Mental health of the Mexican population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected mental health. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Mexican population mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic by measuring symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety and insomnia, as well as resilience. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study. A survey was carried out to collect sociodemographic data, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21), Athens Insomnia Scale and the 14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14) were applied. Central tendency and dispersion measures were obtained for quantitative variables and frequencies for qualitative variables. The chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis; alpha level was 0.05. RESULTS: 1,667 individuals with a mean age of 33.78 ± 10.79 years were analyzed. On DASS 21, a mean of 9.7 points (normal) was found, as well as 7.10 for anxiety (normal) and 6.73 for depression (normal). On Athens Insomnia Scale, a mean of 9.33 points (moderate alteration), and on the RS-14 scale, 69.13 points (high resilience) were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms' intensity was lower than expected in comparison with that recorded in other populations, probably due to the high levels of resilience of the Mexican population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia de COVID-19 también ha afectado la salud mental. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la salud mental de la ­población mexicana durante la pandemia de COVID-19 mediante la medición de síntomas de estrés, depresión, ansiedad, insomnio y resiliencia. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Con una encuesta se recabaron datos sociodemográficos y se aplicaron la Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21), la Escala Atenas de Insomnio y la Escala de Resiliencia 14 Ítems (RS-14). Se obtuvieron medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión en las variables cuantitativas, así como frecuencias en las cualitativas. En el análisis bivariado se utilizó la prueba de χ2; el nivel alpha fue 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 1667 individuos con edad media de 33.78 ± 10.79 años. En la DASS 21 se encontró una media de 9.7 puntos (normal), 7.10 para ansiedad (normal) y 6.73 para depresión (normal). La Escala Atenas de Insomnio presentó una media de 9.33 puntos (alteración moderada) y la RS-14, 69.13 (resiliencia alta). CONCLUSIONES: La intensidad de la sintomatología fue menor a la esperada en comparación con la registrada en otras poblaciones, probablemente por la alta resiliencia de la población mexicana.

[Prevalence of insomnia and characteristic of patients with insomnia in a health area of Majorca (Spain)]. / Prevalencia de insomnio y características de la población insomne de una zona básica de salud de Mallorca (España).

OBJECTIVES: To estimate insomnia prevalence as well as habits comorbidity, sleep quality of insomnia patients. DESIGN: Cross sectional descriptive study. SETTING: Calvia health center (Majorca, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: We included subjects registered in a Health Center (> 2 years) of 18-80 years old. METHODS: Firstly, they were interviewed by telephone in order to identify persons with insomnia using the Insomnia Severity Index. Afterward, subjects with insomnia were interviewed in the health center in order to collect the data. RESULTS: From a simple of 1,563 persons, we contacted 591 and 467 participated. Insomnia prevalence was 21.1% (IC 95% 17.38-25.01) and 6.9% (IC 95% 4.45-9.25) clinical insomnia. It was significantly more frequent in women, widow, divorced, retired and unemployed. Two in three presented obesity or overweight, 37% chronic pain, 21.1% depression and 37.9% anxiety. Half of the patients with insomnia referred a negative impact on daily activities and difficulties to maintain enthusiasm. Moreover, 41.1% declared to take pharmacological treatment for sleep usually. The more common therapeutic measures for insomnia were sleep hygiene and benzodiazepines; while cognitive-behavioral therapies were rarely used. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of insomnia in our health area is similar to those described in population based studies. The presence of some prejudicial habits for sleep quality as well as comorbidities could facilitate insomnia to become a chronic illness. Then, management of insomnia should be considered in a patient more general context. Pharmacological treatment is still in the first line and effective non pharmacological treatment is still a rare option.

Quality of life, sleepiness and depressive symptoms in adolescents with insomnia: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of insomnia in a sample of Portuguese adolescents and assess its repercussions on HRQoL, daytime sleepiness and depressive symptomatology. DESIGN: We carried out a cross-sectional school-based study evaluating students from Viseu. LOCATION: Students from twenty-six public secondary schools in the county of Viseu, Portugal. PARTICIPANTS: Of 9237 questionnaires distributed, 7581 were collected (82.1%). We excluded from analysis all questionnaires from adolescents younger than 12 or older than 18 years of age (211) and unfilled forms (451). The sample comprised 6919 adolescents, the 7th to 12th grade, from 26 public secondary schools. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS: Data gathering was done using a self-applied questionnaire. Insomnia was defined based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - IV criteria. HRQoL was evaluated with the Quality of Life Health Survey SF-36, depressive symptomatology with BDI-II and daytime sleepiness with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS: Prevalence of insomnia was 8.3% and the prevalence of adolescents with symptoms of insomnia without daytime impairment (disturbed sleepers) was 13.1%. HRQoL was significantly reduced among adolescents with insomnia compared to normal sleepers (p<0.001) and even when compared to disturbed sleepers (p<0.001). There was an increase in daytime sleepiness from normal sleepers to disturbed sleepers and to adolescents with insomnia (p<0.001). There was also an increase in the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that insomnia is associated with a significantly lower health related quality of life among adolescents.

[Attitudes to insomnia by Primary Care physicians of Majorca (Spain)]. / Actitudes ante el insomnio de los médicos de AP de Mallorca.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the current clinical management of insomnia by family physicians. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Majorca Health Area, 2011-2012. PARTICIPANTS: Family physicians (FP). Paediatricians, resident physicians and emergency physicians were excluded. MEASUREMENTS: Using a self-administered questionnaire, the following variables were collected: social, demographic, professional, training in insomnia, prescription preferences, and its clinical management. RESULTS: A total of 322 of 435 physicians answered (74%), of whom 55% were female. The mean age was 48 years with a mean of 21 years in the profession. Most of them consider insomnia as a major health problem, and refer to asking patients about sleep habits and its impact on daily life. About one third have been trained in insomnia in the last 5 years. Very few (0.6%) refers patients to a psychiatrist, and 1.9% to a psychologist. The most prescribed drugs are benzodiazepines (33.4%) and Z drugs (25.7%), with 69.4% of them claiming to have checked the treatment after month of onset. Most refer to advice about sleep hygiene measures (85.1%), 15.1% prescribe herbal remedies, and 14.2% behavioural cognitive therapy (CBT). Seven out of ten physicians consider CBT as effective and applicable by both physicians and nurses. The older FPs prescribe benzodiazepines with less frequency, while female FPs prescribe more sleep hygiene measures and herbal remedies. CONCLUSIONS: Most FPs consider insomnia as a major health problem, in which they usually get involved. The most commonly used treatments are sleep hygiene advice, followed by benzodiazepines and Z drugs. The CBT is considered effective but not widely used.

[An integral approach to insomnia in primary care: Non-pharmacological and phytotherapy measures compared to standard treatment]. / Abordaje integrativo del insomnio en atención primaria: medidas no farmacológicas y fitoterapia frente al tratamiento convencional.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which there is an inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep. At some point in life, 50% of adults suffer from it, usually in stress situations. AIM: To evaluate the impact of sleep hygiene measures, relaxations techniques, and herbal medicine to deal with insomnia, compared with standard measures (drug treatment). METHODOLOGY: An experimental, retrospective, non-randomized study was conducted by means of a review of patients diagnosed with insomnia (2008-2010). Patients in the intervention group (IG) received an integrative approach (hygiene measures, relaxation techniques, and herbal medicine) and a control group (CG) with conventional treatment. A comparison was made of the resources used in the two groups (average monthly visits pre- and post-diagnosis), type of prescribed drug therapy and total dose. Sleep quality was evaluated at 18-24 months (Epworth test). RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were included in the IG and 47 in the CG (70% women, mean age 46 years (SD: 14.3). Average monthly visit pre-diagnosis was 0.54 (SD: 0.42) in the IG and 0.53 (SD: 0.53) in the CG (P=.88). Post-diagnosis it was 0.36 (SD: 0.24) and 0.65 (SD: 0.46), respectively (P<.0001), with a statistically significant reduction being observed in the IG. More than half (52.5%) of the IG patients and 93.6% in the CG had received a benzodiazepine (P<.0001). Alprazolam and lorazepam were the most prescribed in the CG and with higher cumulative dose. In the subsequent evaluation, 17% of patients in the IG and 5% in CG did not have insomnia. Severe insomnia was present in 13% of patients in the IG and none in CG (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The integrative approach to insomnia may be worthwhile as it reduces resource use and side effects, as well as dependence to benzodiazepines.

Non-breathing-related sleep disorders following stroke.

INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that sleep-related breathing disorders, especially sleep apnea, are very common in patients who have had a stroke, and that they also reduce the potential for neurological recovery. Nevertheless, other sleep disorders caused by stroke (excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, sleep related movement disorders) can also cause or increase stroke-related disability, and this fact is less commonly known. DEVELOPMENT: Studies with polysomnography have shown many abnormalities in sleep architecture during the acute phase of stroke; these abnormalities have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life although they tend to improve with time. This also happens with other sleep disorders occurring as the result of a stroke (insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder and REM sleep behavior disorder), which are nevertheless potentially treatable. In this article, we briefly review the physiopathology and epidemiology of the disorders listed above in order to raise awareness about the importance of these disorders and the effects they elicit in stroke patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders that are not breathing-related have scarcely been studied in stroke patients despite the fact that almost all such disorders may present as a result of a cerebrovascular event.

[Effectiveness of short educational intervention in patients with insomnia in primary care]. / Efectividad de una intervención educativa breve en pacientes con insomnio en atención primaria.

OBJETIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of providing an educational intervention in primary care (PC) alongside a pharmacological treatment for insomnia. DESIGN: Single blinded non randomised clinical trial. LOCATION: Two urban primary health centers in Gijón (Asturias, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Patients who consulted for insomnia between July 2012-January 2013 and met the inclusion criteria (n=50) were assigned systematically to the control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). All patients initiated treatment with lorazepam 1mg in the evenings and had four weekly 15 min visits plus a follow-up visit after another month. INTERVENTIONS: The IG received training for control of stimuli, sleep hygiene and respiration and relaxation techniques in the four visits. The CG had only non invasive measures taken. MEASUREMENTS: Considering as cured those who reached a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI <6 or a 50% reduction from baseline level. It was also analyzed the change in the PSQI from baseline to final visit and to follow-up visit, and voluntary interruption of lorazepam. Analysis by Bayesian inference. RESULTS: Twelve out of recoveries after intervention against one out of 24 among control group. Mean change in PSQI to final visit and follow-up visit was: -4.7 (95%CrI:-5.9 to -3.5) and -6,3 (95%ICred: -7.5 to -5.1) in IG; -1.8 (95%ICred: -3 to -0.5) and -1.7 (95%ICred: -2.9 to -0.4) in CG. Interruption of lorazepan: in 4 controls (16,7%) and 9 (34,6%) in IG. Twenty nine patients in GI and 17 in GC completed the trial. Per protocol analysis showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention in PC improves sleep quality and reduces the need of treatment with benzodiacepines.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients two years after experiencing severe COVID-19: A mixed observational study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) on mental health has not been extensively studied in the medium and long term. This study assessed how clinical, biological, and social factors affect mental health in patients who recovered from severe COVID-19. The evaluation was done 90 days after hospital discharge and followed up at 12 and 24 months. METHODS: A retrospective-prospective cohort mixed observational study was conducted on patients over 18 years of age who required hospitalization in Internal Medicine or ICU for severe COVID-19 pneumonia during 2020 and 2021. Demographic information, clinical variables, and data for the scales were obtained from electronic medical records and telephone interviews. For comparisons of the different variables in each clinical variable (insomnia, depression, anxiety), the Student's t-test for independent samples has been used (normal distribution); otherwise, the Mann-Whitney test will be used. All tests and intervals will be performed with a confidence level of 95. Fisher's exact or Pearson's Chi-square test has been used as appropriate for qualitative variables. RESULTS: 201 patients were recruited. 37.3% presented insomnia, 22.4% anxiety, and 21.4% depressive symptoms. A direct association was established between female sex and depressive symptoms. Psychotropic history, fatigue, and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) were correlated with depression. Anosmia and ageusia, CRP, cognitive symptoms, and dyspnea predicted insomnia. Sex, orotracheal intubation (OTI), pain, fatigue, mental health history, and academic level were independent predictors of anxiety. High percentages of depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms were detected in the second month after discharge and persisted at 12 and 24 months. The fatigue variable maintained a significant relationship with depressive symptoms at 2, 12 and 24 months. A possible limitation could be recall bias in retrospective data collection. CONCLUSIONS: This is a novel study to follow up on mental health for two years in patients with severe COVID-19. Clinical, biological, and psychosocial variables could be predictors of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and insomnia. The psychiatric symptoms persisted throughout the 2-year follow-up. These findings are critical for the follow-up of these patients and open the possibility of further studies in the medium and long term.

Sleep disorders in children with epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION: Children with epilepsy present greater prevalence of sleep disorders than the general population. Their diagnosis is essential, since epilepsy and sleep disorders have a bidirectional relationship. OBJECTIVE: Determine the incidence of sleep disorders and poor sleep habits in children with epilepsy. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients under 18 years of age with epilepsy, assessing sleep disorders using the Spanish-language version of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), and sleep habits using an original questionnaire. RESULTS: The sample included 153 patients. Eighty-four percent of our sample presented some type of sleep alteration. The most frequent alterations were sleep-wake transition disorders (53%), sleep initiation and maintenance disorders (47.7%), and daytime sleepiness (44.4%). In 70% of cases, the patients' parents reported that their child "slept well," although sleep disorders were detected in up to 75.7% of these patients. Many patients had poor sleep habits, such as using electronic devices in bed (16.3%), requiring the presence of a family member to fall asleep (39%), or co-sleeping or sharing a room (23.5% and 30.5%, respectively). Those with generalised epilepsy, refractory epilepsy, nocturnal seizures, and intellectual disability were more likely to present sleep disorders. In contrast, poor sleep habits were frequent regardless of seizure characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders and poor sleep habits are common in children with epilepsy. Their treatment can lead to an improvement in the quality of life of the patient and his/her family, as well as an improvement in the prognosis of epilepsy.

Somatic symptoms and insomnia among bereaved parents and siblings eight years after the Utøya terror attack.

Background: Levels of prolonged grief symptoms (PGS) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can be high, many years following bereavement after terror, but knowledge concerning somatic health is scarce. Terrorism is a serious public health challenge, and increased knowledge about long-term somatic symptoms and insomnia is essential for establishing follow-up interventions after terrorism bereavement.Objective: To study the prevalence of somatic symptoms and insomnia and their association with PGS, PTSS, and functional impairment among terrorism-bereaved parents and siblings.Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study included 122 bereaved individuals from the Utøya terror attack in Norway in 2011. The sample comprised 88 parents and 34 siblings aged 19 years and above (Mage = 49.7 years, SDage = 13.8 years, 59.8% females). The participants completed questionnaires 8 years after the attack assessing somatic symptoms (Children's Somatic Symptoms Inventory) and insomnia (Bergen Insomnia Scale) along with measures of PGS (Inventory of Complicated Grief), PTSS (Impact of Event Scale-Revised), and functional impairment (Work and Social Adjustment Scale).Results: Fatigue was the most frequently reported somatic symptom (88% of females and 65% of males). Females reported statistically significantly more somatic symptoms than males. In total, 68% of the bereaved individuals scored above the cut-off for insomnia. There were no statistically significant gender differences for insomnia. Female gender, intrusion, and arousal were associated with somatic symptoms. Intrusion and somatic symptoms were associated with insomnia. Somatic symptoms, avoidance, and hyperarousal were associated with functional impairment.Conclusion: Many bereaved parents and siblings report somatic symptoms and insomnia eight years after the terror attack. Somatic symptoms are associated with functional impairment. Long-term follow-up and support after traumatic bereavement should focus on somatic symptoms and insomnia.

Many bereaved individuals, especially females, reported insomnia and somatic symptoms, including fatigue, pain, and other related symptoms.Somatic symptoms, avoidance, and hyperarousal were identified as being associated with functional impairment among the bereaved.Post-traumatic stress symptoms played a more significant role than prolonged grief symptoms in explaining the reduced physical health experienced by the bereaved.

Fibromyalgia's main features, widespread pain, and insomnia in the paintings of Remedios Varo.

The sensitivity of plastic artists to human suffering has been expressed in different ways. This article recounts the circumstances that led the Spanish-Mexican surrealist painter, Remedios Varo, to depict in an original way the two cardinal manifestations of fibromyalgia; widespread pain and insomnia.

[Human prion diseases: An overview]. / Enfermedades por priones humanas. Una revisión general.

Prion diseases are a group of neurodegenerative diseases. The disease-causing agent is a protein (PrP), that is normally produced in the nervous system, aggregated in an abnormal form. The abnormal protein, known as prion (PrPSc), is capable of self-propagation promoting the misfolding of the normal protein (PrP). These conditions can be acquired sporadically, genetically, or infectiously either by eating meat contaminated with prions or from iatrogenic exposure. The diagnosis of these diseases is often challenging. The use of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools, such as MRI and RT-QuIC, may aid in the diagnosis. Neuropathological examination of brain tissue ensures a definite diagnosis. At present, no treatment significantly improves the course of prion diseases; however, an early diagnosis is of paramount importance for patient care decision planning, infection control purposes, and genetic counseling.

Melatonin in sleep disorders.

Melatonin is the main hormone involved in the control of the sleep-wake cycle. It is easily synthesisable and can be administered orally, which has led to interest in its use as a treatment for insomnia. Moreover, as production of the hormone decreases with age, in inverse correlation with the frequency of poor sleep quality, it has been suggested that melatonin deficit is at least partly responsible for sleep disorders. Treating this age-related deficit would therefore appear to be a natural way of restoring sleep quality, which is lost as patients age. However, despite the undeniable theoretical appeal of this approach to insomnia, little scientific evidence is available that supports any benefit of this substitutive therapy. Furthermore, the most suitable dose ranges and pharmaceutical preparations for melatonin administration are yet to be clearly defined. This review addresses the physiology of melatonin, the different pharmaceutical preparations, and data on its clinical usefulness.

Insomnia and poor sleep quality are associated with poor seizure control in patients with epilepsy. / El insomnio y la pobre calidad de sueño se asocian a un mal control de crisis en pacientes con epilepsia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the presence of sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy and to analyse their association with seizure control. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with epilepsy, recruited consecutively between September 2017 and December 2018. Patients were classified as having good seizure control (no seizures in the last 4 weeks) or poor seizure control (at least one seizure in the last 4 weeks). We performed intergroup comparisons for demographic and clinical data, insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]), and quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 [QOLIE-10]). RESULTS: The sample included a total of 123 patients, of whom 31.7% had excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS≥10), 50.4% had insomnia (ISI≥10), and 53.6% had poor sleep quality (PSQI≥5). According to our multivariate analysis, presence of seizures was associated with unemployment (odds ratio [OR]=4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-19.2; P=.02), a higher number of antiepileptic drugs (OR=5.87; 95% CI, 1.81-27.1; P<.001), insomnia (OR=1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-9.3; P=.04), and poor sleep quality (OR=2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-10.32; P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders are common in patients with epilepsy. Insomnia and poor sleep quality were associated with poor seizure control. These findings support the hypothesis that sleep disorders constitute a significant comorbidity of epilepsy, especially in patients with poor seizure control.

Insomnia and poor sleep quality are associated with poor seizure control in patients with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the presence of sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy and to analyse their association with seizure control. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with epilepsy, recruited consecutively between September 2017 and December 2018. Patients were classified as having good seizure control (no seizures in the last 4 weeks) or poor seizure control (at least one seizure in the last 4 weeks). We performed intergroup comparisons for demographic and clinical data, insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]), and quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 [QOLIE-10]). RESULTS: The sample included a total of 123 patients, of whom 31.7% had excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS ≥ 10), 50.4% had insomnia (ISI ≥ 10), and 53.6% had poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 5). According to our multivariate analysis, presence of seizures was associated with unemployment (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-19.2; P = .02), a higher number of antiepileptic drugs (OR = 5.87; 95% CI, 1.81-27.1; P < .001), insomnia (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-9.3; P = .04), and poor sleep quality (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-10.32; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders are common in patients with epilepsy. Insomnia and poor sleep quality were associated with poor seizure control. These findings support the hypothesis that sleep disorders constitute a significant comorbidity of epilepsy, especially in patients with poor seizure control.

Predictive factors of sleep quality in patients with chronic migraine.

INTRODUCTION: One of the factors contributing to transformation of migraine are sleep disorders, which can act as a trigger and/or perpetuating factor in these patients. This study's primary objective was to identify predictive factors related to sleep quality in patients with chronic migraine (CM); the secondary objective was to identify any differences in psychological variables and disability between patients with CM with better or poorer sleep quality. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with CM were included in an observational, cross-sectional study. We recorded data on demographic, psychological, and disability variables using self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: A direct, moderate-to-strong correlation was observed between the different disability and psychological variables analysed (P < .05). Regression analysis identified depressive symptoms, headache-related disability, and pain catastrophising as predictors of sleep quality; together, these factors explain 33% of the variance. Statistically significant differences were found between patients with better and poorer sleep quality for depressive symptoms (P = .016) and pain catastrophising (P = .036). CONCLUSIONS: The predictive factors for sleep quality in patients with CM were depressive symptoms, headache-related disability, and pain catastrophising. Patients with poorer sleep quality had higher levels of pain catastrophising and depressive symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome in patients with multiple sclerosis: evaluation of risk factors and clinical impact.

INTRODUCTION: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder characterised by an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by unpleasant sensations. It is more frequent in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in the general population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of RLS, defined according to the 4 essential requirements included in the diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group, in a cohort of patients with MS; and to identify potential risk factors and the clinical impact of RLS. RESULTS: The sample included 120 patients with MS, with a mean age of symptom onset of 40 years and an average disease duration of 46 months. The prevalence rate of RLS was 23.3%. MS progression time was significantly shorter in patients with RLS (P=.001). A recent relapse, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and neuropathic pain were significantly associated with risk of RLS (P=.001, P<.001, P<.001, and P=.001, respectively). In addition, patients with RLS had a greater risk of poor sleep quality, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and poor quality of life than those without RLS (P=.002, P=.017, P=.013, and P=.009, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RLS should be considered in the neurological evaluation of patients with MS; early diagnosis and treatment would improve the quality of life of patients with MS presenting RLS.

[Nutrition impact on insomnia treatment]. / Impacto de la alimentación en la lucha contra el insomnio.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: insomnia represents a growing and important health problem. If it persists, it could have a negative impact in people's welfare. Nowadays we have a wide range of techniques to measure and analyze sleep quality and quantity. Objectives: to demonstrate the impact of nutrition in sleep disorders. Methods: bibliographic review selecting the most relevant papers related to nutrition and its impact on sleep. Results: there is a direct correlation between some food or supplements and sleep quality and quantity. In addition, there exist some nutritional maneuvers that can help to prevent or solve some sleep disorders. The relationship between tryptophan and melatonin with the induction and maintenance of the sleep is clear, but vitamins, minerals, macronutrients and some dietetic habits can also have an impact. Conclusions: nutrition can have a relevant effect in the prevention and resolution of sleep disorders. Further studies are necessary to assess the real impact of nutritional treatments in insomnia.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el insomnio representa un creciente problema de salud, con repercusiones importantes si es mantenido a largo plazo, ya que puede impactar en la salud del individuo. Actualmente se dispone de técnicas de registro del sueño y cuestionarios de análisis que facilitan la realización de estudios de calidad del sueño. Objetivos: demostrar el impacto de la nutrición en los trastornos del sueño. Métodos: revisión bibliográfica con selección de los artículos más relevantes relacionados con la nutrición y el insomnio. Resultados: existe una relación directa entre ciertos alimentos o suplementos y la calidad y cantidad del sueño, de esta manera se identifican actuaciones nutricionales que pueden ayudar a resolver o a prevenir ciertos trastornos del sueño. Parece clara la relación del triptófano y la melatonina con la inducción y el mantenimiento del sueño, pero las vitaminas, los minerales, los macronutrientes y ciertos hábitos dietéticos pueden influir también de forma directa. Conclusiones: la nutrición parece tener un papel relevante en la prevención y resolución del insomnio, si bien futuros estudios dirigidos han de aportar más evidencia al respecto.

[L-tryptophan as dietetic supplement and treatment for hot flashes, astenia, and insomnia in cancer patients]. / Triptófano como suplemento dietético y tratamiento de los sofocos, la astenia y el insomnio en el cáncer.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: in women with breast cancer and gynecologic cancer, as well as in men with prostate carcinoma, hot flashes, asthenia, and insomnia are common and bothersome symptoms that impair quality of life. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of tryptophan intake as a treatment for hot flushes, asthenia, and insomnia in patients with prostate, breast, and uterine cervical cancer. Materials and methods: intervention study without a control group at the HUCA Radiation Oncology Service, from July 2018 to July 2019. A total of 60 patients with prostate, breast, or uterine cervical cancer who had received treatment with radiotherapy and hormone therapy, and who presented with hot flushes, asthenia, and insomnia were included. L-tryptophan was administered at a dose of 3 g per day. Results: a significant increase in serum tryptophan levels at the end of the study (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in the scores of the study symptoms were reported. Although statistical significance was not found, a significant improvement in each symptom was observed, as well as an improvement in quality of life (p < 0.001). Conclusions: the study suggests that, in patients with breast, prostate, or uterine cervical cancer, and symptoms such as hot flushes, asthenia, and insomnia, the administration of tryptophan as a nutritional supplement is well tolerated, improves quality of life, and is associated with improvement in the scale scores of the symptoms of interest, although no statistically significant relationship with increased blood tryptophan levels was found.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: tanto en las mujeres con cáncer de mama y cáncer ginecológico como en los hombres con carcinoma prostático, los sofocos, la astenia y el insomnio son síntomas frecuentes y molestos que alteran la calidad de vida. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia del aporte de triptófano como tratamiento de los sofocos, la astenia y el insomnio en pacientes con cáncer de próstata, de mama y cervicouterino. Materiales y métodos: estudio de intervención sin grupo de control en el Servicio de Oncología Radioterápica del HUCA, en el período de julio de 2018 a julio de 2019. Se incluyeron en total 60 pacientes con cáncer de próstata, de mama y cervicouterino que habían recibido tratamiento con radioterapia y hormonoterapia, y que presentaban sofocos, astenia e insomnio. Se administraron 3 g de L-triptófano al día. Resultados: se reportan un aumento significativo del valor del triptófano sérico al final del estudio (p < 0,001) y una disminución significativa de las puntuaciones de los síntomas estudiados; aunque no hemos hallado ninguna significación estadística entre ellos, sí se aprecia una mejoría significativa de cada uno de los síntomas, así como una mejoría de la calidad de vida (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: el estudio actual sugiere que, en los pacientes con cáncer de mama, de próstata o cervicouterino y síntomas de sofocos, astenia e insomnio, el aporte de triptófano como suplemento nutricional se tolera bien, mejora la calidad de vida y puede asociarse a una mejoría de los valores obtenidos en las escalas de los síntomas referidos, aunque no se demuestra ninguna relación estadísticamente significativa con la elevación del triptófano en sangre.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 on a sample of Spanish health professionals. / Impacto psicológico de la COVID-19 en una muestra de profesionales sanitarios españoles.

INTRODUCTION: After the outbreak of the COVID-19 was considered a global pandemic in March 2020, the state of alarm was declared in Spain. In this situation, health professionals are experiencing high levels of stress due to the overload of work the pandemic is generating and the conditions in which they are working. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that can destabilize the mental health of these professionals in our context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was composed of 421 health professionals. The data were gathered by an online questionnaire sent to them by e-mail. The DASS-21 was used to assess anxiety, stress and depression, and the EAI to measure sleep difficulties. In addition, other descriptive variables that could be related to psychological symptomatology were collected from the sample. RESULTS: The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has generated symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia among health workers, with higher levels among women and older professionals. Some factors such as having been in contact with the virus or fear at work, triggered greater symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS: In this critical situation, professionals are in the front line and therefore, are directly exposed to certain risks and stressors. This contributes to the development of diverse psychological symptoms. Consequently, it is recommended to offer them psychological help in order to reduce the emotional impact of the COVID-19, and thus, to ensure not only the mental health of our health professionals, but also the adequate care they provide.