality. Psychological stress. Physical education.

Role of Nasal Surgery in Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review

Abstract Objective To perform a systematic review to determine if isolated nasal surgery has any impact on subjective or objective parameters in adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Materials and Methods From December 2022 to March 2023, we conducted a search on the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Two independent investigators performed a study selection according to the established criteria, as well as data collection, including the study design, the subjective and objective parameters addressed, the type of intervention, and the outcomes, considering the methodological quality and risk of bias. Results In total, 25 studies met the selection criteria, and they showed that there is a significant improvement in sleep quality, sleepiness, nasal resistance, and snoring after isolated nasal surgery. Still, there is no relevant modification of other polysomnographic parameters. It also reduces the required titration pressures of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and increases the duration of its use. Conclusion Isolated nasal surgery is not a primary treatment for OSA. Still, it improves the subjective parameters and can lead to CPAP therapy success by enhancing its effectiveness and long-term compliance.

Xiao-Yao-San improves sleep quality in insomnia patients with and without moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea-A pilot polysomnography study

IntroductionThis single-arm pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of a 1-month Xiao-Yao-San (XYS) treatment with on objective and subjective sleep parameters among insomnia patients with and without moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MethodsThis single-arm pre-post study included fourteen participants (average age, 48.2±15.5 years). All participants received XYS (3 g × 3 times/day, after meals) for 28 days. Among them, 7 participants had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15 events/hour and were classified as having moderate-to-severe OSA, while 7 patients had an AHI <15 events/hour. Polysomnography was performed to evaluate the AHI, sleep stage, sleep efficiency, and sleep latency at the beginning and after 28 days of usage. Subjective questionnaires were also administered, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the pre-treatment and post-treatment differences. ResultsOur 14 insomnia participants, with an average AHI of 21.2 events/hour at baseline, who were taking XYS, exhibited a statistically significant reduction in PSQI scores (reduction of -3.0; p=0.002) compared to the corresponding baseline values. The objective sleep evaluations did not show differences between participants with or without moderate-to-severe OSA after receiving XYS treatment. For subjective sleep parameters, only participants without moderate-to-severe OSA exhibited statistically significant improvements in sleep quality (PSQI score pretest/posttest: 10.0±3.5/7.0±3.5; p=0.012). ConclusionsXYS treatment may significantly improve sleep quality in participants without moderate-to-severe OSA. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed.

The anti-fatigue and sleep-aiding effects vary significantly among different recipes containing Ganoderma lucidum extracts

AimsThis study aims to delve into the anti-fatigue and sleep-aiding effects of various formulations containing Ganoderma lucidum extracts. Materials and methodsPGB [incorporating Ganoderma lucidum extract (GE), broken Ganoderma lucidum spore powder (GB) and Paecilomyces hepiali mycelium (PH)] and GBS [composed of GE, GB, and Ganoderma sinense powder (GS)] were chosen as representative recipes for this study. Mice were treated with these recipes or key components of Ganoderma lucidum for 14 consecutive days. Subsequently, a weight-bearing swimming experiment was conducted to assess the mice's exhaustion time and evaluate the anti-fatigue properties of the recipes. Sleep-aiding effects were analyzed by measuring the sleep latency and duration. Furthermore, levels of blood lactic acid, serum urea nitrogen, hepatic glycogen, muscle glycogen, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the livers and muscles. Key findingsThe anti-fatigue abilities of the tested mice were significantly improved after treatment with PGB and their sleep quality improved as well with GBS treatment. PGB treatment for 14 days could significantly prolong the exhaustion time in weight-bearing swimming (from 10.1 ± 0.5 min to 15.2 ± 1.3 min). Meanwhile, glycogen levels in the livers and muscles were significantly increased, while the levels of serum lactic acid, serum urea nitrogen, and MDA in the livers and muscles were significantly decreased. In contrast, mice treated with GBS for 14 days experienced significant improvements in sleep quality, with shortened sleep latency (from 6.8 ± 0.7 min to 4.2 ± 0.4 min), extended sleep duration (from 88.3 ± 1.4 min to 152.5 ± 9.3 min), and decreased muscle MDA levels. These results indicated that Ganoderma lucidum extracts can be used for anti-fatigue and or aid in sleeping, depending on how they are prepared and administered. SignificanceThis study provides experimental evidence and theoretical basis for the development of Ganoderma lucidum recipes that are specifically designed to help with anti-fatigue and sleep.

The use of prolonged-release melatonin in circadian medicine: a systematic review.

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is effective in restoring biological rhythms. Prolonged-release melatonin (PRM) is designed to mimic the natural physiological pattern of melatonin release. In circadian medicine, PRM can be used to treat sleep and circadian rhythm disorders, as well as numerous organic diseases associated with sleep disorders. This systematic review analyzed 62 studies and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, examining the effectiveness of PRM in organic pathologies and mental disorders. The main evidence concerns primary insomnia in subjects over the age of 55, showing significant improvements in sleep quality. In neurodevelopmental disorders, there is evidence of a positive impact on sleep quality and quality of life for patients and their caregivers. PRM shows efficacy in the treatment of sleep disorders in mood disorders, schizophrenia, and neurocognitive disorders, but requires further confirmation. The additional use of PRM is supported for the withdrawal of chronic benzodiazepine therapies. The tolerability and safety of PRM are excellent, with ample evidence supporting the absence of tolerance and dependence. Overall, PRM in circadian medicine is an effective chronopharmaceutical for restoring the sleep-wake rhythm in patients with insomnia disorder. This efficacy may also extend to sleep disorders associated with mood, neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders, suggesting a further potential role in insomnia associated with various organic diseases.

Assessing the Feasibility and Efficacy of Pre-Sleep Dim Light Therapy for Adults with Insomnia: A Pilot Study.

Background: Insomnia is increasingly recognized for its marked impact on public health and is often associated with various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of pre-sleep dim light therapy (LT) as a non-pharmacological intervention for insomnia in adults, assessing its influence on sleep parameters and circadian rhythms. Methods: A randomized, open-label, two-arm clinical trial was conducted over two weeks with 40 participants aged 20-60 years, all of whom had sleep disorders (CRIS, KCT0008501). They were allocated into control and LT groups. The LT group received exposure to warm-colored light, minimizing the blue spectrum, before bedtime. The study combined subjective evaluation via validated, sleep-related questionnaires, objective sleep assessments via actigraphy, and molecular analyses of circadian clock gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were compared using an independent t-test for continuous variables and the chi-squared test for categorical variables. Within-group differences were assessed using the paired t-test. Changes between groups were analyzed using linear regression, adjusting for each baseline value and body mass index. The patterns of changes in sleep parameters were calculated using a linear mixed model. Results: The LT group exhibited significant improvements in sleep quality (difference in difference [95% CI]; -2.00 [-3.58, -0.43], and sleep efficiency (LT: 84.98 vs. control: 82.11, p = 0.032), and an advanced Dim Light Melatonin Onset compared to the control group (approximately 30 min). Molecular analysis indicated a significant reduction in CRY1 gene expression after LT, suggesting an influence on circadian signals for sleep regulation. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for the efficacy of LT in improving sleep quality and circadian rhythm alignment in adults with insomnia. Despite limitations, such as a small sample size and short study duration, the results underscore the potential of LT as a viable non-pharmacological approach for insomnia. Future research should expand on these results with larger and more diverse cohorts followed over a longer period to validate and further elucidate the value of LT in sleep medicine. Trial registration: The trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0008501).

A game-based learning approach to sleep hygiene education: a pilot investigation.

Sleep hygiene education (SHE) consists of environmental and behavioral practices primarily intended to reduce sleep problems. Currently considered ineffective as a stand-alone treatment, the manner in which the education is typically delivered may be ineffective for the acquisition of new knowledge. The purpose of this study was to determine if a more engaging teaching medium may improve the efficacy of sleep hygiene education. This study examined the use of game-based learning to teach SHE to individuals with sleep problems. 35 participants played the SHE games for 30 days. Differences in pre- and post-state anxiety and sleep quality measures were examined. Participants had significant improvements in sleep quality and state anxiety after using the app for 30 days, although scores for the majority of patients remained elevated. This pilot investigation provides initial evidence for the efficacy of a game-based approach to SHE.

Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Pregabalin Versus Limaprost in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPatients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) typically complain of back pain and leg pain. These symptoms reduce the quality of life and also cause sleep disturbances. This study compares pregabalin and limaprost's efficacy in LSS for pain, disability, quality of life, and sleep, aiming to offer insights for medication selection. MethodsThis study was designed as a prospective, randomized, single-center, single-blinded, clinical superiority trial targeting patients with LSS. For 6 weeks, 111 patients per group were administered medication following a standard regimen, after which patient-reported outcomes were measured. The primary outcome was the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, and the secondary outcomes included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), and sleep quality. ResultsAfter 6 weeks of medication, there were significant improvements over time in the primary outcome, VAS for back pain and leg pain, in both groups, but no significant difference between the two groups. Similarly, for the secondary outcomes, ODI and EQ-5D, both groups showed significant improvements, yet there was no significant difference between them. In the subgroup analysis targeting poor sleepers (Pittsburgh sleep quality index, PSQI > 5), both groups also exhibited significant improvements in sleep quality, but again, there was no significant difference between the groups. ConclusionsEfficacy of pregabalin, limaprost in back and leg pain, ODI, EQ-5D, and sleep quality, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Thus, it is advisable to prescribe based on individual drug responses and potential complications.

Harnessing technology to improve sleep in frontline healthcare workers: A pilot study of electronic noise-masking earbuds on subjective and objective sleep measures.

Objective: This pilot study assessed the effects of electronic noise-masking earbuds on subjective sleep perception and objective sleep parameters among healthcare workers (HCWs) reporting sleep difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using a pre-post design, 77 HCWs underwent 3 nights of baseline assessment followed by a 7-night intervention period. Participants wore an at-home sleep monitoring headband to assess objective sleep measures and completed subjective self-report assessments. The difference in mean sleep measures from baseline to intervention was estimated in linear mixed models. Results: Compared to baseline assessments, HCWs reported significant improvements in sleep quality as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) (Cohen's d = 1.74, p < 0.001) and a significant reduction in perceived sleep onset latency (SOL) during the intervention (M = 17.2 minutes, SD = 7.7) compared to baseline (M = 24.7 minutes, SD = 16.1), (Cohen's d = -0.42, p = 0.001). There were no significant changes in objective SOL (p = 0.703). However, there was a significant interaction between baseline objective SOL (<20 minutes vs >20 minutes) and condition (baseline vs intervention) (p = 0.002), such that individuals with objective SOL >20 minutes experienced a significant decrease in objective SOL during the intervention period compared to baseline (p = 0.015). Conclusions: HCWs experienced a significant improvement in perceived SOL and ISI scores after using the electronic noise-masking earbuds. Our data provide preliminary evidence for a nonpharmacological intervention to improve the sleep quality of HCWs which should be confirmed by future controlled studies.

Factors associated with sleep quality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A longitudinal study.

Poor sleep quality is associated with multiple factors in cardiac surgery patients. To examine the trajectory of sleep quality and its associated factors over 3 months in Taiwanese patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A longitudinal study. This study enrolled 95 patients undergoing cardiac surgery in northern Taiwan. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale before surgery, at discharge, and at 1 month and 3 months postsurgery. The majority of participants reported poor sleep quality before cardiac surgery (76.8%) and at discharge (81.6%), and they showed significant improvements in sleep quality at 1 month (B = -0.93, p = .023) and 3 months postsurgery (B = -1.50, p < .001). Significant daytime sleepiness was reported by 25.3% of patients before cardiac surgery, and this proportion significantly decreased at 3 months postsurgery (B = -2.59, p < .001). The significant predictors of sleep quality in cardiac surgery patients were symptom distress, sleep medications, occupation, left ventricular ejection fraction, ACE-I drugs and potassium ions, which explained 53.7% of the total variance in sleep quality. Having a nap habit was an independent predictor of daytime sleepiness in cardiac surgery patients, which could explain 3.7% of the total variation. Poor sleep quality was common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and was associated with multiple factors, including symptom distress, cardiac function, medications, and psychosocial and environmental factors. Poor sleep quality was observed in cardiac surgical patients before surgery and at discharge postsurgery. Patient education on symptom management, medication adherence and sleep hygiene are suggested to improve sleep quality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Inhalation effect of lychee-scented candles on stress and sleep quality among adults and the elderly: a pilot randomized controlled study.

[Purpose] This pilot study aims to investigate the effects of inhaling lychee-scented candles on stress and sleep quality among adults and the elderly. [Participants and Methods] Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either the control (n=15) or experimental (n=15) groups. The experimental group inhaled the scent from the lychee soy wax candle prior to going to bed for four weeks (20 minutes/session, three days/week). Perceived stress was assessed using the Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20), while sleep quality was assessed using the Thai-Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Thai-PSQI). All outcomes were determined at the baseline two weeks to four weeks after scent inhalation. [Results] The results indicated significant differences in sleep quality between the two groups. The experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality compared to the control group. Although, there was no difference between groups, the experimental group presented significant decrease in stress as time passed whereas the opposite trend was seen for the control group. [Conclusion] This preliminary study suggests that the inhalation of lychee soy wax candles over a four-week period improved sleep quality in adults and the elderly but had no effect on reducing stress.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS ON SLEEP QUALITY IN RA AND FMS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Objective Sleep disturbances can significantly impact the well-being of individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Fibromyalgia (FMS), leading to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and increased pain. This systematic review aims to assess the available evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in improving sleep quality for individuals with RA and FMS. Method A comprehensive search was conducted in English electronic databases (CINAHL plus, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) to identify relevant articles. The review includes 15 studies, consisting of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCTs), published between 2012 and 2022. Primary and secondary outcome measures related to sleep quality were assessed using subjective and objective measures. Results Interventions in the studies were diverse, involving physical and mind-body approaches, lasting 6 to 16 weeks with session durations of at least 30 minutes. The total intervention hours ranged from 6 to 32 hours across all studies. Follow-up evaluations were conducted in four studies up to 6 months after the last treatment. While the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and Yoga did not report statistically significant improvements in sleep quality for RA, non-pharmacological interventions showed a positive impact on sleep outcomes for RA and FMS populations. Conclusion Non-pharmacological interventions show promise as a potential alternative method to improve sleep quality for individuals with RA and FMS. However, there is no evidence to support the superiority of one intervention over another. Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis. Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Sleep quality. Sleep disturbance. Exercise. Non-pharmacological intervention.

Hypnosis Intervention for Sleep Disturbances in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Further, poor sleep quality is associated with reduced quality of life, increased stress response, memory impairments, and progression to dementia among individuals with MCI. Pharmacological treatments for sleep have mixed efficacy and can lead to dependency. Therefore, alternatives to pharmacological treatments for improving sleep among individuals with MCI are needed. The present study reports on the feasibility of a non-pharmacological self-administered hypnosis intervention focused on sleep quality in adults with MCI. It was hypothesized that the hypnosis intervention program would be feasible and have acceptable levels of adherence to daily hypnosis practice. A two-armed randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted using a sample of 21 adults with MCI. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to listen to either hypnosis audio recordings or sham hypnosis recordings for five weeks. Program feasibility, program adherence, pain intensity, stress, and sleep quality were measured using a daily home practice log, questionnaires, and wrist actigraphy. The results found mid or higher levels of treatment satisfaction, ease of use, and perceived effectiveness at one-week follow-up, with participants in the hypnosis arm reporting greater perceived benefit. Adherence to assigned audio recordings and meetings were likewise within acceptable margins in both groups. No intervention-related adverse events were reported in either treatment condition. Significant improvements in sleep quality, sleep duration, and daytime sleepiness were found for the hypnosis intervention. The results of this study can be used to inform future research on the effects of hypnosis on sleep quality in adults with MCI.

Brain and Body Group Fitness program for those with dementia and their caregivers through community partnership

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) calls for nonpharmacological interventions to reduce the negative impact on quality of life to those affected with the impairment and their caregivers. Brain and Body Fitness (BBF) is a group program combining physical, cognitive, and socialization strategies to engage people living with dementia to maximize benefits for sustained function while slowing cognitive decline.Research Design and MethodsThe purpose of this study was to determine if BBF participants (N = 49 affected partners; N = 38 caregivers) were impacted in four quality of life indicators: anxiety, sleep, fatigue, and depression. Ex post facto data was utilized and demographic information was not collected.ResultsData reveals significant reductions in depression symptoms and significant improvements in sleep quality for affected participants though no statistically significant improvements for caregivers. Anecdotally, the program demonstrates trends of overall mood improvement in both partners.Discussion and ImplicationsCommunities may consider adopting a similar model in other areas to provide additional support for residents with dementia and their caregivers.Session PlanThis collaborative session will provide the following:• Short background and demographics of Eau Claire County and prevalence of dementia• Overview of the Brain and Body Fitness Program and wellness promotion• Share results &amp; recommendations of the UW‐Eau Claire research study• Demonstrate a shortened Brain and Body Group Fitness Program class (including body weight exercises, stretching and language activities) with volunteers that choose to participate (optional). Learn ways to start a Brain &amp; Body Group Fitness Program in your community Learning objectives • Develop and understanding of the innovative Brain and Body Group Fitness program model• Identify strategies to adopt a similar program in your community• Learn how the benefits the BBF program can provide enhanced quality of life to those living with dementia in the community and their caregivers

Effect of oral melatonin treatment on insulin resistance and diurnal blood pressure variability in night shift workers. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundNight shift work is associated with sleep disturbances, obesity, and cardiometabolic diseases. Disruption of the circadian clock system has been suggested to be an independent cause of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in shift workers. We aimed to improve alignment of circadian timing with social and environmental factors with administration of melatonin. MethodsIn a randomized, placebo-controlled, prospective study, we analysed the effects of 2 mg of sustained-release melatonin versus placebo on glucose tolerance, insulin resistance indices, sleep quality, circadian profiles of plasma melatonin and cortisol, and diurnal blood pressure profiles in 24 rotating night shift workers during 12 weeks of treatment, followed by 12 weeks of wash-out. In a novel design, the time of melatonin administration (at night or in the morning) depended upon the shift schedule. We also compared the baseline profiles of the night shift (NS) workers with 12 healthy non-night shift (NNS)-working controls. ResultsWe found significantly impaired indices of insulin resistance at baseline in NS versus NNS (p < 0.05), but no differences in oral glucose tolerance tests nor in the diurnal profiles of melatonin, cortisol, or blood pressure. Twelve weeks of melatonin treatment did not significantly improve insulin resistance, nor did it significantly affect diurnal blood pressure or melatonin and cortisol profiles. Melatonin administration, however, caused a significant improvement in sleep quality which was significantly impaired in NS versus NNS at baseline (p < 0.001). ConclusionsRotating night shift work causes mild-to-moderate impairment of sleep quality and insulin resistance. Melatonin treatment at bedtime improves sleep quality, but does not significantly affect insulin resistance in rotating night shift workers after 12 weeks of administration.

Effect of Yoga Therapy with Ayurvedic Diet on Sleep Quality Among Aged Insomniac Women

This study investigates the impact of a holistic approach combining Yoga therapy and Ayurvedic dietary interventions on sleep quality in aged women suffering from insomnia. A single group study was conducted, involving aged women (age range: 60 to 70years) diagnosed with insomnia based on standardized assessment criteria. The intervention group attended supervised Yoga sessions six times a week for 12 weeks, complemented by personalized Ayurvedic dietary recommendations. The primary outcome measure was sleeping quality, assessed using standardized sleep quality indice, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), administered at baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks). Secondary outcome measure was anxiety and fear acessed by VAS (Visual Analog Scale). Preliminary results indicate a significant improvement in sleep quality in the intervention group, as evidenced by reductions in ISI scores, anxiety and fear (p &lt; 0.001). These results imply that the integration of Yoga therapy with Ayurvedic dietary practices can have a positive and long-lasting impact on quality of sleep and general wellbeing in aged women with insomnia. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential benefits of a holistic approach to addressing insomnia in aged women, emphasizing the role of complementary therapies such as Yoga and Ayurvedic dietary interventions in improving sleep quality and enhancing overall quality of life. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and mechanisms underlying these positive outcomes.

Effect of a Home-Based Simplified Tai Chi Exercise Program on Sleep Quality, Daytime Sleepiness, Quality of Life, and Psychological Well-Being in Egyptian Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Introduction:Sleep disturbances are common among older adults and can have detrimental effects on their overall well-being. Tai Chi exercise has shown promise in improving sleep quality, quality of life (QoL), and psychological well-being in various populations.Objective:To investigate the effect of a home-based simplified Tai Chi exercise program on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, QoL, and psychological well-being in Egyptian older adults.Methods:A quasi-experimental design was employed, with 152 participants aged 60 years and above assigned to either an experimental group (n= 87) or a control group (n= 65). Thecontrol group received a health education program to improve their sleeping quality and life-style, while the experimental group received a similar health education program and Tai Chi exercise training program. The participants in the experimental group were instructed to perform 3 months Tai Chi exercise. Data on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, QoL, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and depression symptoms were collected at baseline, and one month, and 3 months post-intervention using validated questionnaires. Repeated measures ANOVA was done to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention programsover 3 time periods.Results:The results showed significant improvements in sleep quality (p< .001), QoL (p< .005), GAD (p< .005), and depression symptoms (p< .005) post-interventions. Also, there were significant difference in the effectiveness of the intervention programs between both the experimental and control groups. The experimental group exhibited greater improvements compared to the control group.Conclusion:The findings support the beneficial effects of a home-based simplified Tai Chi exercise program on sleep quality, QoL, and psychological well-being in Egyptian older adults. These results have important implications for promoting healthy aging and improving overall well-being in this population. Further research is recommended to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of Tai Chi exercise on the outcomes of interest.

Eight Weeks of Daily Cannabidiol Supplementation Improves Sleep Quality and Immune Cell Cytotoxicity.

The endocannabinoid system is active in nervous and immune cells and involves the expression of two cannabinoid receptor genes (CB1 and CB2), along with endogenous endocannabinoid ligands, 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide), and their synthetic enzymes. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating exogenous cannabinoid agonist derived from plants that, at high doses, has received FDA approval as an anticonvulsant for epileptic seizures, and at low doses is marketed as a food-grade supplement for improved mental health, sleep quality, and immunological function. At present, the predominance of published CBD clinical research has focused on ameliorative or disease-specific intervention, with few trials investigating CBD effects in healthy populations. This clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of 50 mg oral CBD on mental health, sleep quantity and quality, and immune cell function in healthy, college-aged individuals. Twenty-eight participants (average age 25.9 ± 6.1 y) were randomized to receive either daily oral capsules of 50 mg of CBD (CB, n = 14) or a calorie-matched placebo (CN, n = 14). Participants completed pre- and post-intervention assessments, including anthropometric measurements, mental health surveys, sleep analysis, and immunological function assessments. After completing the 8-week intervention, there were no significant changes in body weight and BMI (CN: 1.09 ± 0.89%: CB: 1.41 ± 1.07%), or body fat percentage (CN: 9.01 ± 7.51%: CB: 8.57 ± 7.81%), respectively (values are % change pre to post, p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences between CB and CN groups with respect to mental health measures, sleep quantity, or circulating immunophenotype as a result of the intervention. However, the CB group experienced significant improvements in sleep quality measured objectively using a sleep questionnaire (p = 0.0023) and enhanced Natural Killer (NK) immune cell function assessed in situ (p = 0.0125). Eight weeks of daily 50 mg CBD may improve sleep quality, and NK immunosurveillance in healthy, younger adults.

Effect of melatonin on sleep quality and EEG features in childhood epilepsy: a possible non-conventional treatment.

Sleep and epilepsy are characterized by a bidirectional relationship. Indeed, epilepsy predisposes to the development of sleep disorders, while sleep deprivation may exacerbate epilepsy. In addition, antiseizure medication can disrupt normal sleep architecture. Therefore, adequate sleep hygiene could lead to improvement in seizure control. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on seizure frequency, EEG tracing, and sleep in children with focal idiopathic epilepsy. This observation study evaluated the effect of 4 mg oral melatonin in ameliorating sleep-wake cycle, seizure frequency, and EEG features in children with focal idiopathic epilepsy of infancy. Twenty children were enrolled from September 2020 to August 2021. The study consisted of serial controls at enrollment (t0), at 3 months (t1), and at 6 months (t2) including neurological examination, questionnaire about sleep disturbances (CSHQ), and EEG. A significant improvement in sleep quality and daytime sleepiness was observed after melatonin supplementation. Furthermore, we observed a noteworthy improvement in EEG tracing at t2 that exhibited a significant correlation with improvements in CSHQ scores. The studies conducted so far to evaluate the effect of melatonin in persons with epilepsy do not lead to definitive conclusions. Despite the small population sample and the study design, we report sleep and EEG improvement after melatonin administration in our cohort. Larger studies are needed to further study the neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties of melatonin.

Effects of rational emotive behavior therapy on alexithymia, anxiety, depression and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundAlexithymia, a subclinical cognitive-affective impairment, is prevalent in older people and increases the risk of mental disorders. There is a vast alexithymia treatment gap, with majority of older people in nursing homes lacking access to adequate mental health care. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on alexithymia, anxiety, depression and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted with two groups (the control group and intervention) from March to November 2021. This study enrolled 86 participants, two of whom were lost to follow-up; 42 received usual care (control group) and 42 received REBT based on usual care (intervention group) in nursing homes. The older people in both groups were evaluated at baseline (T0), within one-week post-intervention (T1), and at 3-month follow-up (T3). Generalized estimating equations were used by SPSS version 26 to assess the differential change in the outcomes between the two groups.ResultsThe intervention group shows significantly greater improvement in alexithymia than the control group at both T1 (β = -8.167, 95%CI= -10.965, -5.368, P < 0.001) and T2 (β=-4.119, 95%CI= -7.171, -1.067, P = 0.008). The two groups showed significant differences at both T1 and T2 in both difficulty identifying feelings and difficulty describing feelings. Compared to the control group, the intervention group shows a significant improvement in sleep quality at T2 (β = -2.048, 95%CI=-4.004, -0.091, P = 0.040). The two groups showed significant differences at both T1 and T2 in both sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction. For depression and anxiety, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups.ConclusionsREBT showed to be an effective method for improving alexithymia and sleep quality of older people in nursing homes. However, it failed to significantly alleviate anxiety and depression at least in a short-term trial. Refining this intervention may have a broader, more substantial impact on future research.