Sueño y rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios: revisión sistemática / Sleep and academic performance in university students: a systematic review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los estudiantes universitarios tienden a padecer problemas de regularidad, cantidad y calidad de sueño, que pueden afectar a su rendimiento académico. Estos problemas se relacionan con cambios propios de la fase del ciclo vital en la que se encuentran debido a diversos factores: madurativos, del desarrollo psicosocial (asociados con los procesos de individuación y socialización) y académicos. El estudio de la relación entre el sueño y el rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios es un área de investigación de interés creciente, que ha empezado a ser objeto de estudio en las últimas dos décadas. OBJETIVO: Revisión sistemática de la bibliografía existente sobre la relación del sueño y el rendimiento académico en los estudiantes universitarios. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Se seleccionaron los artículos recogidos en la base de datos PubMed, siguiendo las directrices PRISMA. Se incluyeron los estudios que valoraban muestras de sujetos con una edad media entre 18 y 26 años, publicados en inglés o castellano, durante el período 2000-2019. Posteriormente, se evaluó la calidad de los artículos seleccionados siguiendo la normativa STROBE. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 30 estudios, que fueron agrupados según distintos aspectos del sueño: somnolencia, duración, experiencia de privación total de sueño, calidad de sueño, cronotipo, regularidad y trastornos del sueño. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados de estos estudios sugieren que un sueño inadecuado afecta negativamente al rendimiento académico de los estudiantes universitarios

INTRODUCTION: University students tend to suffer from problems of sleep regularity, quantity and quality, which can affect their academic performance. These problems are related to changes typical of the phase of the life cycle in which they find themselves due to maturational, psychosocial development (associated with the processes of individuation and socialisation) and academic factors. The study of the relationship between sleep and academic performance in university students is an area of research of growing interest, which has started to be studied over the last two decades. AIM: To conduct a systematic review of the existing literature on the relationship between sleep and academic performance in university students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The articles included in the PubMed database were selected, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating samples of subjects with an average age between 18 and 26 years, published in English or Spanish during the period 2000-2019 were included. Subsequently, the quality of the selected articles was evaluated according to the STROBE standard. RESULTS: Thirty studies were identified, which were grouped according to different aspects of sleep: drowsiness, duration, experience of total sleep deprivation, sleep quality, chronotype, regularity and sleep disorders. CONCLUSION. The results of these studies suggest that inadequate sleep has a negative effect on the academic performance of university students

Quality of sleep in patients with nocturnal leg cramps and validity of a single-item measure of cramp-related sleep disturbance: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Only a few studies have addressed the impact of nocturnal leg cramps on sleep quality. We investigated the association between nocturnal leg cramps and sleep disturbance using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and assessed the criterion validity of a single-item daily measure of cramp-related sleep disturbance. METHODS: In this prospective observational study conducted in Western Switzerland from January 2015 to June 2016, 20 primary care physicians recruited up to 20 consecutive patients aged >50 years. During a 2-week period, patients recorded on a daily basis the number of cramps and their level of sleep disturbance using a single item measure (10-point visual analogue scale from 0 to 10). They also completed the PSQI questionnaire on day 14. Patients were considered as “poor sleepers” if the PSQI score was >5/21. The criterion validity of the single-item measure (averaged over the 2-week period) was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to determine the correlation with the PSQI. RESULTS: 129 patients participated (women 67%, mean age 70 years). The single-item and the PSQI mean scores were 2.6/10 (standard deviation 2.5) and 6.1/21 (SD 3.9), respectively. Being a “poor sleeper” (47% of patients) was not statistically significantly associated with patients’ characteristics and number of cramps. The averaged single-item measure was not correlated with the PSQI score (Spearman’s rank correlation 0.08, p-value 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: In this primary care sample, poor sleep quality was not associated with suffering from a higher number of nocturnal cramps, and a single-item mean score was not a valid instrument to screen for sleep disturbance among these patients.

Is time elapsed between cannabis use and sleep start time associated with sleep continuity? An experience sampling method.

BACKGROUND: A substantial proportion of people using cannabis report using it to improve sleep. Yet, little research exists on the associations between the timing of cannabis use and sleep. This study examines the time elapsed between cannabis use and sleep start time and its association with two of the main indicators of sleep continuity: (1) sleep onset latency (SOL) and (2) number of awakenings (NOA) throughout the night. METHODS: Each morning, for 7 consecutive days, daily cannabis users (n = 54) reported on the timing of previous night's cannabis use and sleep indicators on their smartphones. Mixed effects models examined the relations of within- and between-subjects' time elapsed between previous night cannabis use and sleep start time, with (1) SOL and (2) NOA. RESULTS: Within subjects, shorter time elapsed between cannabis use and sleep start time was associated with shorter SOL (ß = 0.519, p = 0.010), but not NOA (ß = -0.030, p = 0.535). Furthermore, between individuals, the time gap between the previous night cannabis use and sleep start time was not associated with SOL or NOA (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that cannabis use proximal to bedtime is associated with shorted sleep onset latency but not nighttime awakenings. Cannabis users should be informed about both the potential sleep aid effects of cannabis and its limitations. Pending further evidence of the effects of cannabis on sleep, cannabis users experiencing sleep problems should be provided with evidence-based alternatives to improve sleep, e.g., pharmacological and behavioral treatments.

Sleep-related rhythmic movements and rhythmic movement disorder beyond early childhood.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep-related rhythmic movements (SRRMs) are common in young children and become less prevalent with increasing age. When SRRMs significantly interfere with sleep and/or affect daytime functioning, potentially resulting in injury, rhythmic movement disorder (SRRMD) is diagnosed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess clinical comorbidities, types of SRRMs, sleep stage/wakefulness distribution during night, and age-dependence of these parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In sum, 45 patients (age range 1-26 years, mean age 10.56 ± 6.4 years, 29 men) were clinically examined for SRRMs or SRRMD. Nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) was recorded in 38 patients. To evaluate clinical and sleep comorbidity, the cohort of 38 patients was divided according to age into four groups: (1) younger than 5 years (N = 7), (2) 5-9 years (N = 12), (3) 10-14 years (N = 11), and (4) ≥ 15 years (N = 8). RESULTS: A clear relationship between perinatal risk factors and developmental disorders (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD, specific learning disability) was found which extended population prevalence at least five times. A total of 62 recordings were evaluated in 38 patients; SRRMs were found in PSG in 31 of 38 patients (82%). No age-dependent correlation between type of SRRMs and sleep stage/wakefulness distribution during the night was observed. However, when all recordings were correlated together, rolling stereotypes occurred more frequently in REM sleep, and rocking stereotypes in superficial NREM sleep. CONCLUSION: Developmental disorders and perinatal risk factors were connected with SRRMs and SRRMD in children and young adults. Rolling movements were significantly associated with REM stage and rocking stereotypes with superficial NREM sleep, independent of age.

Calidad del sueño, estrés y somnolencia diurna en profesionales de urgencias hospitalarias y extrahospitalarias / Quality of sleep, stress and diurnal somnolence of hospital and outpatient emergency professionals

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Objectively confirmed prevalence of sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in pre-school children.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) (ie, sleep-related repetitive movements involving large muscle groups) can impair sleep quality, cause local injury, and disturb household members. Previous parental reports indicate prevalence rates in children under three years of age between 5.5 and 67%. We studied the prevalence of RMD with objective home videosomnography. METHODS: Parents of 707 children having their one-year routine health check (357 male), 740 children having their two-year health check (395 male), and 17 children of unknown age (nine male), were asked if their child showed sleep-related rhythmic movements. If telephone interview confirmed likely RMD, parents completed a standardised clinical questionnaire and three nights of home videosomnography. RESULTS: At the one-year health check, 31/707 possible cases of RMD were identified [maximal prevalence: 4.38%; 95% CI (2.81, 5.89)] compared to 11/740 at the two-year check [maximal prevalence: 1.49%, 95% CI (0.61, 2.36)]. Of 42 possible cases, nine had resolved; 14 were uncontactable, or did not wish to participate, and four did not complete the study protocol. In four of 10 remaining one-year olds and four of five remaining two-year olds parental report was objectively confirmed by videosomnography. Minimal prevalence based on objective observation was therefore 0.28% [95% CI (0.08, 1.30)] at one-year check and 0.41% [95% CI (0.08, 1.24)] at two-year check. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of RMD in a large population of infants and toddlers was lower than previously reported (maximum prevalence 2.87%, minimum prevalence 0.34%). It is important to confirm parental report using objective measures.

El síndrome de apneas-hipoapneas del sueño (SAHS) grave incrementa la excreción urinaria de eritropoyetina. Efecto del tratamiento con CPAP / Increased Urinary Erythropoietin Excretion in Severe Sleep Apnea-Hipoapnea Syndrome: The Effect of CPAP

Introducción: La hipoxia tisular estimula la producción de eritropoyetina (EPO) que tiene como principal función estimular la eritropoyesis. El SAHS es una entidad caracterizada por la presencia de episodios repetidos de hipoxemia durante el sueño. Objetivo: Analizar si dicha hipoxemia es un estímulo suficiente para incrementar la excreción urinaria de EPO. Si la respuesta fuera positiva, valorar si el tratamiento con presión continua positiva de la vía aérea (CPAP) la inhibiría. Métodos: Se han estudiado 25 sujetos con sospecha de SAHS, a los que se les realizó un estudio polisomnográfico. En todos ellos se determinaron los niveles de EPO en la primera orina de la mañana (uEPO), así como los niveles de creatinina y hemoglobina en sangre. En los pacientes con SAHS grave se repitieron las mismas determinaciones tras el tratamiento con CPAP. Resultados: Doce sujetos fueron diagnosticados de SAHS grave (media ± SD, IAH de 53,1 ± 22,7). La creatinina y la hemoglobina fueron normales en todos los sujetos. La uEPO fue cuatro veces superior en el grupo SAHS respecto a los controles (1,32 ± 0,83 vs. 0,32 ± 0,35 IU/l, p < 0,002). El tratamiento con CPAP descendió la uEPO hasta 0,61 ± 0,49 IU/l (p < 0,02), acercándose al valor de los sujetos sanos. No se observó una relación dosis-respuesta entre la gravedad de las alteraciones de la PSG y los valores de uEPO. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con SAHS grave muestran un incremento en su excreción de uEPO, que se normaliza tras el tratamiento con CPAP

Introduction: Tissue hypoxia stimulates the production of erythropoietin (EPO), the main effect of which is, in turn, to stimulate erythropoiesis. Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is an entity characterized by repeated episodes of hypoxemia during sleep. Objective: To analyze whether hypoxemia stimulated increased urinary excretion of EPO, and if so, to evaluate if treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can inhibit this phenomenon. Methods: We studied 25 subjects with suspected SAHS who underwent a polysomnography study (PSG). EPO levels in first morning urine (uEPO) and blood creatinine and hemoglobin were determined in all patients. Patients with severe SAHS repeated the same determinations after CPAP treatment. Results: Twelve subjects were diagnosed with severe SAHS (mean ± SD, AHI 53.1 ± 22.7). Creatinine and hemoglobin levels were normal in all subjects. uEPO was 4 times higher in the SAHS group than in the control group (1.32 ± 0.83 vs. 0.32 ± 0.35 UI/l, p <.002). CPAP treatment reduced uEPO to 0.61 ± 0.9 UI/l (p <.02), levels close to those observed in healthy subjects. No dose-response relationship was observed between severity of PSG changes and uEPO values. Conclusions: Patients with severe SAHS show increased uEPO excretion, but this normalizes after treatment with CPAP

Sexsomnia as a Defense in Repeated Sex Crimes.

Sexsomnia and related sexual behaviors during sleep may be diagnosed in individuals accused of sex crimes. Although sexsomnia is now formally recognized in the DSM-5, the variable presentation of such behaviors and the possibility of malingering in medicolegal situations can cause challenges for forensic evaluators and legal professionals alike. Review of the literature reveals a paucity of cases involving allegations of repeated incidents due to abnormal sexual behaviors or experiences in sleep. It is important for experts involved in such cases to understand how the courts have responded to sexsomnia defenses involving diverse alleged incidents. The authors review the case law and discuss methods of examining evaluees with suspected sexsomnia in cases of alleged sexual assault.

Restless legs syndrome and nocturnal leg cramps: a review and guide to diagnosis and treatment.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs) are common disorders affecting 7.0% and 24.1% of the population in some European countries, respectively. Patients suffering from RLS experience uncomfortable nocturnal sensations in the legs with the urge to move that dissipates while moving. NLC is characterized by abrupt muscle contraction, most often in the gastrocnemius or foot muscles, which occurs at night and may result in significant sleep disturbances. The diagnosis of these disorders has presented a challenge to health care providers because of symptom overlap with other sensory and motor disturbances with nocturnal predominance. Treatment options and approaches are lacking, partially because of our currently incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions. We reviewed the medical literature to provide a comprehensive assessment of RLS and NLC with a focus on improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches.

Nocturnal leg symptoms are not associated with specific patterns of superficial venous insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Certain nocturnal symptoms such as leg cramping (LC) and restless leg symptoms (RLS) are found in patients with venous disease. This study investigates the relationship between nocturnal symptoms and anatomic locations of superficial venous insufficiency. METHODS: A retrospective review of 371 consecutive patients presenting to a venous disease practice over a 1-year period was conducted. Patients underwent comprehensive assessment including standardized duplex scans. Superficial venous disease was classified by anatomic location (great saphenous vein [GSV], small saphenous vein [SSV], tributaries). Information on patient symptoms was obtained from questionnaires and patient interviews. RESULTS: Most patients in the cohort were female (315/371, 85%) with an average age of approximately 56 years. The 56 men had an average age of 63.2. Nearly all patients (92%) had findings of superficial venous reflux with the anatomic site of involvement as follows: GSV (51%), SSV (16%), and tributaries (33%). Thirty-two percent of patients experienced LC and 16% experienced RLS. The patterns of reflux did not differ between patients with nocturnal symptoms compared to those without nocturnal symptoms. Nine percent of patients with nocturnal symptoms had no evidence of venous disease. Of those patients with LC, 76% had reflux in the GSV, 48% had reflux in the SSV, and 92% had reflux in at least one segment of the superficial venous system. Of those patients with RLS, 78% had reflux in the GSV, 35% had reflux in the SSV, and 87% had reflux in at least one segment of the superficial venous system. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was detected between patterns of superficial venous reflux in patients with nocturnal symptoms compared to those without nocturnal symptoms. In addition, the presence of nocturnal symptoms does not predict a specific pattern of disease. Future studies are needed to determine whether correction of the main truncal disease is sufficient or if ablation of both the truncal and tributary veins is necessary for alleviation of nocturnal symptoms.

Criteria in diagnosing nocturnal leg cramps: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Up to 33% of the general population over 50 years of age are affected by nocturnal leg cramps. Currently there are no generally accepted clinical characteristics, which identify nocturnal leg cramps. This study aims to identify these clinical characteristics and to differentiate between them and the characteristics of restless leg syndrome and periodic limb disorder. METHOD: A systematic literature study was executed from December 2015 to May 2016. This study comprised of a systematic literature review of randomized clinical trials, observational studies on nocturnal and rest cramps of legs and other muscles, and other systematic and narrative reviews. Two researchers independently extracted literature data and analyzed this using a standardized reviewing protocol. Modified versions of the Cochrane Collaboration tools assessed the risk of bias. A Delphi study was conducted to assess agreement on the characteristics of nocturnal leg cramps. RESULTS: After systematic and manual searches, eight randomized trials and ten observational studies were included. On the basis of these we identified seven diagnostic characteristics of nocturnal leg cramps: intense pain, period of duration from seconds to maximum 10 minutes, location in calf or foot, location seldom in thigh or hamstrings, persistent subsequent pain, sleep disruption and distress. CONCLUSION: The seven above characteristics will enhance recognition of the condition, and help clinicians make a clear distinction between NLC and other sleep-related musculoskeletal disorder among older adults.

[Ictal Speech Manifesting as Sleep Talking: A Case Report].

We present a 28-year-old female patient whose epilepsy started at the age of 19. MRI showed right perisylvian polymicrogyria. She exhibited various seizure symptoms, such as somatosensory aura involving the left leg, dyscognitive seizures, and amnesic seizures. Her mother indicated that the patient sometimes had "sleep talking", which was associated with presence of epileptic seizures of the next day. Long-term video electroencephalography (EEG) revealed that her episodes of "sleep talking" were epileptic events, specifically ictal speech, originating in the right hemisphere. The present case demonstrates the importance of considering "sleep talk" as an epileptic symptom. Careful history taking is fundamental to carry patients with possibly pathological "sleep talk" to the long-term video EEG, which will contribute correct diagnosis and treatment. (Received August 16, 2016; Accepted September 9, 2016; Published February 1, 2017).

A review of nocturnal leg cramps in older people.

Nocturnal leg cramps are common and troublesome, especially in later life, and have a significant impact on quality of life, particularly sleep quality. This article reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the diagnosis, frequency, pathophysiology and management of cramps. Recent evidence suggests that diuretic and long-acting beta-agonist therapy predispose to leg cramps. There is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of prophylactic stretching exercises in preventing cramps. Quinine remains the only medication proven to reduce the frequency and intensity of leg cramps. However, the degree of benefit from quinine is modest and the risks include rare but serious immune-mediated reactions and, especially in older people, dose-related side effects. Quinine treatment should be restricted to those with severe symptoms, should be subject to regular review and requires discussion of the risks and benefits with patients.

Síndrome de apnea-hipopnea del sueño / Sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome

El síndrome de apnea-hipopnea del sueño es un trastorno médico infradiagnosticado con una importancia creciente. Se asocia a enfermedades cardiovasculares, cerebrovasculares, hipertensión arterial, resistencia a insulina y accidentes de tráfico, con el consiguiente deterioro de calidad de vida y aumento de mortalidad. Los síntomas más característicos son ronquido, apneas presenciadas y excesiva somnolencia diurna. La polisomnografía es la prueba de referencia para el diagnóstico, aunque en los pacientes con una alta probabilidad pretest se debería optar por la poligrafía respiratoria, una prueba más accesible y menos costosa. Aparte de la realización de medidas higiénico-dietéticas, el tratamiento de elección es la presión positiva continua de la vía aérea. Algunas técnicas quirúrgicas pueden tener utilidad en el tratamiento del síndrome de apnea-hipopnea del sueño. En pacientes que no toleran la presión positiva continua de la vía aérea, no son candidatos a cirugía o tienen un riesgo quirúrgico elevado, se podrían utilizar dispositivos intraorales (AU)

Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome is an underdiagnosed medical condition which is gainingin importance. It is associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, insulin resistance and traffic accidents, resulting in deterioration of quality of life and increased mortality in these patients. The most characteristic symptoms of the disease are snoring, documented apnoeas and excessive daytime sleepiness. Polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosis, but in patients with high pre-test probability, we should opt for respiratory polygraphy, a more accessible and less expensive test. Besides making lifestyle changes, the treatment of choice is continuous positive airway pressure. Some surgical techniques may be useful in the treatment of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome. In patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure, are not candidates for surgery or have a high surgical risk intraoral devices might be used (AU)

Repercusión de la somnolencia sobre la calidad del equilibrio y la marcha / Sleepiness repercussion on gait and balance

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Bed Partner "Gas-Lighting" as a Cause of Fictitious Sleep-Talking.

A case report highlighting a rare and striking, but perhaps under-recognized, cause of reported sleep-talking to a specialist sleep clinic, involving "gas-lighting" by the bed partner.