Prevalence, correlates, and mental health outcomes of social jetlag in Chinese school-age adolescents: A large-scale population-based study.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of social jetlag (SJL) in Chinese adolescents, as well as to test the relationships between SJL and mental health problems. METHODS: A total of 106979 students (Mage = 13.0 ± 1.8 years; Nmale = 58296 [54.5 %]) from Shenzhen, China completed an online survey from May 24th to June 5th, 2022. Information on sociodemographics, lifestyles, sleep characteristics, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms was collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate and binary logistic regression were adopted for data analysis. RESULTS: 17.8 % of participants experienced SJL ≥ 2 h. To adjust the accumulated sleep debt, sleep-corrected SJL (SJLsc) was calculated and 8.3 % of individuals self-reported SJLsc ≥ 2 h. Both SJL and SJLsc show an increasing trend with age. Risk factors of SJL included females, poor parental marital status, being overweight, physically inactive, smoking, drinking, and having a late chronotype. Moreover, males, having siblings, boarding at school, short sleep duration, experiencing insomnia, and frequent nightmares were significantly associated with an increased risk of SJLsc. After adjusting for all covariates, adolescents with SJLsc ≥ 2 h were more likely to have anxiety symptoms (OR: 1.35, 95 % CI: 1.24-1.48) and depressive symptoms (OR: 1.35, 95 % CI: 1.25-1.46) than those with SJLsc < 1 h. CONCLUSIONS: SJL is common among Chinese school-age adolescents. This study is valuable for the development of prevention and intervention strategies for SJL in adolescents at the population level. Additionally, the strong links between SJLsc and emotional problems underscore the critical significance of addressing SJL as a key aspect of adolescent well-being.

Síndrome de apnea del sueño en población colombiana con epilepsia empleando la escala de apnea del sueño del cuestionario de trastornos del sueño / Sleep apnea syndrome in a Colombian population with epilepsy using the Sleep Apnea Scale of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire

Introducción: La epilepsia es un desorden caracterizado por la predisposición a generar crisis epilépticas, mientras que el síndrome de apnea del sueño (SAOS) ha sido reconocido como un desorden crónico de colapso intermitente de la vía aérea que genera hipoxia recurrente. En este trabajo se aplicó la escala de trastornos del sueño (Sleep Apnea Scale of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire SA-SDQ), previamente validada en inglés para pacientes con epilepsia, a fin de determinar su capacidad para detectar apnea de sueño en nuestra población. Materiales y métodos: En una primera etapa se realizó la adaptación transcultural de la escala SA-SDQ en castellano, provista por los autores, al español colombiano. Luego se recopiló la información de los pacientes en quienes se realizó polisomnografía entre mayo y agosto del 2022 y se determinó el valor de corte para diagnosticar SAOS con la escala SA-SDQ. Resultados: Cuarenta pacientes pudieron realizarse la polisomnografía, de los cuales 30 (75 %) tuvieron índices de apnea-hipopnea superiores a 5, lo que indica SAOS. El área bajo la curva fue 0,790 y la puntuación SA-SDQ de 21 proporcionó una sensibilidad del 73,3 % (IC 53,83-87,02 %) y una especificidad del 80 % (IC 44,2-96,5 %). La consistencia interna fue aceptable (α = 0,713). Conclusiones: La escala SA-SDQ es un instrumento útil para tamizar SAOS en la población colombiana que padece epilepsia. Nuestros resultados indican que los puntos de corte sugeridos anteriormente (2936 para hombres y 26-32 para mujeres) pueden ser demasiado altos para nuestra población. Sugerimos un punto de corte de 21 para ambos.

Introduction: Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by a predisposition to have epileptic seizures, while sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has been recognized as a chronic disorder of intermittent collapse of the airway that generates recurrent hypoxia. In this work, the sleep disorders scale (SA-SDQ) previously validated in English for patients with epilepsy was applied to determine its ability to detect sleep apnea in our population. Materials and methods: In the first stage, the cross-cultural adaptation of the SA-SDQ scale in Spanish provided by the authors was carried out into Colombian Spanish. then the information of the patients in whom polysomnography was performed between May and August 2022 was collected and the cut-off value was determined to diagnose OSAS with the SA-SDQ scale. Results: 40 patients were able to undergo polysomnography, of which 30 (75 %) had apnea-hypopnea indices greater than five, indicating OSAS. The area under the curve was 0.790 and the SA-SDQ score of 21 provided a sensitivity of 73.3 % (CI 53.83-87.02 %) and a specificity of 80 % (CI 44.2-96, 5 %). The internal consistency was acceptable (α = 0.713). Conclusions: The SA-SDQ scale is a useful instrument for screening OSAS in the Colombian population suffering from epilepsy. Our results indicate that the previously suggested cut-off points (29-36 for men and 26-32 for women) may be too high in our population. We suggest a cutoff of 21 for both.

Immune-mediated denervation of the pineal gland underlies sleep disturbance in cardiac disease.

Disruption of the physiologic sleep-wake cycle and low melatonin levels frequently accompany cardiac disease, yet the underlying mechanism has remained enigmatic. Immunostaining of sympathetic axons in optically cleared pineal glands from humans and mice with cardiac disease revealed their substantial denervation compared with controls. Spatial, single-cell, nuclear, and bulk RNA sequencing traced this defect back to the superior cervical ganglia (SCG), which responded to cardiac disease with accumulation of inflammatory macrophages, fibrosis, and the selective loss of pineal gland-innervating neurons. Depletion of macrophages in the SCG prevented disease-associated denervation of the pineal gland and restored physiological melatonin secretion. Our data identify the mechanism by which diurnal rhythmicity in cardiac disease is disturbed and suggest a target for therapeutic intervention.

Sleep Disorders Are Associated with Female Sexual Desire and Genital Response - A U.S. Claims Database Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of common sleep disorders with female sexual dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the TriNetX Diamond Network. Adult women diagnosed with insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or circadian rhythm sleep disorder were assessed to determine the association with female sexual dysfunction, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female orgasmic disorder, and female sexual arousal disorder. A propensity-score matched control cohort for age, race, ethnicity, tobacco use, outpatient service utilization, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disease, ischemic heart disease, and surgical procedures on the female genital system was generated, excluding those with any sleep disorders, sleep deprivation, or morbid obesity with alveolar hypoventilation. All cohorts excluded those with any antidepressant or antipsychotic prescriptions. RESULTS: Our query yielded 1,317,491 women diagnosed with sleep apnea, 1,538,567 with insomnia, and 58,902 with circadian rhythm sleep disorder. Women with sleep apnea and insomnia had higher odds of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, and female orgasmic disorder compared to matched controls. Women with sleep apnea, insomnia, or circadian rhythm sleep disorder all had a significantly higher odds of female sexual dysfunction compared to matched controls. CONCLUSION: In this large cross-sectional analysis, sleep disorders were strongly associated with female sexual dysfunction. It is thus crucial for providers to screen for poor sleep when conducting a thorough evaluation for sexual dysfunction in women to diagnose highly prevalent sleep disorders and improve overall health.

SHIFTPLAN: a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a multimodal shift-work intervention on drivers' fatigue, sleep, health, and performance parameters.

BACKGROUND: Shift work is commonly associated with health problems resulting from circadian misalignment and sleep restriction. About one in three shift workers is affected by insomnia and up to 90% report regular fatigue and/or sleepiness at the workplace. Epidemiological data shows that shift workers are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, mental-health problems, and shift-work disorder, which conditions typically lead to reduced work performance, processing errors, accidents at work, absenteeism, and reduced quality of life. Given these widespread and debilitating consequences, there is an urgent need for treatments that help improve the sleep, health, and functional performance of the shift-working population. The most common non-pharmacological recommendations are improved scheduling, bright-light exposure, napping, psychoeducation promoting sleep hygiene, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. The objectives of the present study are to investigate the effects of a multimodal shift-work intervention on perceived fatigue, sleepiness, physical and mental health, sleep parameters, and absenteeism. METHODS: A randomized controlled interventional study comparing the two groups each comprising at least 80 drivers of a public transport company, using self-report questionnaires and health checks completed at intake and after 3 and 6 months following the start of the intervention or waiting-list period. The intervention consists of (a) healthy scheduling taking into account shift-rotation direction and speed, chronotype, resting time, and napping; (b) an education program specifically developed for shift workers; and (c) a dedicated information campaign for shift planners. The primary outcome is symptomatic burden in terms of sleepiness, and the key secondary outcome is symptomatic burden in terms of fatigue. Supplementary secondary outcomes are sleep parameters, absenteeism, general and clinical health, changes in mood, and anxiety. DISCUSSION: Expected outcomes are significant improvements on all primary and secondary outcome parameters in the intervention group. To our knowledge, ours is the first randomized controlled study to systematically investigate the effects of a multimodal program on multiple health, sleep, and performance parameters in shift workers. Our research also aims at providing evidence-based practice guidelines for healthy scheduling in general and thus contribute to diminishing the serious health and economic burdens associated with shift work overall. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EDGE registration number: 000339. CLINICALTRIALS: gov NCT05452096.

Shift-work sleep disorder among health care workers at public hospitals, the case of Sidama national regional state, Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Shift-work disrupts circadian rhythm, resulting in disturbed sleep time and excessive sleepiness during the work shift. Little is known about shift-work sleep disorder among health care workers in Ethiopia. This study examined the magnitude and associated factors of shift-work sleep disorder among health care workers in Public Hospitals in Sidama National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 398 health care workers selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of insomnia, sleepiness scales and international classification of sleep disorder criteria items was employed. Epi data version 4.6 and Stata 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis respectively. Binary logistic regression was fitted to determine associated factors and decision for the statistical significance was made at p<0.05 in the multivariable binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-eight health care workers (female = 53%) were included in the analysis with a response rate of 94.8%. The prevalence of shift-work sleep disorder was 33.67% (95% CI: 29.17%-38.45%). Being married (AOR = 1.88 (1.01-3.28)), three-shift (AOR = 1.078 (1.00-3.16)), ≥11 night shifts per month (AOR = 2.44 (1.36-4.38)), missing nap (AOR = 1.85 (1.04-3.30)), daily sleep time < 7hours (AOR = 1.88 (1.05-3.38)), khat chewing (AOR = 2.98 (1.27-8.09)), alcohol drinking (AOR = 2.6(1.45-4.92)), and cigarette smoking (AOR = 3.32 (1.35-8.14)) were significantly associated with shift-work sleep disorder. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high prevalence of shift-work sleep disorder. Two shift schedule, napping, and reduction of substance use might reduce shift-work sleep disorder.

The effect of evening light on circadian-related outcomes: A systematic review.

Bright light exposure at night can help workers adapt to their shift schedules, but there has been relatively little research on evening light. We conducted a systematic review of studies that manipulated light exposure in the evening (broadly defined as 16:00-22:00) before real or simulated night shifts. Across the five eligible studies, evening light produced phase delays in melatonin, body temperature, and sleep propensity; it also improved sleep quality, sleep duration, memory, and work performance. There were mixed effects for mood, no changes in sleepiness, and no negative effects. The confidence in these results ranged from moderate for physiological markers of circadian phase delays to very low for mood. Future studies should compare the relative effectiveness and safety of evening versus night-time light exposure. Overall, the benefits of evening light for shift workers are tentative yet promising.

Potential effects of shift work on skin autoimmune diseases.

Shift work is associated with systemic chronic inflammation, impaired host and tumor defense and dysregulated immune responses to harmless antigens such as allergens or auto-antigens. Thus, shift workers are at higher risk to develop a systemic autoimmune disease and circadian disruption with sleep impairment seem to be the key underlying mechanisms. Presumably, disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle also drive skin-specific autoimmune diseases, but epidemiological and experimental evidence so far is scarce. This review summarizes the effects of shift work, circadian misalignment, poor sleep, and the effect of potential hormonal mediators such as stress mediators or melatonin on skin barrier functions and on innate and adaptive skin immunity. Human studies as well as animal models were considered. We will also address advantages and potential pitfalls in animal models of shift work, and possible confounders that could drive skin autoimmune diseases in shift workers such as adverse lifestyle habits and psychosocial influences. Finally, we will outline feasible countermeasures that may reduce the risk of systemic and skin autoimmunity in shift workers, as well as treatment options and highlight outstanding questions that should be addressed in future studies.

A systematic review of the relationship between night shift work and oxidative stress.

Night shift workers make up an essential part of the modern workforce. However, night shift workers have higher incidences of late in life diseases and earlier mortality. Night shift workers experience circadian rhythm disruption due to working overnight. Sleep disruption is thought to increase oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance of excess pro-oxidative factors and reactive oxygen species over anti-oxidative activity. Oxidative stress can damage cells, proteins and DNA and can eventually lead to varied chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's and dementia. This review aimed to understand whether night shift workers were at greater risk of oxidative stress. Twelve correlational studies published in 2001-2019 were included in the review that measured the levels of oxidative stress indicators from working a single night shift as well as comparisons between those who regularly work night shifts and only day shifts. All studies had evi7dence to support the relationship between working night shifts and increased oxidative stress indicators. Specifically, night shift work was associated with increased DNA damage, reduced DNA repair capacity, increased lipid peroxidation, higher levels of reactive oxygen species, and to a lesser extent, a reduction in antioxidant defence. These results suggest a potential link between circadian rhythm disruption in night shift workers with oxidative stress and therefore disease. However, this review is limited by having no longitudinal or experimental studies. Further research is required to infer causality. This further research is recommended to promote the long-term health of night shift workers.

Pessoas com transtornos alimentares e isolamento social na pandemia de COVID-19 / People with eating disorders and social isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic

Introdução: Este estudo tem como objeto avaliar as consequências geradas pelas medidas de isolamento social na saúde mental de pessoas com transtornos alimentares atendidas em um ambulatório especializados no município do Rio de Janeiro. Objetivos: descrever características sociodemográficas e clínicas de pessoas com transtornos alimentares em um ambulatório especializado; analisar as consequências da pandemia de COVID-19 na saúde mental de pessoas com transtornos alimentares em acompanhamento ambulatorial; discutir as ferramentas de acompanhamento em saúde mental no período de isolamento social em um ambulatório especializado em transtornos alimentares. Método: Pesquisa descritiva de caráter qualitativo com usuários de 18 a 60 anos diagnosticados com anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa ou transtorno de compulsão alimentar e suas formas subclínicas, em tratamento especializado durante a pandemia de COVID-19. O cenário foi o ambulatório do Grupo de Obesidade e Transtornos Alimentares (GOTA) de um Instituto de Psiquiatria universitário. Foram utilizados dados retrospectivos sobre características clínicas e demográficas dos usuários, coletados nos prontuários clínicos e de entrevistassemi-estruturadas aplicadas de forma remota. Os dados foram analisados através dos softwares ALCESTE e Microsoft Excel 2019 e discutidos a partir da literatura científica sobre o tema. As análises realizadas pelo ALCESTE evidenciaram 4 classes de palavras predominantes, sendo a de impactos socioeconômicos a mais relevante, seguida da classe referente ao suporte profissional em saúde mental recebido durante a pandemia, da classe referente aos impactos na autoestima e autopercepção dos participantes e por fim, da classe referente aos impactos na rotina de alimentação. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída de 16 mulheres com predomínio da cor branca, com faixa etária de 18 à 30 anos, sendo o diagnóstico de transtorno de compulsão alimentar o mais frequente. A pandemia resultou em sensação de perda de controle devido a modificações na rotina, tendo culminado em piora do comportamento alimentar e aumento de mecanismos compensatórios. Em alguns casos, o isolamento social foi considerado pelos participantes como ferramenta para reestruturação emocional. Os impactos socioeconômicos ocorreram de maneira indiferente a estrato social. A introdução do atendimento remoto no serviço foi considerado um fator protetor na manutenção do tratamento, com vantagens como economia financeira e maior flexibilidade de horário. Foram apontadas desvantagens como dificuldade de monitoramento de dados antropométricos e exame físico. Conclusão: Os desdobramentos do isolamento social refletiram em diferentes campos da vida dos participantes, tais como saúde física, mental, convivência intradomiciliar, impactos socioeconômicos e modificações no suporte profissional para o transtorno alimentar. O atendimento remoto foi apontado como uma estratégia promissora para prestação de assistência a esse público, necessitando melhor sistematização para o futuro, com potencial de permanência não somente em períodos pandêmicos. Para os profissionais de saúde, a pesquisa indica que os usuários com transtornos alimentares reconhecem o valor do atendimento no ambulatório, o que requer capacitação e maior participação da enfermagem na equipe interdisciplinar.

Introduction: This research has as aim to evaluate the consequences caused by social restriction measures in the mental health of clients with eating disorders attended in a specialized ambulatory in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Objectives: to describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of people with eating disorders in a specialized ambulatory; to analyse the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in the mental health of people with eating disorders; to discuss tools of mental health support during the social isolation in an ambulatory specialized on eating disorders. Methods: Descriptive study with qualitative design including clients between 18-60 years old diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorders and its subclinical presentations in specialized treatment during the pandemic. The place of the study it was the Grupo de Obesidade e Transtornos Alimentares (GOTA) ambulatory of an academic psychiatric institute. It was used restropective data about clinical and demographical characteristics collected of the medical records and it was applied a semi-structured interview by remote mode. Data was analysed by the softwares ALCESTE and Microsoft Excel 2019, and discussed by the cientific literature about the subject. The analysis presented 4 classes of predominant words, within the socioeconomical impacts one being the most relevant, followed by the class referring to the professional mental health support during the pandemic, by the class referring to the impacts on self steem and self perception of the participants and finally, by the class referring to impacts on the food routine. Results: The sample was constituted by 16 women, with white skin color predominance, ages between 18 to 30 years old, with binge eating disorder being the most frequent diagnose. The pandemic resulted in a sense of loss of controle because of changes in the routine, resulting in worsening of food behaviour and increasing in compensatory behaviour. In some cases, social restriction was considered by participants as a tool for emotional reestructuration. The socioeconomical impacts existed regardless of social stratum. The introduction of the remote consultation was considered a protective factor on the treatment maintenance, including benefits such as financial economy and greater time flexibility. It were considered disadvantagens such as difficulty on monitoring anthropometric data and physical examination. Conclusion: The outspread of social restriction reflected in diverse life fields of the participants, such as physical health, mental health, household coexistency and changes on the professional support to eating disorders. The remote consultation was pointed as a promissory strategy to provide assistance to this public, and it needs better systematization to the future, within potential of implementation not only in pandemic periods. To healthcare professionals, the study indicates that users with eating disorders recognize the value of an ambulatory assistance, which requires training courses and a bigger participation of nursing on interdisciplinary teams.

A qualidade de sono de fisioterapeutas de um hospital público durante a pandemia de Covid-19 / The quality of sleep of physiotherapists in a public hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic

INTRODUÇÃO: A pandemia de covid-19 tornou necessário estudos sobre o impacto da pandemia e das novas rotinas de trabalho impostas ao trabalhador no estado de saúde de profissionais de saúde, em especial os fisioterapeutas hospitalares. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de sono e sonolência diurna de profissionais de fisioterapia hospitalar durante o período de pandemia do covid-19. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Pesquisa observacional, transversal, prospectiva em um hospital público do nordeste brasileiro. A pesquisa teve como público-alvo fisioterapeutas hospitalares atuantes ou não em setores covid durante a pandemia de covid-19. Foram aplicados os instrumentos Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (IQSP), Escala de Sonolência de Epworth (ESE) e questionários com características demográficas, trabalho, saúde e percepção de estresse. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 45 fisioterapeutas e foi observado que 62,2% eram do sexo feminino, 66,7% relataram trabalhar 60h por semana e 55,6% trabalharam em setor covid e não covid. Observou-se elevada frequência de má qualidade do sono (68,9%) independente de carga horária ou setor de trabalho. Houve maior prevalência de sonolência diurna excessiva (43,3%) entre os fisioterapeutas que trabalhavam 60h por semana. CONCLUSÃO: Os fisioterapeutas hospitalares de uma instituição pública têm má qualidade do sono e aqueles que trabalham com maior carga horária apresentam maior prevalência de sonolência diurna excessiva.

INTRODUCTION: The covid-19 pandemic has made it necessary to study the impact of the pandemic and the new work routines imposed on workers on the health status of health professionals, especially hospital-based physical therapists. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of sleep and daytime sleepiness of hospital-based physical therapists during the covid-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional, prospective study conducted in a public hospital in northeastern Brazil. The research had as target audience, hospital-based physical therapists working or not in covid sectors during the covid-19 pandemic. We applied the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and questionnaires with demographic, work, health, and stress perception characteristics. RESULTS: Forty-five physical therapists participated in the study, and it was observed that 62.2% were female, 66.7% reported working 60h per week, and 55.6% worked in the covid and non-covid sectors. A high frequency of poor sleep quality (68.9%) was observed regardless of workload or work sector. In addition, there was a higher prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (43.3%) among physical therapists who worked 60h per week. CONCLUSION: Hospital-based physical therapists in a public institution have poor sleep quality, and those who work more hours have a higher prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Evaluation and Management of Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disturbance in Cancer.

OPINION STATEMENT: Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbance are among the most commonly experienced symptoms in patients with cancer. These disturbances occur throughout the spectrum of cancer care from diagnosis, treatment, and long into survivorship. The pathogenesis of these symptoms and disturbances is based on common inflammatory pathways related to cancer and its' treatments. The evaluation of sleep and circadian disorders requires an understanding of how these symptoms cluster with other cancer-related symptoms and potentiate each other. A thorough evaluation of these symptoms and disorders utilizing validated diagnostic tools, directed review of clinical information, and diagnostic testing is recommended. Treatment of sleep and circadian disturbance in cancer patients should be based on the findings of a detailed evaluation, including specific treatment of primary sleep and circadian disorders, and utilize integrative and personalised management of cancer-related symptoms through multiple pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities. Recognition, evaluation, and treatment of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbance in cancer may lead to improved symptom management, quality of life, and outcomes.

Dose-response effects of light therapy on sleepiness and circadian phase shift in shift workers: a meta-analysis and moderator analysis.

Light therapy has been considered to be effective in mitigating sleepiness and regulating circadian phase shift in shift workers. However, the effective treatment dose of light therapy remains undetermined. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized experimental studies to determine the effect of light therapy doses on sleepiness and circadian phase shift in shift workers. An article search was performed in 10 electronic databases from inception to June 2020. Two raters independently screened and extracted data and reached consensus. Twenty-one eligible studies were included. Analyses were performed using random-effects models. Light therapy exerted significantly small to medium effects on sleepiness and large treatment effects on circadian phase shift. Moderator analyses performed with subgroup and metaregression analyses revealed that medium-intensity light therapy for a shorter duration more effectively reduced sleepiness at night, whereas higher-intensity light therapy more effectively induced phase shifting, but the required treatment duration remained inconclusive. This study provides evidence regarding the effect of light therapy in reducing sleepiness and shifting circadian phase in shift workers. Exposure to medium-intensity light for a short duration at night reduced sleepiness, whereas exposure to high-intensity light improved sleep by shifting their circadian phase.

Prevalencia de problemas de sueño en mujeres climatéricas colombianas durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Prevalence of sleep disorders in menopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo: Elaborar una aproximación a la prevalencia de los problemas de sueño (PDS) en mujeres climatéricas colombianas durante la pandemia COVID-19. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio transversal que pertenece al proyecto de investigación Calidad de Vida en la Menopausia y Etnias Colombianas bajo condiciones de pandemia [CAVIMEC+COVID STUDY]. Se incluyeron mujeres naturales y residentes en Colombia entre 40 y 59 años, quienes en los primeros cinco días de junio del 2020 participaron de forma anónima y voluntaria, previo consentimiento informado en el diligenciamiento de un formulario alojado en una plataforma virtual. Los PDS fueron identificados con el tercer ítem de Menopause Rating Scale. Se exploraron características sociodemográficas, la presencia y severidad de los PDS y el estado menopáusico. Se hace estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Participaron 984 mujeres, la mediana de edad fue 47,0 [RIC: 42,0-53,5] años. El 84,5% de las participantes eran mestizas, el 13,7% afrodescendientes y 1,7% indígenas. El 39,3% posmenopáusicas. El 70% residían en la región caribe colombiana. Informaron PDS 637 (64,7%) de las participantes y 112 (11,3%) tenían PDS severos. Las posmenopáusicas informaron un 65,1% de PDS, en forma severa el 10,1%, y las premenopáusicas informaron 64,5%, en forma severa el 12,2%. Conclusiones: Los PDS podrían ser un problema frecuente en las mujeres en estado premenopáusico y postmenopáusico. Se debe explorar este problema en la consulta ginecológica para ofrecer soluciones. Se requieren estudios poblacionales que confirmen estas observaciones.

ABSTRACT Objective: To make an approximation to the prevalence of sleep disorders in Colombian menopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study as part of the Quality of Life in Menopause and Colombian Ethnic Groups research project [CAVIMEC+COVID STUDY]. The population consisted of women born and residing in Colombia, 40 to 59 years of age, who signed an informed consent and agreed to participate by completing an online form, freely and anonymously, in the first five days of June 2020. Sleep disorders were identified using the third item on the Menopause Rating Scale. Sociodemographic characteristics, presence and severity of sleep disorders and menopause status were explored. Descriptive statistics are provided. Results: Overall, 984 women aged 47.0 [IQR: 42.0-53.5] years were included: 84.5% mestizo, 13.7% Afro-Colombian, 1.7% indigenous; 39.3% were postmenopausal; 70% lived in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Sleep disorders were reported by 637 women (64.7%), and 112 (11.3%) had severe sleep disorders. Among postmenopausal women, 65.1% reported sleep disorders with 10.1% reporting severe disorders, while 64.5% of premenopausal reported sleep disorders, and 12.2% severe disorders. Conclusions: Sleep disorders could be a frequent problem among premenopausal as well as postmenopausal women in the pandemic time. This issue should be explored during gynecological visits in order to offer solutions. Population studies that confirm these observations are required.

Characterization of pharmaco-EEG fingerprint and sleep-wake profiles of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil inhalation and diazepam administration in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential oil (Lavender EO) has a long history of medicinal use and is particularly claimed to possess anxiolytic and sedative properties. Lavender EO aromatherapy has been used to reduce distress and improve insomnia naturally. Increasing evidence appeared to show similarities between the effects of lavender EO and the anxiolytic drugs, benzodiazepines. However, its effects on sleep-wake and electrical brain patterns in comparison to that of the standard anxiolytic, diazepam, remained to be explored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this work was to investigate electroencephalography (EEG) profiles and sleep-pattern elicited by lavender EO inhalation compared to that of diazepam, a standard anxiolytic drug in in vivo rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were anesthetized for electrode implantation on the frontal and parietal skulls. EEG signals were recorded for 180 min following intraperitoneal injection of diazepam (10 mg/kg) or during continuous inhalation of lavender EO (200 µL) or distilled water (control). Fast Fourier transform was used for the analyses of EEG power spectra and sleep-wake parameters. RESULTS: During a 30-60 min period, diazepam and lavender EO significantly increased frontal powers of 0.78-45.31 and 7.03-18.36 Hz, respectively. Both treatments also increased parietal powers with lower magnitudes of significant change. Significant increases in some frequency ranges remained until a 60-90 min period. Sleep-wake analyses also revealed that diazepam significantly reduced time spent in wake, increased time spent in non-rapid eye movement (NREM), increased episode duration of NREM, decreased numbers of wake episode and decreased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency. On the other hand, lavender EO only significantly decreased wake episodes and latency to REM sleep. Lavender EO inhalation reduced numbers of wake episode but maintain normal time spent in wake, NREM and REM sleeps. CONCLUSIONS: These findings might suggest beneficial and distinct anxiolytic-like effects of lavender EO for sleep enhancing purposes.

The efficacy of combined bright light and melatonin therapies on sleep and circadian outcomes: A systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of combined melatonin and bright light therapies on improved sleep and circadian outcomes. We conducted a systematic review that resulted in a total of eight papers meeting criteria. Four papers investigated the effectiveness of combined therapy in inducing a circadian phase shift on healthy participants. Combined therapy outperformed single light and melatonin therapies in phase advancing, but not in delaying, dim light melatonin onset (DLMO). The other four papers investigated the effect of combined therapy on sleep outcomes. Two of them were performed in elderly populations suffering from cognitive decline and two in delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) patients. While combined therapy was more beneficial than single therapy in elderly populations it did not show any benefit in DSWPD patients. The reported adverse effects of melatonin in elderly populations must be carefully considered. Future studies should investigate the separate and combined effect of melatonin and bright light on sleep and circadian outcomes in different target populations.

Relação do cronotipo nos níveis de ansiedade e consumo Máximo de oxigênio em jovens / Relation between chronotype on anxiety levels and maximum oxygen consumption in young people

O presente estudo analisou a relação entre cronotipo, níveis de ansiedade, depressão e estresse, bem como níveis de condicionamento cardiorrespiratório em jovens. Métodos: Foi analisado um total de 36 participantes com idades entre 18 e 28 a nos, saudáveis e que atendessem ao cronotipo matutino e vespertino. Análises de nível de atividade física, consumo máximo de oxigênio, níveis de depressão, ansiedade e estresse foram realizadas com testes específicos. Em todos os cálculos foram utilizados um alfa de p<0.05 para análise estatística. Resultados: O nível de atividade física mostrou que a porcentagem dos matutinos suficientemente ativos foi de 58% comparado com 23.5% dos vespertinos. Mulheres com cronotipo vespertino apresentaram níveis menores de VO2máx quando comparados com as mulheres com cronotipo matutino (p=0.04). Os participantes vespertinos apresentaram níveis maiores de ansiedade (p=0.02) comparados com os matutinos e esses dados foram evidentes nos participantes do sexo feminino onde as mulheres do cronotipo vespertino apresentaram níveis maiores de ansiedade (p=0.03) comparados com mulheres de cronotipo matutino. Conclusão: Portanto, o estudo conclui que indivíduos do cronotipo vespertino apresentaram menores níveis de atividade física e maiores níveis de ansiedade evidenciados principalmente nas mulheres.(AU)

The present study analyzed a relationship between schedule, anxiety, depression and stress levels, as well as cardiorespiratory fitness levels in young people. Methods: A total of 36 healthy participants aged 18 to 28 years who met the criteria for chronotypes morning type and evening type were analyzed. Analyzes of physical activity level, maximal oxygen uptake, depression, anxiety and stress levels were performed. In all calculations, an alpha of p <0.05 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The level of physical activity was higher in morning types 58% compared to 23.5% of evening types. Women with evening chronotype had lower VO2max levels compared with women with a morning chronotype (p= 0.04). Evening types had higher anxiety levels (p= 0.02) compared to morning types and these data were evidenced in female participants with higher anxiety levels (p=0.03) compared to women with a morning chronotype. Conclusion: Therefore, the study concludes that young people with a evening chronotype exhibited lower levels of physical activity and higher anxiety levels, especially in women.(AU)

Disrupted nocturnal melatonin in autism: Association with tumor necrosis factor and sleep disturbances.

Sleep disturbances, abnormal melatonin secretion, and increased inflammation are aspects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology. The present study evaluated the daily urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) excretion profile and the salivary levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in 20 controls and 20 ASD participants, as well as correlating these measures with sleep disturbances. Although 60% of ASD participants showed a significant night-time rise in aMT6s excretion, this rise was significantly attenuated, compared to controls (P < .05). The remaining 40% of ASD individuals showed no significant increase in nocturnal aMT6s. ASD individuals showed higher nocturnal levels of saliva TNF, but not IL-6. Dysfunction in the initiation and maintenance of sleep, as indicated by the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, correlated with night-time aMT6s excretion (r = -.28, P < .05). Dysfunction in sleep breathing was inversely correlated with aMT6s (r = -.31, P < .05) and positively associated with TNF level (r = .42, P < .01). Overall such data indicate immune-pineal axis activation, with elevated TNF but not IL-6 levels associated with disrupted pineal melatonin release and sleep dysfunction in ASD. It is proposed that circadian dysregulation in ASD is intimately linked to heightened immune-inflammatory activity. Such two-way interactions of the immune-pineal axis may underpin many aspects of ASD pathophysiology, including sleep disturbances, as well as cognitive and behavioral alterations.

Exposure to Radiation During Work Shifts and Working at Night Act as Occupational Stressors Alter Redox and Inflammatory Markers.

BACKGROUND: Studies of breast cancer etiology suggest evidence that night shift working and occupational exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) are defined risk factors for breast cancer development. There are few studies to clarify neuroendocrine and inflammatory status and the possible consequences particularly in occupational exposure. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our aim was to associate the redox and inflammatory biomarkers with either nightshift working or occupational radiation exposure, and to compare their levels between the two groups at Alexandria University Hospitals, Alexandria, Egypt. METHODS: We included 150 female nurses at Alexandria University Hospitals: 50 nightshift workers, 50 radiation workers, and 50 dayshift workers as a control group (neither work nightly nor radiation workers). In morning serum sample (7 am), we measured the concentrations of serum melatonin, Cortisol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by ELISA; malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels colorimetrically, and C-reactive protein (C-RP) levels by turbidimetric method. RESULTS: Nightshift workers had significantly lower levels of melatonin and TAC, and higher levels of serum inflammatory markers and cortisol, than day shift control group of workers. Workers occupationally exposed to IR had significantly higher levels of serum melatonin, MDA and inflammatory markers, lower levels of serum cortisol, and lower TAC than day shift workers. CONCLUSION: Occupational exposure to IR and working nightly alter circulating redox and inflammatory biomarkers.