Polysomnographic Findings into Sleep Disorders in Essential Tremor and Essential Tremor Plus: A Comparison with Healthy Controls.

Objective: To explore sleep patterns in individuals with Essential Tremor (ET) and Essential Tremor Plus (ET-Plus), compared to healthy controls, and assess differences between ET and ET-Plus, given the lack of established polysomnography (PSG) data on these groups and the potential for sleep disturbances to serve as clinical markers. Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, from November 2021 to August 2023 on 45 patients (26 ET, 19 ET-Plus) and 45 controls. Tremor severity was assessed using TETRAS and FTMTRS, and sleep symptoms with ESS, PSQI, Mayo Sleep Questionnaire, RLS-Q, BQ, GAD-7 and PHQ-9. All cases and controls underwent overnight video PSG. Sleep scoring was manually done by a technically adequate sleep researcher and the first author following AASM (2022) guidelines with data analysed using R studio. Results: ET patients exhibited younger onset age (30.8 ± 16.7 years) compared to ET-Plus patients (46.8 ± 11.1 years). ET-Plus had higher TETRAS and FTMRS scores (P < 0.001) than ET. Both ET and ET-Plus patients exhibited poorer sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) symptoms compared to controls. PSG findings supported these clinical observations, showing elevated Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), reduced Total Sleep Time (TST), prolonged REM latency, decreased sleep efficiency, increased N1 stage duration, and reduced N2/N3 durations and percentages in patients versus controls. Conclusion: The study highlights significant sleep architecture abnormalities in both ET and ET-Plus patients as compared to healthy controls, with no differences between the ET groups.

[Sleep behavior and problems in children and adolescents of a psychiatric day clinic sample: results and requirements for systematic diagnostic]. / Schlafverhalten und -auffälligkeiten von Kindern und Jugendlichen einer teilstationären kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Inanspruchnahmepopulation: Ergebnisse und Anforderungen an eine systematische Diagnostik.

Sleep behavior and problems in children and adolescents of a psychiatric day clinic sample: results and requirements for systematic diagnostic Abstract. Sleep disorders are common in adults as well as children and adolescents. Children and adolescents in psychiatric treatment (CAP) are especially affected by sleep problems. Cognitive behavioral therapy represents the first-line treatment, preceded by a standardized procedure for sleep diagnostics. To date, no study has investigated sleep behavior in CAP day clinics in Germany. In this study, N = 46 children/adolescents receiving CAP treatment in a day clinic completed a sleep diary (7 days) and a sleep anamnesis scheme with the help of their parents, and their sleep behavior was assessed by a clinician. Furthermore, a parent- and a self-report questionnaire plus a clinical assessment of the mental disorders in the children/adolescents were collected. 52 % of the children/ adolescents exhibited sleep disorders or sleep abnormalities (= sleep disorder symptoms in the context of comorbid disorders), in particular problems falling asleep or to falling asleep and sleeping through the night (26 %). In addition, 33 % reported having nightmares. Their sleep behavior correlated significantly with their external behavior problems (r = .38 .61, p = .02-.04); their sex (female: p = .01-≤ .001, |d| = 1.57-2.50) and their age (older: p = .05, |d| = .78) also significantly influenced sleep behavior. Particularly external behavior problems were associated with sleep problems in this day-care population. In summary, a multi-method-multi-informant procedure should be established for the systematic diagnostics of sleep abnormalities, together with individualized cognitive-behavioral therapy of sleep problems, especially in patients with external behavior problems.

SLEEP ABNORMALITIES AND POLYSOMNOGRAPHIC PROFILE IN CHILDREN WITH DRUG-RESISTANT EPILEPSY.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the prevalence of sleep abnormalities in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and characterize their polysomnographic profile and to further compare it with well-controlled epilepsy (WCE) and age-matched typically developing children (TDC). METHODS: A cross-sectional study consisting of 40 children in each group (DRE, WCE, and TDC) was conducted. Children's sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ) and modified pediatric Epworth daytime sleepiness scale (MPEDSS) were administered to all three groups. Thirty-five children each in the DRE and WCE group and 17 TDC underwent single night polysomnography (PSG). RESULTS: The prevalence of sleep abnormalities by the administration of CSHQ in DRE group was 72.5% (95% C.I-58.7 to 86.3%, mean score: 47.5 ± 7.1) compared to 32.5% (42.4 ± 6.2) and 15% (37.3 ± 5) in WCE and TDC groups respectively (P = 0.01). On MPEDSS, 52.5% of children in the DRE group had excessive daytime sleepiness compared to 12.5% in WCE and 5% in TDC groups respectively (p-0.03). On overnight PSG, sleep efficiency and REM sleep duration were significantly reduced in the DRE group in comparison to WCE and TDC. N2 duration, REM latency, arousal, and apnea-hypopnea index were significantly increased in the DRE group when compared to WCE and TDC groups. CONCLUSION: Sleep-related problems are major comorbidity in up to three-fourths of patients with DRE and sleep architecture is significantly affected particularly in the DRE group.

Sleep Disturbances in COPD are Associated with Heterogeneity of Airway Obstruction.

Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) experience sleep disturbances due to the impact of respiratory symptoms on sleep quality. We explored whether sleep disturbances in COPD are linked to heterogeneity of airway constriction. The impact of breathing problems on sleep quality was measured in consecutive COPD outpatients with the COPD and Asthma Sleep Impact Scale (CASIS) questionnaire. Impulse oscillometry technique (IOS) was employed to assess heterogeneity of airway constriction. Subjects with a previous or concomitant diagnosis of asthma or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were excluded. Fifty COPD subjects (M/F 40/10; age: 71 ± 8 yrs, Body Mass Index (BMI): 26.2 ± 4.7 kg/m2, Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1): 65 ± 25% predicted; mean ± SD) were enrolled. The mean CASIS score was 36 ± 3.3, and the R5-R20 value was 0.2 ± 0.15 kPa s L-1. The CASIS score was significantly higher in subjects with increased R5-R20 (>0.07 kPa s L-1) (39 ± 24; p = 0.02) compared to normal R5-R20 (21 ± 17). When subjects were categorized on the basis of lung function in severely versus non severely obstructed (FEV1 ≤ or >50% predicted) or air trappers versus non air trappers (Residual Volume, RV ≥ or <120% predicted) the CASIS score remained unchanged (for FEV1: 37 ± 23 versus 33 ± 25, respectively, p = 0.61; for RV: 30 ± 20 versus 40 ± 23, p = 0.16). Sleep disturbances due to COPD symptoms are associated with heterogeneity of airway constriction, possibly reflecting peripheral airway dysfunction.

Sleep Abnormalities Among Patients With and Without Diabetes Using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Introduction Diabetes has a great influence on sleep patterns. Several hormonal mechanisms are disrupted in patients with diabetes and, hence, affect their sleep patterns. Sleep disturbances further worsen the state of the disease itself. Method In this cross-sectional study, we collected data from 50 healthy adults and 50 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus without comorbidities. Study participants were asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) surveys. Results The mean PSQI score was 8.64 ± 3.96 for patients with type 2 diabetes and 4.24 ± 2.72 for patients without diabetes. The mean Epworth Sleepiness score was 6.3 ± 5.29 among patients with diabetes and 1.94 ± 2.34 for patients without diabetes. Conclusion The early diagnosis and management of sleep problems can help maintain target blood glucose levels and may help impede the future development of complications.

Differences in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep abnormalities between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder patients: REM interruption correlated with nightmare complaints in PTSD.

OBJECTIVE: The presence of repeated nightmares in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been hypothesized as a dysfunction of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but there has been remarkably little agreement about the pathophysiology. This presents a deterrent to more effective treatments. REM sleep abnormalities including elevated REM density also have been replicated in major depressive disorder (MDD). The purpose of this study was to clarify the difference of REM sleep abnormalities between the two disorders for understanding the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances in PTSD. METHODS: Polysomnographic measures were compared among 14 PTSD patients (aged 23.7 ± 5.5 years) and 14 MDD patients (aged 27.9 ± 10.1 years) under drug-naive or drug-free conditions. We defined REM interruption by summing the intrusive wake times during the REM period and adding the subsequent wake times to the last epoch of REM period. The significant polysomnographic measures were correlated with PTSD symptoms within the PTSD group. RESULTS: REM interruption was significantly increased in the PTSD group compared with the MDD group (12.2 vs 2.1 min, p = 0.001). REM density was also significantly increased in the PTSD group compared with the MDD group (30.5 vs 23.1%, p = 0.019). Within the PTSD group, we found significant correlations between the severity of trauma-related nightmare complaints and the percentage of REM interruption (R = 0.62, p = 0.017), but not REM density. CONCLUSIONS: REM sleep abnormalities are different between PTSD and MDD. Increased REM interruption may be a biological marker correlated with nightmare complaints in PTSD patients. Treatments including pharmacotherapy that reduces REM interruption might ameliorate nightmares in PTSD.

Daytime sleepiness is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in rural area of China: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether sleep abnormalities including daytime sleepiness, snoring, apnea, sleep disruption and sleep duration abnormity are significantly associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy). METHODS: A total of 5992 participants were involved in the cross-sectional study. Sleep abnormalities were evaluated by a structured questionnaire. Hhcy was defined as plasma levels of homocysteine ≥15µm/L. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, gender, education, current smoking status and current drinking status, daytime sleepiness (OR, 1.597; 95%CI, 1.210-2.110, P=0.001), sleep duration <6h (OR, 1.273; 95%CI, 1.063-1.524, P=0.009) and sleep duration >8h (OR, 1.205; 95%CI, 1.065-1.364, P=0.003) were significantly associated with Hhcy. While snoring (OR, 1.065; 95%CI, 0.950-1.195, P=0.279), apnea (OR, 1.170; 95%CI, 0.924-1.482, P=0.193), and sleep disruption (OR, 1.065; 95%CI, 0.852-1.331, P=0.580) were not. After further adjustment for body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, total cholesterol, physical activity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, depression, glomerular filtration rate, hypertension and hyperuricemia, still the increased OR could be found in the daytime sleepiness group (OR, 1.569; 95%CI, 1.145-2.150, P=0.005). However, sleep duration <6h (OR, 1.067; 95%CI, 0.788-1.445, P=0.676) and sleep duration >8h groups (OR, 1.080; 95%CI, 0.883-1.320, P=0.453) were no longer significantly associated with Hhcy. CONCLUSIONS: Daytime sleepiness, but not sleep duration abnormity, snoring, apnea and sleep disruption was an independent risk factor for Hhcy.

Messenger RNA expression profile of sleep-related genes in peripheral blood cells in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Various sleep abnormalities, such as delayed sleep onset, frequent awakening and daytime sleepiness, deteriorate the quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those on haemodialysis (HD). Although there are some candidate causative molecules in the central nervous system, the contribution of peripheral blood cells (PBCs) remains unclear. In this study, we performed polysomnographic analysis in CKD patients and used PBCs to examine the expression of genes related to sleep and wakefulness states. METHODS: Polysomnographic analysis was performed in 9 CKD patients and 6 controls. Genes related to sleep and wakefulness were evaluated by RNA microarray in 19 subjects, including CKD patients and control subjects. RESULTS: Polysomnographic analysis revealed that the duration of the rapid eye movement (REM)/non-REM phases during total sleep time was different between CKD patients and healthy controls. In mRNA microarray evaluation, hierarchical clustering analysis showed different patterns of sleep-related gene expression in HD patients. mRNA expression levels of GABA receptor (GABBR2), noradrenaline receptor (ADRA1A), dopamine receptor (DRD1) and histamine receptor (HRH1) showed an inverse correlation with renal function. Moreover, the mRNA expression of orexin and its receptor (HCRTR1 and HCRTR2) was also inversely correlated with renal function. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the expression of sleep-related genes in PBCs of CKD patients may be associated with sleep abnormalities.

Sleep abnormalities in children with Dravet syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel SCN1A gene are responsible for the majority of Dravet syndrome cases. There is evidence that the Nav1.1 channel coded by the SCN1A gene is involved in sleep regulation. We evaluated sleep abnormalities in children with Dravet syndrome using nocturnal polysomnography. METHODS: We identified six children at our institution with genetically confirmed Dravet syndrome who had also undergone formal sleep consultation with nocturnal polysomnography. Indications for polysomnography were parental concern of daytime fatigue or sleepiness, hyperactivity, inattention, disruptive behavior, nighttime awakenings, or nocturnal seizures. Sleep studies were scored according to guidelines of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and non-rapid eye movement cyclic alternating pattern was visually identified and scored according to established methods. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects at the time of polysomnography was 6 years. Standard polysomnography did not show any consistent abnormalities in the obstructive or central apnea index, arousal index, sleep efficiency, or architecture. Cyclic alternating pattern analysis on five patients showed an increased mean rate of 50.3% (vs 31% to 34% in neurological normal children) with a mild increase in A1 subtype of 89.4% (vs 84.5%). A2/A3 subtype (5.3% vs 7.3%) and B phase duration (22.4 vs 24.7 seconds) were similar to previously reported findings in neurologically normal children. CONCLUSION: Despite parental concerns for sleep disturbance in patients with Dravet syndrome, we could not identify abnormalities in sleep macroarchitecture. Non-rapid eye movement sleep microarchitecture was, however, abnormal, with increased A1 subtype, somewhat resembling a tracé alternant pattern of neonates and possibly suggestive of cortical synaptic immaturity in Dravet syndrome. Larger studies are needed to replicate these results.