Sleep Problems Research Articles

Maternal depression and its association with sleep problems and emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children

Maternal depression and its association with sleep problems and emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children

Determining the Relationship Between Sleep Problems, Shock Pain, and Shock Anxiety in Patients With ICD.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep problems, shock pain, and shock anxiety in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and the affecting factors. The population of this descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of all patients who underwent ICD implantation in university hospital (N = 200), and the sample consisted of patients who met the inclusion criteria of the study (n = 132). Data were obtained using a "General Information Form", the "Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS)", the "Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)", the "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)", and the "Visual Pain Scale (VPS)". The mean age of the patients was 66.13 years. The VPS was 6.40±3.36; the mean FSAS score was 29.98±8.46; the mean PSQI score was 8.02±3.81; the mean ESS score was 7.59±4.10. PSQI had a statistically significant correlation with the total FSAS score (p<0.001) and a statistically insignificant correlation with ESS (p>0.001). Age, sex, marital status, smoking status, cohabitants, previous ICD shocks, the status of lying on ICD, and fear of dislocation of ICD affected the total FSAS score; sex, employment status, history of heart attack, defined sleep disorder, awakening from sleep due to nightmares, and cessation of breathing during sleep affected the total PSQI score; history of previously defined sleep disorder, history of heart attack, use of medication for a sleep disorder, the pain felt when lying on ICD, and pain experienced during ICD shocks affected the total ESS score. The mean shock VPS scores differed between patients who received an ICD shock during sleep and those who were awakened by nightmares. It was found that the shock anxiety and shock pain scores of ICD patients were above average, that they had poor sleep quality, and that their sleepiness was at the level of "normal but increased daytime sleepiness".

The Relationship between Work Engagement and Workaholism and Nurses' Job well-being

Background: Nurses continuously face workaholism and work engagement that affect the professional performance of nurses. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between work engagement and workaholism with nurses' job well-being. Methods: This was a descriptive correlation study. Two hundred nurses from Lahijan Hospitals were selected by convenience sampling method in 1399. Data were collected using three standard questionnaires of work engagement, workaholism, and job well-being. Data analysis was used using SPSS21 software using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage) and inferential methods (Single regression test). Results: The results of the study showed that work engagement and workaholism can predict the job well-being of nurses in Lahijan hospitals (p&lt;0.001). Among the dimensions of job well-being, the results showed that workaholism is negatively related to the job satisfaction of nurses(p=0.03), but has a positive relationship with the dimensions of perceived stress and nurses' sleep problems(p&lt;0.001). Among the dimensions of job well-being, work engagement can predict positive the job satisfaction of nurses(p&lt;0.001), but cannot predict the perceived stress and the nurses' sleep problems(p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, work engagement and workaholism are good predictors for nurses' job well–being. Therefore, it is suggested that managers help to enhance nurses' job well-being by improving the motivated and vibrant work environment, creating work engagement, and reducing work addiction.

Sleep in hospitalized children with cancer: relationship with psychiatric disorders and hospital conditions

Background. Children with cancer often undergo prolonged and recurrent hospitalization, which leads to an increased incidence of sleep disruptions and psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to objectively quantify the prevalence of sleep disruptions in hospitalized pediatric oncology patients and to determine the effects of psychiatric disorders, treatment regimens, and hospital conditions on sleep patterns. Method. This cross-sectional study included 39 children who were undergoing treatment and monitoring in the pediatric oncology inpatient service. Parents completed questionnaires providing information about their child’s sleep patterns, quality of life, and hospital conditions. The children were monitored for five days using actigraphy to record sleep parameters. They were evaluated with a semi-structured interview form (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version-DSM 5-Turkish Adaptation) for psychiatric diagnoses. Results. Sleep disruptions were identified in 27 (69.2%) children with cancer. In addition to adjustment disorder and anxiety disorder psychiatric diagnoses, behavioral problems and emotional symptoms were more common in the group with sleep disruptions. Actigraphy measurements indicated that poor sleep was associated with younger age, recent cancer diagnosis, specific phobias, depression, daytime napping, and frequent vital sign assessments. Conclusion. Sleep problems in hospitalized children with cancer are linked to psychiatric comorbidities, treatment routines, and hospital conditions. By recognizing psychiatric symptoms and optimizing hospital conditions that affect sleep, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of sleep for these children.

The prevalence of sleep disorders in Iranian adults - an epidemiological study.

Sleep disorders can be harmful to our health and treating them can also be expensive. Due to the widespread occurrence and impact of sleep disorders, it is valuable to investigate and study them from an epidemiological perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders among Iranian adults in 2022. This is a cross-sectional study that examines the prevalence of sleep disorders and problems in Iranian society. The participants were selected using a mixed sampling approach (utilizing virtual space and cluster sampling). A two-part package was used for evaluating participants sleep problems, which included a demographic profile form and the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire. After collecting the data, appropriate statistical tests in SPSS version 25 were utilized for analysis. A total of 6013 questionnaires were fully filled out for this research, with participants answering the specific questions. The participants' score on sleep disorders was 1.94, which means 44.1% of them suffer from sleep disorders. The results indicated that the prevalence of sleep disorders in this study was as follows: insomnia (35%), parasomnia (35.3%), circadian rhythm sleep disorder (38.4%), hypersomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (39%), restless leg syndrome and leg movements during sleep (43%), and breathing disorders related to sleep (38.4%). The prevalence of sleep disorders among the study participants demonstrated a significant relationship with most of their demographic variables (P < 0.001). The Pearson correlation coefficient also revealed an inverse and significant relationship between the prevalence of sleep disorders in the study participants and their age, monthly household income, and BMI (P < 0.001). Overall, the results depicted a relatively high prevalence of sleep disorders in the studied community. These findings emphasize the need for interventions to prevent and treat sleep disorders in society.

Abstract 4134935: Impact of COVID-19 on Cardiology Fellows and Faculty in the United States: Two Years Later

Introduction: Recent data demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected cardiovascular fellows in training (cFIT) and faculty in terms of educational disruption and search for job prospects, respectively. However, less is known about the pandemic's effect on cFIT and faculty in terms of general well-being, shifts in personal and professional priorities, quantitative measures of stress levels, and research productivity. Methods: A national survey targeting cFIT and faculty was developed to assess the effect of the pandemic two years later on these parameters. Fifty-four participants, including 21 cFIT and 33 faculty, responded to the survey. The survey was distributed between October 2021 and May 2022 to program directors of ACGME-accredited general cardiology fellowship programs in the United States. Results: 30% of cFITs perceived impaired clinical training during the pandemic; 36% of fellows experienced a decline in their clinical skills in the cardiac catheterization lab, while 27% experienced a decrease in their echocardiographic skills. Additionally, a significant percentage of cFIT reported negative interference in their competencies in nuclear cardiology (27%) and electrophysiology (12%). Most participants (76%), including faculty and fellows, reported several health issues such as sleep problems, low energy, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness due to the pandemic. 43% of the faculty and 61% of cFIT reported high rates of impaired short-term productivity (Figure). Conclusion: In this national survey, we found that two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiology fellows and faculty continued to experience significant concerns for decreased hands-on training and diminished research productivity. While faculty were not distressed regarding decreased clinical competencies, concerns about short-term and long-term research productivity persisted. Faculty and fellows all experienced increased stress levels and impaired productivity. Although limited by a small sample size, which can introduce bias, these results signal the importance of performing a follow-up study on the impact of COVID-19 on wellness as well as the impact on career.

Life After EBPs: Characterizing Subsequent Engagement in Evidence-Based Psychotherapy After Completion of an Initial Trauma-Focused EBP in a National Sample of VA Patients.

Many Veterans who complete prolonged exposure (PE) or cognitive processing therapy (CPT) report residual symptoms, but it is unclear how to best address the mental health needs of these individuals. Examining patterns of mental health service utilization following completion of these two treatments may provide insight into how to best serve this group of individuals. In a large cohort of Veterans (N = 12,514) who sought treatment in the Veterans Health Administration during Fiscal Years 2015-2019, logistic regression models were used to assess the odds of initiating an additional course of trauma-focused (i.e., PE or CPT) or depression-focused psychotherapy in the year following completion of PE or CPT based on demographic, psychiatric, and treatment effectiveness-related variables. Approximately 9% of Veterans engaged in either trauma-(6%) or depression-(3%) related psychotherapy in the year following discharge from PE or CPT. Factors associated with increased odds of trauma-focused treatment initiation included having a sleep disorder diagnosis (OR = 1.23), a substance use disorder diagnosis (OR = 1.27), or experiencing military sexual trauma (OR = 1.64). Factors associated with increased odds of depression-focused treatment initiation included having a depression diagnosis (OR = 2.02). This study suggests that certain subgroups of Veterans who engage in PE or CPT (e.g., Veterans with comorbid sleep or substance use problems) are more likely to seek additional evidence-based treatment and may require augmentations to maximize clinical benefits, either during the initial course of treatment or subsequent to PTSD treatment.

Abstract 4136745: How do sleep quality and heart failure symptoms impact functional status among patients with heart failure?

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) frequently experience poor sleep quality and multiple HF symptoms, both of which are linked to diminished functional status. Poor sleep quality can manifest as prolonged latency, short duration, low efficiency, or difficulty staying asleep. HF symptoms encompass different dimensions: presence, frequency, severity, and distress of HF symptoms. Different dimensions of sleep quality and HF symptoms may uniquely influence functional status, necessitating tailored interventions, yet how individual dimensions of sleep quality and HF symptoms impact functional status remains unexplored. Research Question: how do individual dimensions of sleep quality and HF symptoms impact functional status in patients with HF? Methods: We studied 197 adults with HF (male: 66%, age: 62±11 yrs). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess seven dimensions of sleep quality: subjective sleep quality, latency, duration, efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medications, and daytime dysfunction over the last month. Four dimensions (i.e., presence, frequency, severity, distress) of 7 HF symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling) were assessed using the Symptom Status Questionnaire-HF. Functional status was measured using the Duke Activity Status Index. Correlations and two multiple linear regression models (1 st model: 7 dimensions of sleep quality on functional status, and 2 nd model: 4 dimensions of HF symptoms on functional status) were conducted for data analysis. Results: Worse subjective sleep quality, longer latency, more sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medications, and higher levels of daytime dysfunction were correlated with poor functional status. All four dimensions of HF symptoms were negatively correlated with functional status. In the 1 st multiple linear regression model, more sleep disturbances (B=-3.91, p =.006) and higher daytime dysfunction (B=-5.70, p &lt;.001) were predictive of poor functional status (model R 2 =0.23, p &lt;.001). In the 2 nd multiple linear regression model, only higher frequency of HF symptoms (B=-.70, p =.022) predicted poor functional status (model R 2 =0.34, p &lt;.001). Conclusion: Increased sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and frequency of HF symptoms were associated with poorer functional status in patients with HF. These findings underscore the importance of developing tailored interventions to address individual sleep problems and HF symptoms to improve functional status.

Pilot Study of Intensive Pain Rehabilitation, Sleep, and Small-World Brain Networks in Adolescents with Chronic Pain

Background: Approximately 25% of adolescents live with chronic pain, with many reporting symptoms of functional impairment and poor sleep quality. Both chronic pain and poor sleep quality can negatively impact brain functional connectivity and efficiency. Better sleep quality may improve pain outcomes through its relationship with brain functional connectivity. Methods: This pilot prospective cohort study used data from 24 adolescents with chronic pain (aged 10–18 years) participating in an Intensive Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment (IIPT) at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Data were collected within the first couple of weeks prior to starting IIPT and on the last day of the 3-week IIPT program. Sleep quality was assessed using the modified Adolescent Sleep-Wake Scale. Resting-state functional MRI data were obtained, and graph-theory metrics were applied to assess small-world brain networks. Questionnaires were used to obtain self-reported functional disability data. Paired t-tests were applied to evaluate changes in outcomes from pre- to post-IIPT, and moderation analyses were used to examine the relationships between sleep, small-world brain network connectivity, and functional disability. Results: Total sleep quality (p = 0.005) increased, and functional disability (p = 0.020) decreased, between baseline and discharge from IIPT. Small-world brain networks did not change pre- to post-IIPT (p &gt; 0.05). Unlike adolescents with high small-worldness (p = 0.665), adolescents with low to moderate small-world brain characteristics (1SD below or at the mean) who reported better sleep quality reported less functional disability (all p ≤ 0.001) over time. Conclusions: The IIPT program was associated with improvements in sleep quality and functional disability. Better sleep quality together with greater small-worldness was associated with less pain-related disability. This suggests that it is equally important for IIPTs to target sleep problems in adolescents with chronic pain, as this may have a key role in producing long-term improvements in pain outcomes.

The Influence of Sleep Problems on Burnout and Academic Performance of Students in Community Development Training Institutes in Tanzania

This article examined the influence of sleep problems on academic burnout and academic performance of 640 students in Community Development Training Institutes (CDTIs). Burnout has been increasingly a psychological, health and educational concern. Mixed findings have been reported by past studies on this topic. While on one side negative relationships have been reported, on the other hand, results have been reporting no or positive relationship between sleep problems and both burnout and academic performance. This study was an attempt to contribute to the debate through three specific objectives namely; to identify academic burnout and its perceived sources among college students; identify sleep problems among college students; and explain academic performance from academic burnout and sleep problems among college students. Data were collected using one general questionnaire, composed of The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBSS) for measuring academic burnout, the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) for measuring sleep problems, and a section inquiring demographic and personal information, such as sex, age, employment status, marital status and level or year of study. Data were descriptively analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). To explain academic performance from academic burnout and sleep problems, logistic Regression Analysis was performed. Results indicated that Academic Burnout was explained by the year of study, sleep problems; and perceived sources of academic burnout such as review time and examination/tests. Further, while academic burnout did not explain academic performance in terms of semester GPA, sleep problems did. It was concluded that both academic burnout and sleep problems are prevalent among college students in Tanzania. Further the perceived sources of academic burnout by students are not necessarily the real factors explaining academic burnout of the college students. It was further concluded that sleep problems and year of the study determine both academic burnout and academic performance. Practical implications are discussed with recommendations to both students and colleges administrations made.

Impact of sleep problems on the cardiometabolic risks: an integrated epidemiological and metabolomics study

BackgroundWe investigated the association between sleep problems and cardiometabolic risks and the potential linking effect of metabolites and metabolic pathways based on multi-layered research, including observational, mendelian randomization (MR), and metabolomics analysis.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset was conducted to identify the association between sleep problems and cardiometabolic risks. A subsequent MR study based on genetic data was performed to explore the causal correlation of significant associations in the NHANES study. The underlying alteration of metabolism was explored by constructing zebrafish models and wide-targeted metabolomics analysis.ResultsThe cross-sectional analysis of the NHANES database revealed a significant association of snoring with obesity [OR = 2.65, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.87, 3.74]; sleep apnea with hypertension (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.48) and obesity (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.96); trouble sleeping with hypertension (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.86), obesity (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.26), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.25). MR analysis verified the causal relationship between genetically proxied sleep apnea or snoring and obesity. The decreased activity levels and altered expression levels of six circadian genes (bmal1b, cry1aa, cry1ab, clock1a, per1b, per2) were identified in the zebrafish of the sleep disorder group. Multiple metabolites related to disturbed glucose metabolism (e.g., 20-HETE), lipid metabolism (e.g., inosine), and vascular-related metabolites (e.g., riboflavin) were finally identified, indicating the latent effect of metabolism.ConclusionsThis study identified the chain of sleep-circadian rhythm-metabolism-cardiometabolic risks. These findings can promote improved prevention implementation and therapeutic strategies.

Latent Profile Analysis of Sleep Quality in Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Its Influencing Factors.

Sleep problems are prevalent among individuals diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), significantly impacting their overall quality of life. This study sought to adopt a person-centered methodology to unveil the latent profiles of sleep quality and identify factors influencing sleep patterns in patients with GDM. The cross-sectional study gathered sociodemographic features, clinical information, sleep problems (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), personality traits (Type D Personality Scale), social support (Perceived Social Support Scale), and self-efficacy (General Self-efficacy Scale). Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify profiles of sleep quality, while multinomial logistic regression was employed to ascertain the factors influencing these identified profiles. Among the 431 participants, 423 (98.1%) completed the questionnaire, with 53.0% reporting moderate-to-poor sleep quality. This study identified 4 distinct profiles of sleep quality among patients with GDM: the "good sleep quality" group (47.0%), the "poor sleep quality-long sleep duration" group (10.0%), the "moderate sleep quality" group (25.3%), and the "poor sleep quality-short sleep duration" group (17.7%). Individuals with type D personality were associated with the "poor sleep quality-long sleep duration" [odds ratio (OR) = 3.21, P = .005], "moderate sleep quality" (OR = 2.65, P = .003), and "poor sleep quality-short sleep duration" group (OR = 2.31, P = .018). Individuals with a history of GDM were associated with "poor sleep quality-long sleep duration" group (OR = 3.46, P = .005). The research revealed significant classification characteristics of sleep quality in patients with GDM, offering valuable insights for tailoring interventions to address distinct subcategories of sleep-related issues.

A brief report: Lessons learned using wearable technology to collect data from adults receiving medications for opioid use disorder

ABSTRACT Background Incorporating wearable technology into substance use disorder research enables continuous, objective, and remote data collection, facilitating symptom monitoring to prevent relapse. However, implementation challenges may hinder data collection. This paper aims to assess adherence patterns to a wrist-worn wearable device, and to share lessons learned from incorporating wearable technology to collect physiological data from adults with opioid use disorder. Methods Employing a prospective observational design, we used convenience sampling to recruit adults receiving medications for opioid use disorder in outpatient settings. Wearable adherence was measured by days and nights worn over eight weeks, acceptability by a visual analog scale, and anecdotal notes tracked study activities and challenges. Results Twenty-three participants completed baseline, and 16 (70.0%) completed the study. Daytime and nighttime wearable adherence averaged 60.1% and 47.7%, respectively. Wearable adherence was highest at the earlier phase of the study (67.7%) and plateaued after overtime. User-related and technical challenges included digital illiteracy, protocol nonadherence, low motivation, measurement errors, and short battery life. Unique challenges included wearable design concerns and sleep problems. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of wearable use and highlights the potential to overcome challenges. Proactively sharing insights can facilitate wearable technology adoption for both participants and researchers.

Perceived Causes of Sleep Problems in Higher Education Students: An Exploratory Study.

The major purpose of the present study was to explore higher education students' perceptions of the causes of their sleep problems. The data were drawn from a previous cross-sectional online survey, from which only the questions relevant to this study were selected, including items on sleep disturbances and their causes. The participants included 1519 full-time students (76% women), aged 18-30years (M = 20.9, SD = 2.3); 95.3% were single and studying for a Bachelor's degree (75.2%) across diverse fields of study. Overall, 30% of the students reported suffering from insomnia, 17.8% met the criteria for clinical insomnia (according to the Insomnia Severity Index), and 12.5% reported being dissatisfied with their sleep. The most significant perceived causes of sleep difficulties were stress (85%), academic problems (67%), and general worries (56.5%). Other causes included affective/love problems (28.4%), family issues (27.5%), changes in sleeping habits (25.9%), financial problems (13.7%), transition to higher education (10.4%), pain (7.1%), and general illness (5.5%). These findings may have important implications for interventions aimed at improving sleep health among higher education students.

Impact of protein consumption on sleep problems: Insights from NHANES data

Sleep problems are common and significantly impact health and well-being. Diet, particularly protein intake, may affect sleep, yet the precise relationship remains unclear. This study investigates the association between protein consumption and sleep problems while considering potential confounders and gender differences, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Our cross-sectional analysis included 18,077 women (51.3%) and 17,175 men (48.7%), averaging 45.9 years (standard deviation = 17.7). Protein consumption was assessed through 24-h dietary recall interviews and sleep problems were assessed through the question: &amp;ldquo;Have you ever told a doctor or other health professional that you have trouble sleeping?&amp;rdquo; Using binary logistic regression models, we found that 24.6% of individuals reported sleep problems. A statistically significant association emerged between protein consumption and the likelihood of experiencing sleep problems across quartiles of protein intake. Specifically, individuals in the highest quartile of protein consumption had the lowest odds of sleep problems compared to those in the lowest quartile, even after adjusting for various demographic and lifestyle factors (P &lt; 0.001). Gender-stratified analysis revealed a persistent association between protein intake and sleep problems, with a stronger effect observed in females (P &lt; 0.002) compared to males (P = 0.337). Overall, our findings suggest that higher protein consumption is independently associated with reduced odds of sleep problems. This underscores the importance of adequate protein intake for promoting better sleep outcomes and highlights potential implications for public health interventions and clinical practice.

How do people use community pharmacies to manage sleep problems? A cross-sectional survey of pharmacy customers in England, UK

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and sleep problems have become increasingly common in the UK population, with research indicating a rise in the prevalence of sleep issues and the use of hypnotic medications1. Poor sleep can severely affect overall health and has been linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions2. Community pharmacies are ideally positioned to advise people about sleep, but there is limited information about how people currently utilise them for sleep problems. Aim To understand how people use community pharmacies to manage problems with sleep Methods A researcher-administered questionnaire with customers at 16 community pharmacies in the East Midlands from the 6th to 25th of March 2023. People aged 18 and older were approached to take part. Survey questions included demographic information, general pharmacy use, and specific questions related to health-seeking advice for sleep problems. Responses were recorded using the Qualtrics survey platform and descriptive statistics derived using MS Excel. Ethical approval was given by the School of Pharmacy Research Ethics Committee at the University of Nottingham (2017-017er). Results 13,127 customers were approached to take part, and 4,985 consented and completed the questionnaire (response rate = 38.0%). Two thirds of participants were female (66.3%), half were above the age of 50 years (51.1%), and the majority identified as white ethnicity (79.8%). Just under one-third of participants reported purchasing a medicine, herbal remedy, or other product to help with sleep in the past (28.2%), of which 81.8% had purchased from a community pharmacy. The most common medicines purchased were anti-histamines (43.7%), followed by herbal remedies (34.1%). Only 19.1% of participants had previously sought advice for a sleep problem, of which 64.9% had sought advice from a GP/other healthcare professional, and 29.2% had sought advice from a community pharmacy. The most common advice received from a community pharmacy was to use a medicine (32.2%), with the second most common being sleep hygiene/lifestyle advice (22.8%). The most common advice received from a GP was also to use a medicine (36.4%). Discussion / Conclusion A significant proportion of survey participants reported purchasing a medicine, herbal remedy, or other product to help with sleep from a community pharmacy, highlighting the significant role of pharmacies in managing sleep issues. However, considerably fewer customers had sought advice for their sleep problem, identifying a potential gap in care. Current national guidelines do not recommend medication as first-line treatment for insomnia, emphasising sleep hygiene and behavioural therapy, with no role for sedative anti-histamines3. Despite this, our survey indicated the most common advice focused on medicines. This suggests an opportunity for enhancing the education of healthcare professionals and improving public awareness of managing sleep problems. Whilst this survey involved a large number of participants, we recognise it may not be fully representative of the wider UK population or practice. Further analysis of this survey and interviews with customers and pharmacists would help understand how the role of community pharmacies in managing sleep could be further developed to improve care.

Adolescent Sleep Quality as Critical Component of Healthy Lifestyle

Background and purpose Adolescence is a critical period for physical, emotional, and cognitive development. High-quality sleep during this phase is essential for healthy growth, emotional well-being, optimal weight, and learning. These factors significantly influence the academic achievements of young people. Purpose: to develop and experimentally justify the methodology of training basketball teams of humanitarian higher educational institutions, taking into account the psychophysiological capabilities of the players. Material and methods The sample consisted of 626 secondary vocational school students aged 17 years from the Central Slovakia region (353 girls and 273 boys). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The questionnaires were distributed electronically via Google Forms from October 2023 to March 2024. The results were analyzed with an emphasis on gender differences using the chi-square test (χ2), F-test, and independent t-test at significance levels of p&lt;0.01 and p&lt;0.05, respectively. Results The majority of students, both boys and girls, fell asleep between 11:00 PM and midnight. The average bedtime was 10:54 PM for girls and 10:50 PM for boys, with no significant differences between genders. Significant differences were found in wake-up times, with nearly 40% of girls waking up before 6:00 AM, compared to only 24% of boys (p&lt;0.01). Boys experienced fewer difficulties falling asleep, with 21% falling asleep within 15 minutes (p&lt;0.05). The average sleep duration was 6 hours and 28 minutes for girls and 6 hours and 55 minutes for boys, a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.01). Sleep efficiency was higher in boys (84.25%) compared to girls (78.75%). Sleep problems, daytime dysfunction, and mood changes were more frequent among girls (p&lt;0.01). Only 28.33% of girls and 39.19% of boys had good sleep quality (p&lt;0.01), while 17.00% of girls and 4.40% of boys exhibited severe sleep disturbances Conclusions Our findings indicate significant gender differences in sleep habits and quality, consistent with existing literature. These results highlight the need for increased attention to sleep issues among adolescents and the implementation of preventive and intervention measures to improve sleep quality, which could have a positive impact on their overall health and well-being.

Emotion dysregulation in autism: Severity and correlates in early childhood.

Emotion dysregulation (ED) is common and severe in older autistic youth, but is rarely the focus of early autism screening or intervention. Moreover, research characterizing ED in the preschool years (when autism is typically diagnosed) is limited. This study aimed to characterize ED in autistic children by examining (1) prevalence and severity of ED as compared to children without an autism diagnosis; and (2) correlates of ED in autistic children. A sample of 1864 parents (Mean child age = 4.21 years, SD = 1.16 years; 37% female) of 2-5 year-old children with (1) autism; (2) developmental concerns, but no autism; and (3) no developmental concerns or autism completed measures via an online questionnaire. ED was measured using the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory-Young Child, a parent report measure characterizing ED across two dimensions: Reactivity (fast, intense emotional reactions) and dysphoria (low positive affect, sadness, unease). Autistic preschoolers, compared to peers without developmental concerns, had more severe ED (+1.12 SD for reactivity; +0.60 SD for dysphoria) and were nearly four and three times more likely to have clinically significant reactivity and dysphoria, respectively. Autistic traits, sleep problems, speaking ability, and parent depression were the strongest correlates of ED in the autism sample. While more work is needed to establish the prevalence, severity, and correlates of ED in young autistic children, this study represents an important first step. Results highlight a critical need for more high-quality research in this area as well as the potential value of screening and intervention for ED in young autistic children.

Sleep quality and the need for recovery among nurses working irregular shifts: A cross-sectional study.

Shift work affects the mental and physical health of nurses, yet the effect of working irregular shifts on sleep and its association with the need for recovery is under-explored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sleep quality of nurses working irregular shifts, including night shifts, and to determine whether sleep quality is associated with the need for recovery. This cross-sectional study included 405 nurses working irregular shifts. Data were collected using an online questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, the Sleep-Wake Experience List, sleep problems, sleep duration, and the Need for Recovery scale. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, logistic and multiple linear regressions. Nurses who worked irregular shifts had poor sleep quality. Those who also worked night shifts, had significantly poorer sleep quality and experienced more difficulties in daily functioning than those who did not work night shifts. Sleep quality was significantly associated with the need for recovery and this remained so after controlling for confounding variables (β= .554, p = .001). The findings indicate that in nurses who work irregular shifts, the sleep quality is low. In this group, the sleep quality in nurses who work night shifts is lower than in nurses who do not work night shifts. Furthermore, better sleep quality was associated with lower need for recovery. These findings suggest that improving sleep quality in nurses working irregular shifts may lower their need for recovery, which may improve health, and reduce burnout and sickness absence.

Mechanisms of the Native American pain inequity: predicting chronic pain onset prospectively at 5 years in the Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk.

A pain inequity exists for Native Americans (NAs), but the mechanisms are poorly understood. The Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk (OK-SNAP) addressed this issue and recruited healthy, pain-free NAs and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) to attend 2 laboratory visits and assessed mechanisms consistent with the biopsychosocial model of pain: demographics, physical variables, psychosocial factors, and nociceptive/pain phenotypes. Then participants were surveyed every 6 months to assess for chronic pain onset. Results at the 2-year follow-up found that NAs were ∼3x more likely than NHWs to develop chronic pain. Moreover, psychosocial factors (discrimination, stress, pain-related anxiety), cardiometabolic load (higher body mass index and blood pressure, lower heart rate variability), and impaired inhibition of spinal nociception partly mediated the pain inequity. The present study examined mechanisms of chronic pain at the 5-year follow-up for OK-SNAP. Results found that the NA pain inequity worsened-NAs were 4x more likely to develop chronic pain (OR = 4.025; CI = 1.966, 8.239), even after controlling for baseline age, sex assigned at birth, income, and education. Moreover, serial mediation models replicated paths from the 2-year follow-up that linked psychosocial variables, cardiometabolic load, and impaired inhibition of spinal nociception to chronic pain onset. Further, 2 new significant paths were observed. One linked discrimination, stress, sleep problems, and facilitated pain perception to increased pain risk. The other linked discrimination with higher spinal nociceptive threshold and pain risk. These results provide further evidence for a NA pain inequity and identify multiple psychosocial, cardiometabolic, and pronociceptive targets for primary interventions.