Subthreshold Insomnia Research Articles

Investigation of Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Quality, and Fatigue in Thalassemia Major Patients: A Study of the Correlation Between Sleep Quality and Laboratory Findings.

Thalassemia major (TM) experiences a high rate of psychiatric problems, with frequent occurrences of depression and anxiety as well as a high incidence of insomnia. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the severity of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, sleep quality, and fatigue and explore the relationship between sleep quality and laboratory parameters. Twenty-eight patients and 37 healthy volunteers were included. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Fatigue Severity Scale were used. We found 46.43% of TM patients had depression, 78.5% had mild anxiety, and 3.57% had severe anxiety. ISI score (p = 0.027), ISI subthreshold insomnia percentage (p = 0.027), PSQI global score (p = 0.002), PSQI insomnia percentage (p = 0.025), PSQI subjective sleep quality (p = 0.008), PSQI sleep latency (p = 0.003), fatigue score (p = 0.026), and chronic fatigue (p = 0.037) percentage were significantly higher in the patients group than in the controls group. Ferritin was positively correlated with PSQI subjective sleep quality (r = 0.478, p = 0.010) and fatigue score (r = 0.427, p = 0.023). Heart involvement in magnetic resonance imaging was positively correlated with ISI score (r = 0.426, p = 0.024) and ISI classification (r = 0.455, p = 0.015). Depression and anxiety were significantly higher in TM patients compared to healthy controls. Chronic fatigue and insomnia were more common in TM patients, with subjective sleep quality being impaired and sleep latency prolonged. Furthermore, it was observed that individuals with higher ferritin levels had higher scores of subjective sleep quality and fatigue. Additionally, as cardiac involvement increased, severity of insomnia also increased.

Elevations in interleukin-8 levels in individuals with alcohol use disorder and clinical insomnia symptoms.

Insomnia commonly co-occurs with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and predicts poorer outcomes for those with AUD. Insomnia and AUD are individually associated with increases in systemic inflammation. Insomnia and inflammation both serve as risk factors for relapse in AUD. However, little is known about the relationship between insomnia and systemic inflammation in individuals with AUD. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between the severity of insomnia symptoms and plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines in a sample of treatment-seeking individuals with an AUD. This secondary analysis included 101 (61M/40F) individuals with an AUD. Participants were categorized into groups based on their scores on the Insomnia Severity Index: no insomnia (n = 47), subthreshold insomnia (n = 37), and clinical insomnia (n = 17). Participants provided blood samples to measure plasma levels of four peripheral markers of inflammation (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and CRP). Inflammatory marker levels were compared between groups. Interactive effects of sex and AUD severity were examined. There was a significant main effect of insomnia group on log IL-8 levels (F = 6.52, p = 0.002), such that individuals with AUD and clinical insomnia had higher log IL-8 levels compared to both the no insomnia and subthreshold insomnia groups (ps ≤ 0.05). Sex and AUD severity interacted with this relationship, such that men with clinical insomnia and AUD and individuals with severe AUD had higher log IL-8 levels. There were no significant effects of insomnia on IL-6, TNF-α, or CRP levels. The present study identified a specific elevation in IL-8 levels in individuals with an AUD and clinical insomnia that was not identified in other markers of peripheral inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP). Sex and AUD severity interacted with insomnia symptoms, indicating that those with clinical insomnia and severe AUD or male sex may be the most vulnerable to the inflammatory consequences associated with AUD and clinical insomnia symptoms.

Protocol of a randomized controlled trial into guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in autistic adults (i-Sleep Autism)

BackgroundSleep problems, especially insomnia, are prevalent among autistic adults, affecting about 60 %, and significantly impact their quality of life. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (iCBT-I) could provide accessible and scalable treatment. Given the unique sensory- and information processing, and social challenges at play in autism, a tailored treatment approach may be essential to tackle sleep problems. Yet, interventions developed and tested specifically for autistic adults were scarce. Addressing this gap is crucial to meet the urgent need for effective insomnia treatments in this population. MethodsWith this two-arm, parallel, superiority randomized controlled trial, we will assess the effectiveness of a guided iCBT-I intervention for adults (N = 160) with autism and insomnia (i-Sleep Autism). In co-creation, i-Sleep Autism has been adjusted from an existing intervention (i-Sleep). Inclusion criteria are: age ≥ 18, an ASD diagnosis, and at least sub-threshold insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥10). Participants are randomly assigned to either i-Sleep Autism or an information only waitlist control condition (online psychoeducation and sleep hygiene). After 6 weeks, the control group receives the intervention. Insomnia severity is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include pre-sleep arousal, general mental health, depression, anxiety, daily functioning, and quality of life. Assessments will occur at baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), post-intervention (6 weeks), and at 6-month follow-up (the intervention group). Linear mixed-effect regression models are employed to evaluate the effectiveness of i-Sleep Autism, alongside exploration of potential moderators and mediators. ConclusionThis trial can reveal whether autistic adults with insomnia benefit from a guided e-health intervention.Trial registration: NL-OMON56692.

Effectiveness of a guided digital self-help intervention to improve sleep and the biological clock in university students – Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSleep problems occur in many university students which affects their mental health and daily functioning. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been proven effective in adults but research in university students, who struggle to maintain a 24-hour rhythm, is still limited. We hypothesize that a guided digital CBT-I intervention, enriched with components on the biological clock (‘i-Sleep & BioClock’) will be effective in reducing insomnia severity and improving mental health outcomes for students with sleep problems. ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a guided online sleep and biological clock self-help intervention in improving sleep, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, functioning, academic performance, and quality of life in university students at 6 weeks and 18 weeks. MethodsThis is a two-arm parallel-group superiority randomized controlled trial, comparing a 5-week guided online ‘i-Sleep & BioClock’ intervention to online psychoeducation (PE). We aim to include 192 university students (Bachelor, Master, and PhD) with at least subthreshold insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥10), aged ≥16, who can speak Dutch or English. We are excluding students with current risk for suicide or night shifts. The primary outcome is insomnia severity. Secondary outcomes include sleep estimates (sleep and light exposure diary), depression, anxiety, functioning, quality of life, and academic performance. The effectiveness of the intervention compared to online PE will be evaluated using linear mixed models. DiscussionThe current study tests the effectiveness of an online self-help intervention for university students who suffer from sleep problems. This trial builds upon an open feasibility study and will provide evidence of an online guided self-help program for students. The findings of this study will determine the potential wider dissemination of the intervention to address the high need for available and accessible help for students experiencing insomnia. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT06023693), registered on August 3rd, 2023.

Screening of overactive bladder syndrome and its relation with insomnia: A public health experience.

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndromes are a vital global issue linked to sleep disturbances and insomnia. This survey explores the relationship between these health burden issues and their risk factors. A survey-based study was conducted among Makkah city citizens' in April 2023. A standardized tool of OAB symptom score and Insomnia Severity Index was used to screen participants. The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Overall, 529 participants were enrolled in this survey with mean = 37.3 and standard deviation = 13.7. Most participants had mild OAB 74.67%, while insomnia represents no clinically significant subtype among the majority 55.39%. About 25.33% of participants had clinical OAB (moderate and severe), while approximately 44.61% had insomnia. Similarly, participants with the mild subtype of OAB show a significant correlation with no clinically significant subtype of insomnia (P ˃ 0.001). Furthermore, participants with moderate OAB were statistically associated with subthreshold insomnia (P ˃ 0.001). Medical attention and public awareness are mandatory for the early detection of OAB and insomnia.

Predictors of Insomnia and Sleep Abnormalities in Medical Students and Its Impact on Academic Performance

Abstract Objectives: This study aims to investigate predictors of insomnia and their prevalence among medical students from different levels, as well as the impact of insomnia on academic performance. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students of different levels at 37 medical colleges in Saudi Arabia from March 2020 to June 2020. An online survey was used for data collection. The survey included questions on the demographics of students and two scales: the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Program was used to analyze the data, and demographics were represented using descriptive statistics. Associations were tested using either the Chi-square test, Pearson correlation, or Spearman’s correlation based on the types of variables. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study included 2413 medical students; the mean ± standard deviation of the ISI and PSQI was 11.6 ± 6.2 and 8.4 ± 3.7, respectively. The ISI results showed that only 27% had no clinical insomnia, while 39% had subthreshold insomnia. The ISI was negatively and significantly associated with exercise (r = −0.49, P = 0.016), meals (r = −0.088, P = 0.0001), and drinking water (r = −0.057, P = 0.005). The negative predictors of poor sleep quality included study year (B = −0.106, P < 0.05) and water intake (B = −0.568, P < 0.01). Conclusion: A few proportions of medical students complained of moderate insomnia, and a lower proportion suffered severe insomnia. Lower academic performance was associated with insomnia and poor sleep quality. Various predictors of insomnia were identified; however, these predictors can be modified.

Mixture of Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera Extracts Ameliorates Sleep Quality of Adults with Sleep Disturbance.

Chronic sleep disturbance affects daily functioning, leading to decreased concentration, fatigue, and higher healthcare costs. Traditional insomnia medications are often associated with adverse side effects. This study investigated the efficacy of a novel compound derived from Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera extracts (named RNE) in improving sleep quality with fewer side effects. The study included individuals between the ages of 20 and 65 with subthreshold insomnia and evaluated the effects of RNE on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life. Participants took 750 mg of RNE daily at bed-time for two weeks. The study used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a sleep diary, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) for assessments. Of the 20 participants, 13 completed the study and showed significant improvements in sleep quality. The results showed improvements in ISI and PSQI scores, a 57% reduction in wake-time after sleep onset, and improved sleep efficiency. Although FSS scores remained unchanged, significant improvements were seen in SF-36 physical and mental health scores. The results suggest that RNE is an effective, low-risk option for sleep disturbance, significantly improving sleep quality and overall wellbeing without significant side effects.

Prevalence and Patterns of Insomnia Symptoms Among People Aged 65 and Above in Guangdong Province, China.

This survey investigated the prevalence, distribution, and correlative factors of insomnia symptoms among people aged 65 and above in Guangdong Province, China. The Guangdong Mental Health Survey was conducted on the elderly in all 21 cities of Guangdong Province from September to December 2021. Multistage stratified cluster sampling was adopted, and 16 377 adult residents were interviewed face-to-face, from which 4001 elderly participants aged 65 and above were included for this study. Complex weighted adjustment methods were applied to weight the data. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to test the independent associations of clinical insomnia symptoms (CIS) and subthreshold insomnia symptoms (SIS) with the factors. The pooled estimate of insomnia symptoms was 13.44% [95% confidence interval (CI): 12.2 %-14.7%]. The 1-month weighted prevalence of SIS and CIS were 11.15% (95% CI: 10.05%-12.37%) and 2.28% (95%CI: 1.77%-2.94%), respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that urban residence, irregular diet, low body mass index, chronic disease, napping 3-4/week, early changes in dementia, symptoms of subthreshold depression, subthreshold generalized anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder were positively associated with SIS. Additionally, living in urban areas, having chronic diseases, symptoms of subthreshold depression, major depressive disorder, subthreshold generalized anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder were positively associated with CIS. Insomnia symptoms, including CIS and SIS, were prevalent among the elderly in Guangdong Province. Given the high burden of CIS and SIS, policymakers and healthcare professionals must explore and treat the related factors accordingly.

Sleep quality and screen time among university professors: impact of emergency remote teaching amidst COVID-19 crisis.

Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented global changes, and disruptions in sleep quality have emerged as a challenge. The pandemic prompted a dramatic shift in the working landscape for university professors, necessitating emergency remote teaching (ERT). This transition substantially increased professors' screen time for academic and research endeavors. This study explores the relationship between screen time and sleep quality among university professors during the pandemic and examines associated factors, including psychological well-being. An electronic survey, covering demographics, education, screen time, sleep quality, and mental health, was administered to professors who worked during the spring semester of 2020. Standardized measures were used to assess sleep quality and mental health. Correlations, Mann-Whitney tests, and multivariate regression explored associations between screen time, sleep quality, and other variables. One hundred sixty participants exhibited poor sleep quality, subthreshold insomnia, and mild depression. Increased screen time correlated with poorer sleep quality, elevated stress levels, and heightened depression severity. Evening screen users reported more insomnia than daytime users. Depression emerged as a significant predictor of poor sleep quality and insomnia, along with evening screen use. This study among university professors underscores the impact of screen time on sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants faced poor sleep, largely influenced by heightened screen time due to ERT. Considering these findings, this study emphasizes the importance of curbing daytime screen exposure and abstaining from screens in the evening, especially for university professors reliant on technology for their professional responsibilities.

Predisposing, Precipitating, and Perpetuating Factors of Insomnia in Cancer Survivors.

To explore and characterize predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors of subthreshold, moderate, and severe insomnia in cancer survivors. 135 cancer survivors who self-reported symptom severity on the Insomnia Severity Index during the baseline phase of a randomized clinical trial on insomnia treatment. Participants completed measures assessing predisposing factors (age, sex, race and ethnicity, body mass index), precipitating factors (number of years since cancer diagnosis, depression and anxiety symptoms, health-related quality of life), and perpetuating factors (frequency of consuming alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, napping behavior, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep). In the multivariate model, being female was protective against insomnia, and being a person of color, having higher anxiety, having more depression symptoms, and having stronger dysfunctional beliefs about sleep were significantly associated with greater insomnia severity. By fostering interprofessional collaboration and implementing evidence-based interventions, nurses can contribute to the well-being of cancer survivors and address their sleep-related challenges. This study underscores the importance of regular insomnia screenings for cancer survivors, with nurses as essential facilitators.

Impact of Palestine-Israel War on Tunisian People’s Sleep

IntroductionThe Palestine-Israel War has reverberated across borders, transcending boundaries to affect individuals far beyond the conflict zone.While much attention has been rightfully directed toward the immediate physical and psychological consequences within the war-torn regions, there is a growing need to explore the broader impact on the mental health of populations in neighboring countries including the sleep disorders among the Tunisian population during this war.ObjectivesTo study the sleep disorders in Tunisian people related to the extensive war news broadcasting and to identify the factors associated to it.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, conducted among Tunisians. Data were collected during October and November 2023, through an anonymous online questionnaire, spread throughout social media (Facebook/Instagram), using the Google Forms® platform. We used a socio-demographic and clinical data sheet and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to measures the severity of insomnia.ResultsA total of 1091 participants completed the questionnaire.The participants’ mean age was 32.7 ± 9.8 years, with a sex ratio (F/M) = 3.5.The study revealed that 100% of the respondents followed the war, predominantly relying on social media (98.6%) with 55% closely monitoring the war via the media during more than 3 hours per day.74.1% of the participants were Religious practitionersAccording to the (ISI): a significant insomnia was found in 75.2% of participants.The breakdown of insomnia severity indicated that 47.3% experienced subthreshold insomnia, 25.7% clinical insomnia of moderate severity, and 2.2% clinical insomnia of severe intensity.The factors significantly associated with severe insomnia were: a male population (p=0.018) and an increase in religious practices (p=0.031).ConclusionsThe impact of the Palestine-Israel war on Tunisian individuals’ sleep patterns, predominantly mediated through increased exposure via social media with using increase in religious practices as a possible coping mechanism.The study highlights support initiatives to address the psychological repercussions of international conflicts on mental health. This suggests the importance of applying sleep hygiene rules and screening for sleep disorders.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Association of Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Worse Oral Mucositis and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy.

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiation therapy (RT) often experience sleep disturbances that may contribute to oral mucositis (OM) and quality of life (QOL). Patients with HNC treated with RT at a single institution were examined. Sleep questionnaires were given on the first day of RT to assess for insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patient-reported QOL and oral mucositis were assessed during RT. Associations between insomnia and OSA with QOL were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Linear mixed models assessed associations with OM. Among 87 patients, 34 patients (39%) had subthreshold or greater insomnia and 47 patients (54%) screened positive for OSA. Upon RT completion, patients with subthreshold or greater insomnia had worse physical function (p = 0.005), fatigue (p = 0.01), insomnia (p < 0.001), and sticky saliva (p = 0.002). Patients screening positive for OSA had worse physical function (p = 0.01), sticky saliva (p = 0.02), fatigue (p = 0.007), insomnia (p = 0.009), and pain (p = 0.005). Upon linear mixed model evaluation, subthreshold or greater insomnia (p = 0.01) and positive OSA screen (p = 0.002) were associated with worse OM. Insomnia and OSA are highly prevalent in patients with HNC undergoing RT. These sleep disturbances are associated with worse QOL and OM during treatment.

Postoperative Patient Pain Severity and Its Association With Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Quality.

Introduction The experience of pain is a complex phenomenon. A patient in the acute postsurgical pain setting may feel a constant bombardment of nociceptive input from the surgical site; this in turn influences psychological factors that determine the overall emotional experience of pain, which is significant. The aim of our study was to investigate the severity of pain in postsurgical patients three days after surgery using the 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). Methods This was a cross-sectional assessment of postoperative pain. Participants were patients between 18 and 64 years of age who had undergone a surgical procedure (laparoscopic or open surgery), three days prior to the data collection and who were admitted or discharged postoperatively at the Al Salmaniya Complex, Manama, Bahrain. Participants were asked demographic questions about whether they had laparoscopic or open surgeries and completed self-reporting scales. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was utilized to screen for both the presence and severity of depression; Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) was administered to screen for anxiety; the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to evaluate insomnia; and the VAS was used to evaluate pain. Results Sixty-seven patients were recruited, with a mean age of 61.53 years (SD = 7.37). Twenty-nine (43%) were females, 38 (57%) were males, 36 (54%) underwent elective surgery, 31 (46%) underwent emergency surgery, 31 (46%) underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 36 (54%) underwent open surgery. The average score on the Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPISF) was 8.12 (SD = 1.16), indicating a moderate level of pain. Twenty-six (43%) patients had moderate-severe insomnia, 21 participants (31%) had no insomnia, 17 participants (25%) had subthreshold insomnia, 28 (42%) had moderate depression, five (7%) had moderate-severe depression, and 34 (51%) had severe depression. Eighteen participants (27%) had mild anxiety, 46 (69%) had moderate anxiety, and 3 (4%) had severe anxiety. Six of the participants (9%) reported moderate pain, while 61 participants (91%) reported severe pain.

Effect of cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with acute or subthreshold insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Effect of cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with acute or subthreshold insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Efficacy of internet-based self-help cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in reducing insomnia symptoms among adults with sub-threshold insomnia symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

Efficacy of internet-based self-help cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in reducing insomnia symptoms among adults with sub-threshold insomnia symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

Mental health consequences among Sudanese due to the armed conflicts and civil unrest of 2023: a cross-sectional study.

To investigate depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia levels among Sudanese citizens during the 2023 Armed Forces conflict in Sudan. An online survey was distributed. It is composed of five parts, covering the following areas: (a) sociodemographic data; (b) depression assessment; (c) generalized anxiety disorder assessment; (d) post-traumatic stress disorder assessment; and (e) insomnia assessment.Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27 was used for data analysis; frequency and percentage were used to describe the qualitative variables. The Pearson correlation coefficient and Chi-square test were used for correlation and association analysis; a p-value equal to or less than .05 was considered statistically significant. The study included 221 participants, whose ages were 35.02 ± 11.83 years. Among the participants, 57.5% were female. The length of stay in the war zone was 39.29 ± 31.71 days. The sound of gunfire, bombs, or explosions was the most frequent war violence personally experienced by participants or their family members, friends, or acquaintances, in 203 (91.8%) and 221 (100%), respectively. Moderate-severe and severe depression were present in 25.3% and 62.0%, respectively. Moderate and severe anxiety were present in 36.2% and 52.9%, respectively. 58.8% had PTSD. Sub-threshold insomnia was present in 57.5%. There was a negative correlation between sex (female) and depression (correlation coefficient = -.183, p-value = .006), which indicates that depression is more likely to be in females. For PTSD, there was a negative correlation between age and PTSD (correlation coefficient = -.150, p-value = 0.026), which indicates that younger age groups were more likely to experience PTSD. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between marital status (married) and PTSD (correlation coefficient = -.175, p-value = .009), which indicates that married participants were more likely to experience PTSD. Exposure to war-related trauma can also lead to mental health issues. These findings emphasize the urgent need for proper mental health support and interventions in war-affected areas to address the prevalent mental disorders.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Nomophobia Amongst the General Population in Makkah Province and Al-Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study.

Nomophobia is a public health issue that involves the fear of being without a mobile phone. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of nomophobia and its relation to psychological factors, including depression and insomnia, among the general population in Makkah Province and Al-Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia. This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted and data were obtained through a self-administered online questionnaire using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) for depression, the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). A total of 1022 participants completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of nomophobia was 96.7%. Moderate nomophobia was prevalent (47.8%). Based on the PHQ-2, possible depression was identified in 47.3% of the respondents. 37.1% had sub-threshold insomnia. In terms of personal psychiatric history, the most common mental disorders in the participants included generalized anxiety disorder (9.9%) and major depressive disorder (9.7%). 61.6% of them used mobile devices for more than four hours per day. Nomophobia is prevalent in the Makkah and Al-Madinah provinces in Saudi Arabia. The risk of nomophobia was significantly higher for participants who spent more hours using mobile devices, those with possible depression, and those having irritable bowel syndrome.

A cross-sectional survey on sleep disturbances with special reference to sleep quality among COVID-19-recovered patients attending outpatient department of a medical college hospital in Eastern India

Background: The prevalence of sleep problems is approximately 40% among the general and health-care populations. Post-covid-19 sleep disturbances may persist for a long time and are often precursors of psychiatric disorders and expeditors of many systemic diseases. Studies on sleep quality in COVID-19 patients are considerable but in post-COVID-recovered subjects are scanty. There is no study on sleep quality of such patients in Eastern India. Aims and Objectives: We hypothesize that both sleep disturbances and sleep quality may be affected in subjects in their post-COVID state. Therefore, we planned to study the prevalence of sleep disturbances, sleep quality, severity of insomnia, and the relationship of different parameters with respect to sleep quality. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and fifty COVID-19-recovered patients were administered a pre-structured questionnaire including Pittsburgh sleep quality index and insomnia severity index containing various sleep parameters. Results: Majority of the study participants had sleep disturbances in the form of change in sleep pattern (59.6%), poor sleep quality (77.6%), reduced sleep duration (29.6%), daytime sleepiness (20%), difficulty in sleep initiation (29.6%), and subthreshold insomnia (53.6%). Poor sleep quality was strongly associated with reinfection, change in sleep pattern after infection, sleep pattern alteration during pandemic, and those who felt tired during daytime. Conclusion: This study concludes that a significant number of COVID-19-recovered subjects experienced sleep disturbances including poor sleep quality.

The effect of yoga on insomnia and quality of life among nursing professionals during COVID-19: A pre-post-test interventional study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has taken a toll on the well-being and quality of life (QoL) of healthcare professionals, especially nurses. Insomnia, a common consequence of the pandemic, adds to the physical and mental strain on healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess the impact of workplace yoga intervention on insomnia severity and QoL among female nursing and healthcare professionals during the pandemic. A pre-post-interventional study was conducted among 173 nursing professionals working in a hospital setting. Baseline assessments collected age, body mass index (BMI), insomnia severity using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and QoL using the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). A 6-week workplace yoga intervention was conducted by trained professionals, followed by posttest assessments. Among 173 participants, 57 had insomnia. Participants without significant insomnia had higher QoL scores (P < 0.001). Following the yoga intervention, both subthreshold and moderate clinical insomnia groups experienced reduced insomnia severity (P < 0.001). Quality-of-life scores in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains improved significantly (P < 0.05). Workplace yoga intervention appears to be a promising approach to alleviate insomnia and enhance QoL among female nursing and healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing tailored workplace yoga programs can play a crucial role in promoting the well-being and resilience of healthcare workers, contributing to a positive work environment and improved patient care outcomes.

Assessment of Sleeping Disorders, Characteristics, and Sleeping Medication Use Among Pharmacy Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Quantitative Study.

BACKGROUND Insomnia is a growing problem, especially among university students, and is associated with sleep disorders, poor academic performance, and quality of sleep. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of insomnia sleeping characteristics, managing techniques, and attitudes toward sleeping pill usage among pharmacy students. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted among pharmacy students of King Saud University, College of Pharmacy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between February and March 2023. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. A P value of <0.05 and was considered statistically significant. RESULTS In this study, 61.7% (n=108) of the students' slept an average of 6-10 h and 35.4% (n=62) slept an average of 6 h. Regarding sleeping patterns, nearly two-thirds (n=112, 64%) of the students had day and night sleeping patterns while more than one-third (n=63, 36%) had only night sleeping patterns. In this study, 2.9% (n=5) of the students had severe clinical insomnia, while 21.7% (n=38) reported moderately severe clinical insomnia, 44% (n=77) of them had subthreshold insomnia, and 31.4% (n= 55) had no clinically significant insomnia. The mean scores of the insomnia severity index were significantly related to the usage of stimulants (P=0.048), average hours of sleep (P=0.0001), and average minutes needed to fall asleep (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The current findings demonstrated varying levels of insomnia among students, yet few students used sleeping pills.