Sleep Research Articles

Dynamic thermal comfort skin temperatures of young adults during sleep and the effects of gender and sleep stage

This study aims to investigate the local skin temperatures of young adults during sleep in a thermally comfortable indoor environment (thermal sensation vote of -1 to +1). Differences in the thermal comfort skin temperatures (Tsk,tc) caused by changes in gender and sleep stage (i.e., wake, REM, light, deep) are discussed. 8-hour sleep tests were conducted involving 40 subjects (20/20 males/females). Their local skin temperatures at nine sites were recorded every minute, forming a physiological database of thermal comfort. Analysis on the collected data demonstrated significant (p<0.05) variations in local Tsk,tc both between genders and between distinct stages of sleep. Throughout the 8-hour sleep, females had higher Tsk,tc than males. Notably, this difference is most pronounced at the abdomen region, where the Tsk,tc was 0.43°C higher for females. Additionally, females had a wide range of mean Tsk,tc from 34.08°C to 34.75°C, while males had a narrow range from 33.80°C to 34.25°C. Furthermore, the Tsk,tc during the wake stage is significantly lower compared to that in the other three stages, implying skin temperature could be used as an indicator to distinguish sleep stages. Also, the variation in Tsk,tc across sleep stages is more pronounced among females than males. This research reveals gender-specific and sleep stage-related disparities in local Tsk,tc. These findings provide a scientific basis for set-point skin temperatures in thermal regulation models for sleeping. Besides, the development of personalized sleep comfort systems and indoor environment would benefit from current findings, which improves human sleep thermal comfort and quality.

Assessment of sleep patterns in dementia and general population cohorts using passive in-home monitoring technologies

BackgroundNocturnal disturbances are a common symptom experienced by People Living with Dementia (PLWD), and these often present prior to diagnosis. Whilst sleep anomalies have been frequently reported, most studies have been conducted in lab environments, which are expensive, invasive and not natural sleeping environments. In this study, we investigate the use of in-home nocturnal monitoring technologies, which enable passive data collection, at low cost, in real-world environments, and without requiring a change in routine.MethodsClustering analysis of passively collected sleep data in the natural sleep environment can help identify distinct sub-groups based on sleep patterns. The analysis uses sleep activity data from; (1) the Minder study, collecting in-home data from PLWD and (2) a general population dataset (combined n = 100, >9500 person-nights).ResultsUnsupervised clustering and profiling analysis identifies three distinct clusters. One cluster is predominantly PLWD relative to the two other groups (72% ± 3.22, p = 6.4 × 10−7, p = 1.2 × 10−2) and has the highest mean age (77.96 ± 0.93, p = 6.8 × 10−4 and p = 6.4 × 10−7). This cluster is defined by increases in light and wake after sleep onset (p = 1.5 × 10−22, p = 1.4 × 10−7 and p = 1.7 × 10−22, p = 1.4 × 10−23) and decreases in rapid eye movement (p = 5.5 × 10−12, p = 5.9 × 10−7) and non-rapid eye movement sleep duration (p = 1.7 × 10−4, p = 3.8 × 10−11), in comparison to the general population.ConclusionsIn line with current clinical knowledge, these results suggest detectable dementia sleep phenotypes, highlighting the potential for using passive digital technologies in PLWD, and for detecting architectural sleep changes more generally. This study indicates the feasibility of leveraging passive in-home technologies for disease monitoring.

Evaluating Educational Patterns and Methods in Infant Sleep Care: Trends, Effectiveness, and Impact in Home Settings—A Systematic Review

Background: Sleep care is crucial for the health and development of infants, with proper sleep patterns reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents. Educational interventions targeting caregivers are essential in promoting safe sleep practices. Methods: This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, searching databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving home-based interventions for infants aged 0–12 months, including parental education and behavioral interventions. Exclusion criteria included studies in clinical settings and non-peer-reviewed articles. Data extraction and synthesis were performed by two independent reviewers, using a narrative approach to categorize interventions and outcomes. Results: Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Key findings indicate that home-based educational interventions, including hospital-based programs, home visits, and mobile health technologies, significantly improve parental knowledge and adherence to safe sleep practices. These interventions also enhance parental satisfaction and contribute positively to infant health outcomes. Conclusions: Educational interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting safe sleep practices among caregivers, particularly in home settings. These interventions, including hospital-based programs, home visits, and digital tools, improve parental knowledge, adherence to guidelines, and overall satisfaction. The impact is evident in the reduction of unsafe sleep behaviors and enhanced infant health outcomes. However, variability in the intervention methods and delivery, cultural contexts, and geographic focus suggest a need for more tailored, long-term, and comprehensive studies. Future research should standardize outcome measures and assess the sustained impact of these educational strategies on infant sleep patterns and caregiver practices over time. This will provide deeper insights into the trends and long-term effectiveness of educational patterns and methods in diverse home environments.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Neonatal Sleep Classification.

Sleep, notably active sleep (AS) and quiet sleep (QS), plays a pivotal role in the brain development and gradual maturation of (pre) term infants. Monitoring their sleep patterns is imperative, as it can serve as a tool in promoting neurological maturation and well-being, particularly important in preterm infants who are at an increased risk of immature brain development. An accurate classification of neonatal sleep states can contribute to optimizing treatments for high-risk infants, with respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) serving as key components in sleep assessment systems for neonates. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of extracting both RR and HR using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in neonates. This study introduces a comprehensive sleep classification approach leveraging high-frequency NIRS signals recorded at a sampling rate of 100 Hz from a cohort of nine preterm infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Eight distinct features were extracted from the raw NIRS signals, including HR, RR, motion-related parameters, and proxies for neural activity. These features served as inputs for a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model designed for the classification of AS and QS sleep states. The performance of the proposed CNN model was evaluated using two cross-validation approaches: ten-fold cross-validation of data pooling and five-fold cross-validation, where each fold contains two independently recorded NIRS data. The accuracy, balanced accuracy, F1-score, Kappa, and AUC-ROC (Area Under the Curve of the Receiver Operating Characteristic) were employed to assess the classifier performance. In addition, comparative analyses against six benchmark classifiers, comprising K-Nearest Neighbors, Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machines, Random Forest (RF), AdaBoost, and XGBoost (XGB), were conducted. Our results reveal the CNN model's superior performance, achieving an average accuracy of 88%, a balanced accuracy of 94%, an F1-score of 91%, Kappa of 95%, and an AUC-ROC of 96% in data pooling cross-validation. Furthermore, in both cross-validation methods, RF and XGB demonstrated accuracy levels closely comparable to the CNN classifier. These findings underscore the feasibility of leveraging high-frequency NIRS data, coupled with NIRS-based HR and RR extraction, for assessing sleep states in neonates, even in an intensive care setting. The user-friendliness, portability, and reduced sensor complexity of the approach suggest its potential applications in various less-demanding settings. This research thus presents a promising avenue for advancing neonatal sleep assessment and its implications for infant health and development.

Reproductive hormones and sex chromosomes drive sex differences in the sleep-wake cycle.

There are well-documented gender differences in the risk and severity of sleep disorders and associated comorbidities. While fundamental sex differences in sleep regulatory mechanisms may contribute to gender disparities, biological responses to sleep loss and stress may underlie many of the risks for sleep disorders in women and men. Some of these sex differences appear to be dependent on sex chromosome complement (XX or XY) and the organizational effects of reproductive hormones. Reproductive development plays a critical role in the ability of sex chromosomes and reproductive hormones to produce sex differences in sleep and wakefulness. Rodent models reveal that reproductive hormones drive many but not all sex differences in sleep-wake architecture. The ability of reproductive hormones to alter sleep are often dependent on responses to sleep loss and stress. However, in the absence of reproductive hormones (in gonadectomized rodents) sex differences in sleep amount and the ability to recover from sleep loss persist. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) of the hypothalamus play crucial regulatory roles in mediating the effects of reproductive hormones on the sleep-wake cycle. Taken together, the work reviewed here reveals that the reproductive hormone environment and sex chromosome complement may underlie gender disparities in sleep patterns and the risk for sleep disorders.

Sleep Characteristics of Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units after Major Abdominal Surgery

Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate sleep parameters and architecture in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) on the day of abdominal surgery. Methods : A total of ten patients who underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia at the hepatopancreatobiliary surgery department of a general hospital in Busan, South Korea participated in this observational study. We measured total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep stages on their first night in the ICU using the WatchPAT300. Furthermore, we used nonparametric statistics to examine differences in postoperative sleep based on sedative administration. Results : The Median (IQR) TST for the participants was 399.50(263.80) minutes; the SE was 75.1 (30.4)%; the WASO rate was 27.8(30.6)%; and the WASO frequency was 5.50(8.50) times. Patients’ rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time was 114.31(87.88) minutes, with 55.8(11.9)% of N1, 18.2(5.3)% of N2, and 24.8 (11.7)% of N3 sleep stages. The sedation group had a longer TST (Z=-2.619, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; =.008), higher SE (Z=-2.611, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; =.008), lower WASO rate (Z=-2.611, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; =.008), smaller number of WASOs (Z=-2.627, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; =.008), and longer REM sleep (Z=-2.617, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; =.008) compared to the non-sedation group. Conclusion : We observed a high rate of light sleep and awakenings during sleep in patients admitted to the ICU after surgery. Moreover, non-sedated patients lacked either deep or REM sleep. Sleep-improving interventions are needed for non-sedated surgical patients who are admitted to the ICU.

Effect of Combination of Facial Acupuncture Therapy with Lavender Aromatherapy on Reducing Postpartum Maternal Anxiety Levels in Medan Tuntungan District

Following childbirth, moms will undergo emotional fluctuations characterized by mood swings, anxiety, dizziness, and feelings of despair. Impaired maternal understanding of infant care can lead to psychological issues that impact the mother's physical well-being, including disrupted sleep patterns and reduced appetite. Failure to promptly manage anxiety in postpartum mothers can lead to the development of baby blues syndrome and postpartum depression. This study employs a Quasi Experiment design with a pre-posttest not include a control group to quantitatively investigate the impact of combining facial acupressure therapy with lavender aromatherapy on anxiety reduction in postpartum mothers. The investigation was conducted in Medan Tuntungan District, located in Medan City. One hundred postpartum women constituted the sample in this study. The data collection process involved administering treatment (facial acupressure therapy with lavender aromatherapy), followed by observation and interviews conducted using the HARS instrument. The analysis conducted using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test revealed a negative ranks value of 94. This indicates that out of the 100 postpartum women who participated in the study, 94 mothers reported a reduction in anxiety levels. The positive rankings index is 0, indicating that none of the 100 postpartum moms who participated in the study reported a rise in anxiety levels. The tie value of 6 indicates that among the 100 postpartum moms who participated in the study, 6 mothers did not show any significant difference in anxiety levels before and after undergoing a combination of Facial Acupressure Therapy with Lavender Aromatherapy. Moreover, it is established that the significance value at this stage of analysis is 0.000 or greater than ? (0.05). Therefore, it can be inferred that there is a significant impact of the combination of Facial Acupressure Therapy with Lavender Aromatherapy on the reduction of anxiety levels in postpartum mothers.

Peran Kecanduan Smartphone dan Stres Akademik Terhadap Kualitas Tidur pada Mahasiswa

Sleep is a fundamental necessity that must be met by every individual, including students. Poor sleep patterns among students can have significant impacts on both their physical and psychological well-being. Therefore, students must pay attention to their sleep habits to ensure they achieve high-quality rest. Quality sleep refers to a state in which a person experiences restful and restorative sleep, leaving them feeling refreshed and energized upon waking. Factors such as smartphone addiction and academic stress have been shown to affect sleep quality. This study aims to examine the influence of smartphone addiction and academic stress on sleep quality among students at a university in Pekanbaru. The study's participants consisted of 250 students aged between 17 and 24 years, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using scales that measured sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and academic stress, and were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results indicated that both smartphone addiction and academic stress significantly impacted sleep quality (R=0.521; R2=0.271; F=45.92; p&lt;0.01). Achieving good sleep quality is more feasible when smartphone usage is kept in moderation and emotional regulation is well-managed.

The influence of sleep quality of pregnant women on the incidence of stunting in children: A literature review

Lifestyle changes have significant impact on the pattern of sleep-in pregnant women. Irregular sleep patterns in pregnant women can lead to anaemia and disturbances in the formation of growth hormones, hence, causing interference in the progress and maturation of children, which includes increased potentials for stunted growth. This literature review aims to discuss the influence of the sleep quality of pregnant women on the incidence of stunting of newborns. The methodology in this study techniques is the result of a comprehensive literature review. The data for this study was obtained from three databases, namely Scopus, Google Scholar, and media articles, using specific criteria for inclusion and exclusion. The major findings suggest that pregnant women with suboptimal sleep quality leading to disruptions in haemoglobin and anaemia. This is attributable to a lack of Non-Rapid Eyes Movement (NREM) sleep phase, where the growth hormone is produced. We conclude that the quality of sleep-in pregnant women influences the incidence of stunting in children.

Longitudinal relationships between free-living activities, fatigue, and symptom severity in myasthenia gravis using cohort and individualized models.

Fluctuating symptoms and fatigue are common issues in myasthenia gravis (MG), but it is unclear if these symptoms are related to physical activity or sleep patterns. This study sought to determine the day-to-day relationship between patient-reported symptoms and physical activity and sleep over 12 weeks. Sixteen participants with generalized MG wore a wrist-mounted accelerometer continuously for the study duration and reported their symptoms and fatigue each evening. Cumulative link mixed models were used to analyze whether clinical and demographic characteristics, physical activity, and sleep were related to symptom severity and fatigue over the study period. Three types of models were constructed: a cohort model, a model in which data was scaled to each participant, and individual models. The cohort model indicated that higher disease severity, female sex, more comorbidities, less physical activity, more inactive time, and lower quantity of sleep were significantly associated with increased symptom severity and fatigue (p < .05). However, in the within-participant scaled model, there were almost no significant associations with physical activity or sleep. In the individual models, some participants showed similar results to the cohort model, but others showed no associations or the opposite response in some variables. While physical activity and sleep were associated with self-reported symptoms and fatigue within this population, this was not necessarily applicable to individuals. This demonstrates the importance of an individualized analysis for determining how physical activity and sleep may impact outcomes in MG, with implications for clinical and self-management.

FLAIR-Hyperintense Lesions in Anti-MOG-Associated Encephalitis with Seizures: A Case Report

Introduction: Myelin oligodendrocytic glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. We described, a case of encephalitis associated with anti-MOG antibodies with hyperintense lesions on FLAIR and seizures (FLAMES). Case Report: We report a case of a 5-year-old girl, with no significant personal or family history, who entered the emergency room with paroxysmal events and anarthria, in a febrile context. On neurological examination she presented right sided facial paresis and pyramidal signs on the right. Lumbar puncture (LP), showed pleocytosis, hyperproteinorrhaquia and the absence of oligoclonal bands. Electroencephalogram revealed encephalopathy and slow paroxysmal left frontal activity. The brain MRI detected hyperintense lesions, however, with an area of left frontal cortico-subcortical hyperintense signal on T2/FLAIR and diffusion restriction. Anti-MOG antibody was detected. These findings pointed to the diagnosis of FLAMES. She completed 7 days of methylprednisolone (30mg/kg/day), with a good response. On the day of discharge, a repeat EEG was conducted, demonstrating significant improvement compared to the initial one, with slightly slow wake and sleep patterns for her age, and no evidence of epileptic activity. She was assessed approximately four months post-hospitalisation and was found to be asymptomatic, with no focal neurological deficits. A further EEG was performed, which showed a structurally age-appropriate wake and sleep pattern with no abnormal graphoelements. Conclusion: We highlight a rare clinical-radiological entity, which is still poorly described, particularly in the paediatric population, known as FLAMES, with a favourable response to steroids. Early recognition and timely diagnosis of his condition improve clinical and therapeutic management and minimize neurological damage. Immediate initiation of appropriate treatment is important for achieving a favorable outcome.

Sleep-related epilepsies in the course of development in childhood

AbstractEpilepsy, as one of the most prevalent neurological diseases in childhood, has a strong reciprocal relationship with sleep. Sleep-associated epilepsy syndromes in childhood are mostly genetic and can be divided into (a) the group of self-limited focal epilepsies of childhood including self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures (SeLEAS) and self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS) and (b) (non-self-limited) sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE). Sleep-accentuated (developmental and) epileptic encephalopathies (DEE/EE-SWAS, Landau–Kleffner syndrome [LKS]) are either genetic (possible transition from SeLEAS or SeLECTS) or structural, and they are characterized by continuous bilateral focal or generalized epileptic activity throughout the night with a clinical manifestation of stagnation or regression, in particular of cognition (verbal agnosia in LKS). Epilepsy syndromes with increased seizure frequency after sleep deprivation or with seizures in the transition to awakening include juvenile generalized epilepsy syndromes such as epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone (GTCA) or juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), but also SeLECTS. Sleep is a very active process: Regeneration, reorganization, and consolidation of memory facilitate development and cognitive functioning. Epilepsy can alter sleep architecture and vice versa, which can appear as a vicious circle in epilepsies that are sleep related. Macrostructural elements of sleep such as sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, wakefulness after sleep onset, REM and non-REM sleep fraction, as well as microstructural sleep elements such as slow-wave activity, slope of slow waves, cyclic alternating pattern (CAP), and physiological sleep figures, are important biomarkers with which to understand clinical symptoms such as cognitive stagnation and regression, to monitor treatment, but also to determine prognostic factors and will be an important tool for future studies.

The Effect of Sleep Quality on Stress Levels in Night Shift and Non-night Shift Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

The sleep–wake cycle, which is regulated by the endogenous circadian rhythm, is disrupted by night-shift work. Altered sleep patterns owing to shift work have been associated with irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, and nervousness. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of sleep quality on stress in night shift workers and non-night shift workers. A cross – sectional study was conducted in 30night shift and 30 non-night shift workers of Railway Mail Service and Postal Department, Thrissur, Kerala. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and stress was assessed using Perceived Stress Scale. The findings revealed that a majority of night shift workers reported poor sleep quality, with a significant correlation observed between sleep quality and shift work. Furthermore, stress levels were markedly higher among night workers with poor sleep quality. Regression analysis indicated a positive association between impaired sleep quality and elevated stress levels.

Associations between dietary nutrient intake and sleep disorders in cancer survivors base on NHANES 2005 to 2018.

Sleep disorders significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals, which remain largely unrecognized. It is widely believed that dietary nutrient intake plays a crucial role in promoting healthy sleep patterns. However, there is lack of research focusing on cancer survivors. This study utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to investigate the correlation between dietary nutrient intake and sleep disorders in cancer survivors. Analyzing data from 2882 cancer survivors in NHANES spanning from 2005 to 2018. Dietary nutrient intake was evaluated through two 24-h dietary recalls. Weighted multivariable logistic regression model was employed to further applied to explore the association between dietary fiber intake and sleep disorders while controlling for relevant confounding factors. Additionally, the nonlinear and dose-response relationships were explored using restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression along with smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis. Stratified analysis and interaction analysis were conducted to assess the consistency of the results. Univariable and multivariable analysis demonstrated that dietary fiber intake showed negative correlation with sleep disorders (P < 0.05). Treating dietary fiber intake as continuous variable. After accounting for all covariates, the study reaffirmed the protective role of dietary fiber (odds ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-0.99, P = 0.044). Analysis of dietary fiber intake in quartiles further supported this trend (P < 0.001). Interestingly, further investigations indicated that dietary fiber intake was not associated with sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or other types of sleep disorders (P > 0.05). Notably, no statistically significant interactions were observed in all subgroup analyses except poverty income ratio (PIR) (P for interaction < 0.05), indicating that the protective effect of dietary fiber on sleep disorders was more pronounced in individuals with PIR ≥2.5. Our results suggest that adequate dietary fiber intake may be beneficial dietary strategy to reduce sleep disorders in cancer survivors.

Differential regulation of sleep by blue, green, and red light in Drosophila melanogaster.

Exposure to blue-enriched light from electronic devices is an emergent disruptor of human sleep, especially at particular times of day. Further dissection of this phenomenon necessitates modeling in a tractable model organism. Thus, we investigated the effects of light color on sleep in Drosophila melanogaster. We measured sleep in red-eyed Canton-S (CS) and white-eyed w 1118 flies in baseline 12:12 light/dark conditions and experimental conditions with light-color (blue, red, or green) exposure for all 12 h of daylight or 3 h in the morning or evening. Blue light reduced daytime and nighttime sleep in CS but not in w 1118, potentially indicating a role for the compound eye in blue light's effects on fruit fly sleep. Red light, especially in the evening, reduced sleep during exposure in both strains. Green light had minimal effects on sleep in CS flies, but evening exposure reduced sleep in w 1118 flies, mimicking red light's effects. In conclusion, light's effects on sleep in D. melanogaster are dependent on wavelength and time-of-day. Future studies will aim to dissect these mechanisms genetically.

Maternal depressive symptoms in and beyond the perinatal period: Associations with infant and preschooler sleep.

(1) To describe sleep in infancy and early childhood among children born to mothers with and without clinically significant depressive symptoms, and (2) to explore the relationships between maternal depressive symptoms and sleep patterns and problems during infancy and early childhood. Secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the Moe Kura: Mother and Child, Sleep and Wellbeing in Aotearoa/New Zealand study. Data was collected in pregnancy (T1), 12 weeks postpartum (T2), and 3 years post-birth (T3). Participants were 262 Māori and 594 non-Māori mother-child dyads. Chi-square and Independent T-tests measured bivariate associations between maternal mood (T1, T2, T3) and child sleep characteristics (T2, T3). Binary logistic regression models examined longitudinal and concurrent associations between maternal depressive symptoms and infant and preschooler sleep. Adjusted models accounted for key socio-demographic variables, as well as infant sleep variables in preschooler models. Bivariate associations were found between prior and concurrent depressive symptomology and many of the infant and preschooler sleep outcomes. In adjusted models, prenatal depressive symptoms remained independently associated with shorter-than-recommended sleep durations in preschoolers. In these models, concurrent depression was also associated with night waking, night LSRSP, and perceived sleep problems at 12 weeks postpartum, and CSHQ-determined and perceived sleep problems at 3 years post birth. Longitudinal and cross-sectional associations were found between maternal depressive symptoms and child sleep. Sleep appears to be one pathway by which maternal depression confers risk for suboptimal child health outcomes. Findings support the need for earlier and better maternal mental health services.

Application of pre-programmed lighting control scenarios: A mixed-methods pilot study in Swedish residential environments

Everyday light exposure plays a vital role in circadian entrainment, especially during twilight. Electric lighting can supplement daylight anytime, enabling unlimited human activity; hence, many struggle to combine a healthy sleep regime with social constraints. Dusk/dawn simulators have been developed to compensate for the lack of twilight exposure and are typically applied in residential environments, where people usually sleep. Innovations in tuneable lighting control enable home-integrated dusk/dawn simulation, but it is essential to understand their performance and acceptance in real-life situations. A pilot field study was executed in 14 Swedish apartments and tested 3 lighting control scenarios for effects on behaviour, well-being and sleep patterns during the winter. Data were collected using wearable actigraphy, weekly surveys and interviews. The light intervention influenced wake- and bedtimes and contributed to slightly more consistent sleep schedules. Subjective responses emphasised that the dawn simulation assisted in a calm and peaceful wake-up, providing extra time for morning activities. The dusk simulation was a reminder to go to bed, but not all participants appreciated the light quality. Satisfaction and acceptance of the pre-programmed dusk/dawn control system were very high, provided there would be increased control for the residents.

Balancing Athletic and Academic Excellence: A Quantitative Study of Student-Athletes' Time Management Strategies

This study focuses on the unique challenges faced by student-athletes and explores how they find a balance between competitive sports and academic pursuits. Through a one-year longitudinal study of 360 college athletes from a variety of sports and academic backgrounds, we deeply analyzed the relationship between time management strategies and academic achievement, athletic performance, and psychological health. The study used quantitative research methods to analyze the data and revealed several key time management strategies that were associated with significant improvements in academic and athletic performance. In particular, we discovered a novel "flexible focus" strategy that enabled students to quickly switch their attention between learning and training while maintaining high efficiency. In addition, the study found the moderating effects of social media use, sleep patterns, and nutritional intake on time management effects. Based on these findings, we proposed a comprehensive "dual-track development model" to provide a practical guidance framework for student-athletes, coaches, and educators. This model is not only applicable to traditional college sports programs, but also considers the emerging field of e-sports, providing a new perspective for understanding and supporting the comprehensive development of student-athletes in the 21st century. The results of this study have important implications for higher education policy, athletic training program design, and the development of student support services, providing an empirical basis for promoting the comprehensive development of student-athletes.

Sleep disorders in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis: A case series

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a variety of neurological and systemic symptoms, including cerebellar ataxia, cataracts, tendon xanthomas, and polyneuropathy. This study aimed to investigate sleep patterns and disorders in four patients diagnosed with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. All participants reported significant sleep disturbances, and objective assessments confirmed the presence of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, obstructive sleep apnea, and periodic limb movements. Notably, this is the first study to incorporate sleep assessments into the clinical management of CTX patients, which may be crucial for improving their quality of life. Further research is warranted to deepen our understanding of the potential impact of cholestanol deposits on regions of the central nervous system involved in sleep and circadian rhythm regulation.

Correlates of sleep variability in a mobile EEG-based volunteer study

Variable sleep patterns are a risk factor for disease, but the reasons some people express greater within-individual variability of sleep characteristics remains poorly understood. In our study, we leverage BSETS, a novel mobile EEG-based dataset in which 1901 nights in total were recorded from 267 extensively phenotyped participants to identify factors related to demographics, mental health, personality, chronotype and sleep characteristics which predict variability in sleep, including detailed sleep macrostructure metrics. Young age, late chronotype, and napping emerged as robust correlates of increased sleep variability. Correlations with other characteristics (such as student status, personality, mental health and co-sleeping) generally disappeared after controlling for age. We critically examine the utility of controlling the correlates of sleep variability for the means of sleep variables. Our research shows that age and sleep habits affecting the amount of sleep pressure at night are the most important factors underlying sleep variability, with a smaller role of other psychosocial variables. The avoidance of daytime naps emerges as the most promising modifiable behavior associated with increased sleep regularity.