Sleep Bruxism in Puerperal Women: Data from a Population-Based Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the self-reported SB prevalence and explore associated risk factors in puerperal women who had given birth in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. METHODS: A single, standardized questionnaire was given within the 48 h postpartum period. Self-reported SB was the main outcome investigated. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was used in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2225 women were included. Only 79 (3.6%) of these reported clenching or grinding their teeth during sleep. Adjusted analysis showed that the higher education level of the mothers (PR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.49-6.28; P = 0.006); living with three or more persons in the household (PR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.34-0.84; P = 0.007); medication intake during pregnancy (PR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.09-2.58; P = 0.017); smoking (PR = 1.93; 1.16-3.23; P = 0.024), or ever smoked (PR = 1.82; 95% CI 0.85-3.90; P = 0.024); severe anxiety (PR = 1.36; 95% CI 0.61-3.02; P = 0.005); and headache upon waking (PR = 4.19; 95% CI 1.95-9.00; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with self-reported SB. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: Our data pointed towards new factors in a specific group of women that may be relevant for preventing sleep-related behaviors in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle. The higher levels of education, medication intake, smoking or even smoked, severe anxiety, the higher the probability of puerperal woman to self-report SB. The nighttime tooth clenching strongly increased headache upon waking.

Sleep-disordered breathing in high-risk pregnancies is associated with elevated arterial stiffness and increased risk for preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Impaired vascular function is a central feature of pathologic processes preceding the onset of preeclampsia. Arterial stiffness, a composite indicator of vascular health and an important vascular biomarker, has been found to be increased throughout pregnancy in those who develop preeclampsia and at the time of preeclampsia diagnosis. Although sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy has been associated with increased risk for preeclampsia, it is unknown if sleep-disordered breathing is associated with elevated arterial stiffness in pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: This prospective observational cohort study aimed to evaluate arterial stiffness in pregnant women, with and without sleep-disordered breathing and assess the interaction between arterial stiffness, sleep-disordered breathing, and preeclampsia risk. STUDY DESIGN: Women with high-risk singleton pregnancies were enrolled at 10 to 13 weeks' gestation and completed the Epworth Sleepiness Score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Restless Legs Syndrome questionnaires at each trimester. Sleep-disordered breathing was defined as loud snoring or witnessed apneas (≥3 times per week). Central arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, the gold standard measure of arterial stiffness), peripheral arterial stiffness (carotid-radial pulse wave velocity), wave reflection (augmentation index, time to wave reflection), and hemodynamics (central blood pressures, pulse pressure amplification) were assessed noninvasively using applanation tonometry at recruitment and every 4 weeks from recruitment until delivery. RESULTS: High-risk pregnant women (n=181) were included in the study. Women with sleep-disordered breathing (n=41; 23%) had increased carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity throughout gestation independent of blood pressure and body mass index (P=.042). Differences observed in other vascular measures were not maintained after adjustment for confounders. Excessive daytime sleepiness, defined by Epworth Sleepiness Score >10, was associated with increased carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity only in women with sleep-disordered breathing (Pinteraction=.001). Midgestation (first or second trimester) sleep-disordered breathing was associated with an odds ratio of 3.4 (0.9-12.9) for preeclampsia, which increased to 5.7 (1.1-26.0) in women with sleep-disordered breathing and hypersomnolence, whereas late (third-trimester) sleep-disordered breathing was associated with an odds ratio of 8.2 (1.5-39.5) for preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: High-risk pregnant women with midgestational sleep-disordered breathing had greater arterial stiffness throughout gestation than those without. Sleep-disordered breathing at any time during pregnancy was also associated with increased preeclampsia risk, and this effect was amplified by hypersomnolence.

Clinical and polysomnographic evaluation of sleep-related breathing disorders in patients with sarcoidosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with sarcoidosis and related clinical factors. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Consecutive patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis in our clinic were evaluated for OSA risk during sleep using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin questionnaire, STOP and STOP-BANG questionnaires, and polysomnography (PSG). RESULTS: A total of 60 sarcoidosis patients (mean age: 50 ± 11 years, 45 (75%) women) were included in the study. Polysomnography was performed in 54 cases and revealed the diagnosis of OSA in 70% (38/54) of the patients. The mean age was higher in patients with sarcoidosis and OSA (54 ± 11 vs. 47 ± 13, p = 0.041) and body mass index values were significantly higher as well (31.9 ± 4.4 vs, 29.0 ± 4.6 kg/m2, p = 0.034). Polysomnography revealed a higher rate of OSA in patients with sarcoidosis who had high-risk scores in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, STOP questionnaire, and STOP-BANG questionnaire (p = 0.024, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Based on polysomnography, OSA was detected in 39% (5/13) with stage 1 sarcoidosis, 78% (28/36) with stage 2, and in all cases (5/5) with stage 3. OSA frequency and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were determined to increase with advanced sarcoidosis stage (p = 0.003, p = 0.043, respectively). AHI was positively correlated with sarcoidosis stage (p = 0.003, r = 0.391). The prevalence of OSA was significantly higher in patients receiving treatment compared to treatment-naïve patients (88% vs. 57%, p = 0.018). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the stage of the disease (p = 0.026) to be the single independent risk factor associated with increased risk of OSA in patients with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSION: High rates of OSA were detected in sarcoidosis, increasing with the advanced disease stage. The findings suggest that patients with sarcoidosis and advanced age, obesity, steroid treatment, and involvement of lung parenchyma (stages 2 and 3) should be evaluated for OSA risk. Further investigations are needed to establish the potential causes of the high prevalence of OSA in sarcoidosis.

Actigraphic, but not subjective, sleep measures are associated with cognitive impairment in memory clinic patients.

AIM: Sleep disturbances are prevalent in various dementia subtypes but rarely investigated in early clinical stages. Although memory clinics have become an established institution for the early diagnosis of dementia, sleep assessment is not part of their routine diagnostics. This study aimed to examine whether subjective and objective sleep variables are related to cognitive impairment in patients referred to a memory clinic. METHODS: On two consecutive days, patients underwent routine diagnostic procedures, including a neuropsychological examination (consortium to establish a registry for alzheimer's disease), and had their sleep quality evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and overnight hand-wrist actigraphy. RESULTS: Data of 31 patients (age, M ± SEM: 74.1 ± 1.5; 18 women, 13 men; Clinical Dementia Rating: 0-1) were analysed. One had been diagnosed with subjective cognitive impairment, 13 with mild cognitive impairment with or without depression, and 17 with dementia syndrome due to Alzheimer's and/or cerebrovascular disease. Compared to patients with subjective or mild cognitive impairment, dementia patients showed a significantly increased nocturnal acceleration magnitude; other differences in subjective and objective sleep measures were not significant. Comparing patients with subjectively poor (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5: n = 9) and good sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ≤ 5: n = 22) yielded no differences in any neuropsychological and clinical variables. In contrast, patients with low actigraphically recorded sleep efficiency (<85%: n = 11) exhibited a significantly more impaired cognitive performance than those in the high sleep efficiency group (≥85%: n = 20). Correlation analyses demonstrated that actigraphically assessed disturbed sleep continuity accompanied by increased night-time motor activity was substantially associated with cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that objectively assessed, but not self-reported, parameters of disturbed sleep are closely related to cognitive dysfunction in the early stages of dementia of different aetiologies. Possible diagnostic and treatment implications are discussed.

Do children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes have increased prevalence of sleep disorders?

BACKGROUND: Sleep has been shown to impact glucose regulation, and may be altered in persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D). OBJECTIVE: To assess sleep characteristics in T1D patients and the possible association between sleep disturbances and diabetes-related variables. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study in 154 young patients with T1D and 154 age-range-matched nondiabetic controls subjective sleep characteristics were assessed using validated questionnaires: Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), Adolescent Sleep-Wake Scale (ASWS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Clinical and disease-related variables were obtained from medical charts. RESULTS: Sleep disorders were frequent in all age groups, with no significant difference in prevalence or total scores of the SDSC, ASWS, PSQI, or ESS between the patients and the controls. In T1D children, SDSC score was significantly higher in those using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) vs glucose meters (P = .042). The score of disorders related to "initiating and maintaining sleep" was significantly higher in those treated with pumps vs patients treated with injections (P = .014), in those using CGM vs glucose meters (P = .02), and in those with nocturnal hypoglycemia vs those without (P = .023). The percentage of children with excessive daytime sleepiness was significantly lower in patients vs controls (P = .035). No significant differences were found in the other two age groups. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The prevalence of sleep disorders among most of the young T1D patients was no higher than in the nondiabetic population. Studies using objective sleep measures are warranted to further assess sleep quality in T1D patients.

Comparing sleep profiles between patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and symptomatic partial epilepsy: Sleep questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with epilepsy commonly report excessive daytime sleepiness and daytime fatigue, which may be attributed to the direct effect of seizures, a side effect of antiepileptic drugs or a combination of the two. The aim of the study was to compare sleep profiles in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and symptomatic partial epilepsy (PE) in drug naïve and treated patients using standardized sleep questionnaires. METHODS: Three study groups: - 1) juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (N=40) [drug naïve (N=20); On sodium valproate (SVA) (N=20)]; 2) symptomatic partial epilepsy (N=40) [drug naïve (N=20); On carbamazepine (CBZ) (N=20)]; 3) healthy controls (N=40) completed 3 standardized sleep questionnaires - Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and NIMHANS Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Questionnaire. Scores were compared using t-test and Chi-squared tests (P≤0.005). RESULTS: The mean PSQI scores as well as the proportion of subjects with abnormal PSQI scores were higher in patients with JME and PE compared to controls. Although the mean ESS scores were comparable between patients with epilepsy and controls, the percentage of patients with partial epilepsy having abnormal ESS scores was higher. No significant differences were present between drug naïve and treatment monotherapy groups. Excessive daytime somnolence was reported more often by patients with JME compared to patients with partial epilepsy and controls. CONCLUSION: This study found that patients with epilepsy have a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality compared to controls. Moreover, a significantly higher percentage of patients with partial epilepsy had higher ESS scores compared to healthy controls. However, there was no difference between ESS and PSQI scores between drug naïve and treated patients with JME or PE. SIGNIFICANCE: Poor sleep quality is more prevalent in patients with epilepsy irrespective of the use of antiepileptic medications. Excessive daytime somnolence is more commonly seen in patients with partial epilepsy when compared to the general population.

Hypertension in Cameroon associated with high likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Although disordered sleep patterns predispose to hypertension (HTN), little is known on the effect of the latter on sleep patterns in sub-Saharan Africa. This study therefore sought to generate preliminary data on the likelihood (risk) of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in hypertensive patients, with the aid of sleep questionnaires. METHODS: This case-control study, age-and-sex-matched HTN patients with normotensive participants, and compared sleep patterns in either group determined with the aid of the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). RESULTS: Overall, 50 HTN and 54 age- and sex-matched normotensive participants were enrolled. The prevalence of snoring was higher in participants with hypertension compared to normotensives (58.0% versus 44.0% respectively), though not significantly, (p = 0.167). However, the hypertensive cases (aged on average 54.78 ± 8.79 years and with mean duration since diagnosis of 4.46 ± 4.36 years) had a significantly higher likelihood of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) than the controls (aOR = 5.03; 95% CI, 1.90-13.33, p = 0.001) and but no significant resulting daytime sleepiness (p = 0.421). There was no clear trend observed between both the risk of OSA and daytime sleepiness and HTN severity. Although not significant, participants with controlled hypertension had lower rates of risk of OSA compared to those with uncontrolled HTN (50.0% versus 63.2%, p = 0.718). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary findings of this study (the first of its kind in Cameroon) suggests that hypertension is positively associated with likelihood of OSA in Cameroon. Further studies are required to investigate this further and the role of sleep questionnaires in our setting, cheap and easy to use tools which can be used to identify early, patients with hypertension in need for further sleep investigations. This will contribute to improving their quality of life and adherence to anti-hypertension treatment.

A Comparative study of four Persian versions of sleep questionnaires for screening obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Background: Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is valuable, but it is time-consuming and expensive. Appropriate screening instruments help clinicians select high-risk individuals for further investigations. In the present study, we compared 4 popular instruments used in screening OSAS including Berlin, STOP, STOP-BANG questionnaires, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Methods: A total of 250 individuals, who referred to Sleep Laboratory of Shoorideh Hospital (Tehran, Iran) for polysomnography during May 2015 to November 2015, were recruited for this cross-sectional study. In addition to taking history and physical examination, 4 screening instruments including Berlin, STOP, STOP-BANG questionnaires, and ESS were completed. Diagnosis of OSAS was established using apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in 3 categories of mild, moderate, and severe. Results: Severe OSAS was diagnosed in 159 (63.6%), moderate OSAS in 43 (17.2%), and mild OSAS in 41 (16.4%) of the participants, moreover, AHI was within normal range in the other 7 (2.8%). To diagnose OSAS with any severity, Berlin questionnaire was a preferable instrument, with a sensitivity of 79.8% and specificity of 71.4%, considering the cut-point value of 3.5. In addition, in cases of severe OSAS, Berlin questionnaire showed superiority over other instruments, with a sensitivity of 80.5% and specificity of 61.5% using the cut-point value of 3.5. Conclusion: None of the 4 instruments are ideal to predict OSAS. However, considering the simplicity and availability of the instruments, Berlin and STOP-BANG questionnaires had maximum diagnostic values that helped us distinguish OSAS and severe OSAS, respectively.

Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on sleep quality in fibromyalgia: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to assess the therapeutic impact of repeated low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) on sleep problems in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Forty two patients with fibromyalgia who had sleep difficulties were randomly assigned to receive either real or sham rTMS treatment. Patients received 20 treatment sessions (5 sessions per week) in which 1200 rTMS pulses were applied over the rDLPFC using a frequency of 1 Hz and an intensity of 120 % of the resting motor threshold. All participants were evaluated at baseline, and then 1 month and 3 months after treatment using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS) and polysomnography (PSG). RESULTS: There were significant time (pre, 1month, and 3 months)X group (real versus sham group) interactions in all 3 clinical rating scales; FIQ (Df = 1.425, F = 237.645, P = 0.001), PSQI (Df = 2, F = 64.005, P = 0.001), MOS-SS (Df = 2, F = 28.938, P = 0.001) due to the fact that the real group improved significantly more over time than the sham group. Similarly, the real group improved more on the PSG parameters than the sham group. The effect sizes were large both in the rating scales and PSG, indicating a substantial clinical improvement. Correlation as an exploratory analysis between the changes (pre - post 3 months) in MOS-SS and PLMs index (/h) showed significant negative correlation (r = -0.643, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: 20 sessions of LF-rTMS over rDLPFC can improve sleep quality in both subjective (PSQI and MOSS) as well as objective (PSG) rating scales.

Sleep in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: A systematic review.

Sleep disturbances significantly impact the lives of individuals with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME). This study aimed to investigate sleep studies, disturbances, and the impact of anti-seizure drugs on sleep in JME patients. Relevant studies were retrieved from the National Library of Medicine (Pubmed) database and the Cochrane Library utilizing the search terms "Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy" and "sleep". A total of 160 papers' review, data extraction, and resolution of discrepancies were performed independently by two reviewers according to the PRISMA protocol and were registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023472439). A systematic review of 31 studies was conducted, encompassing various methodologies, including sleep questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (n = 13), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (n = 10)), polysomnography (n = 8), EEG (n = 9), actigraphy (n = 1), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (n = 1). Most studies were hospital-based (n = 31), cross-sectional (n = 11), and prospective (n = 25). Patients with JME exhibit a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances, worse quality of sleep (n = 4), daytime sleepiness (n = 2), sleep efficiency (n = 7), and increased sleep latency (n = 1) compared to controls. These disruptions are characterized by increased wakefulness (n = 3), frequent arousals (n = 3), decreased REM sleep (n = 2), and conflicting NREM sleep findings (n = 3). Additional sleep-related issues observed in JME patients include insomnia (n = 1) and increased prevalence of parasomnias such as nightmares and sleep talking. Periodic limb movement and obstructive sleep apnea are similar or less frequent (3/28). REM behavioral disorders and sleepwalking were not seen. Valproate showed conflicting effects on sleep (n = 7), while levetiracetam did not impact sleep (n = 1). These findings underlined the need for more sufficient evidence of sleep studies in JME. Future research should prioritize understanding the nature of sleep in JME and its impact on management.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Sleep Disorders in Children Aged 7-17: Insights from Parental Observations at the Dental Office.

Sleep disorders (SD) in children is a topic of great relevance due to their impact on a child's general health. This has led us to study their prevalence and the factors that disturb them in the developing population. Using a validated Likert-type questionnaire, different behaviors observed by the parents during the different phases of their children's sleep were evaluated during the last 6 months. A total of 206 children between the ages of 7 and 17 who attended a dental office participated in the study. The prevalence of SD was 47.6%. There were no significant differences regarding the SD in relation to sex (p = 0.796). The mean total score for children aged 7 to 11 years old was 42.3 (±14.25) compared to 45.44 (±15.51) for the group consisting of children aged 12 to 17 years old, reporting a statistically significant difference among both age groups (p = 0.01). The most frequent disorder was related to initiating and maintaining sleep (64.9%) while the least prevalent were the respiratory sleep disorders (27.2%). Given the high prevalence of these disorders, it is necessary to intercept them during childhood and establish educational guidelines in this regard throughout primary care.

Nocturnal Sleep Dynamics Alterations in the Early Stages of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Sleep disorders have been recognized as an integral component of the clinical syndrome in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, limited data exists for rarer types of neurodegenerative diseases, such as behavioral variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD). This study aims to analyze EEG power spectra and sleep stage transitions in bvFTD patients, hypothesizing that bvFTD may show distinctive sleep stage transitions compared to patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). METHODS: Eighteen probable bvFTD patients and eighteen age- and sex-matched probable AD patients underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) and completed sleep disorders questionnaires. Sleep questionnaires, full-night EEG spectra, and sleep stage transitions indexes were compared between groups. RESULTS: bvFTD patients had higher Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores (95%CI: 0, 5) and reported poorer sleep quality than AD patients (p<0.01). Compared to AD, bvFTD patients showed higher N1 percentage (95%CI: 0.1, 6), lower N3 percentage (95%CI: -13.6, -0.6), higher sleep-wake transitions (95%CI: 1.49, 8.86) and N1 sleep-wake transitions (95%CI: 0.32, 6.1). EEG spectral analysis revealed higher spectral power in bvFTD compared to AD patients in faster rhythms, especially sigma rhythm, across all sleep stages. In bvFTD patients, sleep-wake transitions were positively associated with ISI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bvFTD present higher rates of transitions between wake and sleep than AD patients. The increased frequency of sleep transitions indicates a higher degree of sleep instability in bvFTD, which may reflect an imbalance in sleep-wake promoting systems. Sleep stage transitions analysis may provide novel insights into the sleep alterations of bvFTD patients.

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients candidates for bariatric surgery and predictive questionnaires.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition among electable to bariatric surgery obese patients, often remaining underdiagnosed, thereby increasing surgical risk. The main purpose was to determine prevalence of OSA among candidates for bariatric surgery and to assess the rate of underdiagnosis of this condition. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the specific performance of three sleep questionnaires and scales (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Scale (EDSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and STOP-Bang) in these patients. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective, single-cohort study, with consecutive sampling including patients aged 18-65 years with obesity grade II (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2) and hypertension, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome or OSA or obesity grade III or IV (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) elective for bariatric surgery. Patients were evaluated at the Otorhinolaryngology department with an anamnesis regarding OSA including the administration of three sleep questionnaires (EDSS, ESS, and STOP-Bang), followed by cardiorespiratory polygraphy (CRP) for sleep evaluation. RESULTS: 124 patients were included in this study. While 74.2% of the sample exhibited OSA on CRP, only 28.2% had a prior diagnosis. The STOP-Bang questionnaire demonstrated the highest sensitivity (93.3%) for detecting moderate to severe OSA, although with low specificity (33.8%). EDSS and ESS did not show a significant association with the presence of OSA. CONCLUSIONS: OSA screening is crucial in candidates for bariatric surgery due to its high prevalence and low diagnosis rate. The STOP-Bang questionnaire may serve as a useful tool for identifying patients at risk of moderate to severe OSA and optimizing sleep assessments. However, further research is necessary to validate its utility in this specific population.

Sleep breathing disorders in pediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy 2.

OBJECTIVES: The study is aimed to analyze both sleep architecture and prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), in a group of patients with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), considering motor dysfunction, and compare them with age-matched controls. METHODS: Eighteen SMA type 2 patients (nine males median age 9.5 (4-17) years) and eighteen controls (fourteen males, median age 8,5 (1-16) years) underwent nocturnal polysomnography. SMA type 2 patients were evaluated with motor scales; Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), Revised upper limb model (ULMR) and Egen Klassification Scale Version 2 (EK2). Parents/tutors completed two pediatric sleep questionnaires (respiratory subscale from Chervin Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and Bruni's Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children). RESULTS: When compared with controls, SMA type 2 patients showed no significant differences in age (9.72 ± 4.2 vs 8.22 ± 3.9 (p = 0.28), gender 9 (9 men (50%) vs 14 (77,8%) (p = 0.083) and nutritional status; Body Mass Index (BMI) (16.4 (12.2-34.8) vs 17.6 (4.4-24.2) (p = 0.83). Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) was statistically higher in SMA type 2 patients (6.7 ± 6.2 vs 0.4 ± 0.3) (p < 0.001). The SpO2 mean values in cases were (96% ± 1.4) vs (97.5% ± 1.2) (p = 0.007). TcPCO2 median value (41,5 mmHg; (range 34-47.2) in the SMA type-2 patients within normal reference values. Only one motor scale; Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) showed a negative correlation with AHI (r = -0.132). CONCLUSIONS: Patients affected by SMA type 2 presented significantly higher apnea-hypopnea indices than controls; differences in sleep architecture identified include: decreased total sleep time, increased percentage of stage N1 of NREM sleep as well as increased sleep fragmentation seen in the SMA type 2 group, due to respiratory related arousals. We would like to point out that validated pediatric sleep questionnaires in general population, may not be useful tools when screening for SDB in these patients. This should be taken into consideration in clinical practice and in the elaboration of future clinical guidelines for these patients.

Diffusion Abnormality in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients With Sleep Disorders: A Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Study.

Background: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) frequently complain of poor sleep quality, which is a condition that clinicians are typically neglecting. In this study, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were used to assess the sleep status of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Simultaneously diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) was applied to examine the white matter microstructure abnormalities in patients with TLE and sleep disorders. Methods: TLE patients who have been diagnosed in the cardio-cerebrovascular ward of the Yanan University Affiliated Hospital from October 2020 to August 2021 were recruited. Finally, 51 patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in our study, with all subjects completing the sleep evaluation questionnaire and undergoing a DKI examination. Using independent sample t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Mann-Whitney U test to compare groups. Results: Thirty patients (58.82%) complained of long-term sleep difficulties. The overall differences among the evaluation of AIS, ESS, and PSQI are significant (P = 0.00, P = 0.00, P = 0.03). The scores of AIS, ESS in Left and Right-TLE (L/R-TLE) with sleep disorders, as well as PSQI in L-TLE, are statistically higher than the control group (P = 0.00, P = 0.00, P = 0.00, P = 0.00, P = 0.02). L-TLE with sleep disorders showed decreased MK on affected sides (P = 0.01). However, statistical differences in MD and FA have not been observed (P = 0.34, P = 0.06); R-TLE with sleep disorders showed significantly decreased MK and increased MD on affected sides (P = 0.00, P = 0.00), but FA's statistical difference has not been observed (P = 0.20). Conclusions: TLE patients with sleep disorders have different DKI parameters than individuals who do not have sleep issues. During this process, the kurtosis parameter (MK) was more sensitive than the tensor parameters (MD, FA) in detecting the patient's aberrant white matter diffusion. DKI may be a better choice for in vivo investigation of anomalous craniocerebral water diffusion.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of single-item Sleep Quality Scale in healthy adults.

OBJECTIVE: The Single Item Sleep Quality Scale (SQS) is a self-reported outcome measure to assess sleep quality. SQS can be used when there is limited time or sleep impairments need to be identified quickly. This study aimed to investigate the validity, including concurrent criterion, convergent, divergent, and known-groups, and test-retest reliability of the SQS in a sample of the Turkish population. METHODS: Turkish translation and cross-cultural adaptation of SQS were conducted. Two hundred and thirty-eight healthy adults aged 18-65 years were included in the study. The validity of the SQS was investigated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The data were collected online. The retest-retest reliability was investigated in a subsample of 40 people after 7-14 days. RESULTS: The SQS significantly correlated with item 6 (sleep quality) on PSQI and PSQI global score (rs = -0.73, -0.61, respectively). Although, it had a small correlation with total sleep time (rs = 0.28), awakenings (rs = -0.21) and habitual sleep efficiency (rs = -0.24). 8 of 11 predetermined hypotheses (73%) for convergent validity and 10 of 12 predetermined hypotheses for divergent validity (83%) were confirmed to test the construct validity. Test-retest reliability was found high (ICC = 0.82 (95%CI: 0.66 to 0.91)). SQS score of the sleep disorders group, which was determined according to the PSQI global score, was significantly lower. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that SQS is a valid and reliable instrument and can be used to evaluate sleep quality in healthy Turkish adults.

Sleep Measurement in Children-Are We on the Right Track?

Sleep plays a critical role in the development of healthy children. Detecting sleep and sleep disorders and the effectiveness of interventions for improving sleep in children require valid sleep measures. Assessment of sleep in children, in particular infants and young children, can be a quite challenging task. Many subjective and objective methods are available to evaluate various aspects of sleep in childhood, each with their strengths and limitations. None can, however, replace the importance of thorough clinical interview with detailed history and clinical examination by a sleep specialist.

Measurement properties of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures used to assess the sleep quality in adults with high prevalence chronic pain conditions: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a comprehensive overview of the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess sleep quality in adult patients with prevalent pain-related conditions. METHODS: Without language restrictions PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched from their inception to January 2020. Independent reviewers screened and selected studies, extracted data, assessed the methodological quality using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist, and performed an evidence synthesis for each measurement property. The results were classified as sufficient, insufficient, inconsistent, or indeterminate, and quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included investigating twelve PROMs and six pain-related conditions. Reliability, internal consistency, structural and construct validity were the most prevalent measurement properties investigated across the studies. Three questionnaires were investigated in more than one study (Jenkins Sleep Scale [JSS] and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale [PSQI] and the Medical Outcomes Study-Sleep Scale [MOS-SS]). High-quality evidence was reported for sufficient content validity in the JSS and indeterminate responsiveness in the MOS-SS. Moderate to high evidence was reported for sufficient structural validity in the MOS-SS and PSQI and sufficient and insufficient construct validity in the JSS And MOS-SS. Low to high evidence was reported for sufficient internal consistency in the MOS-SS and PSQI, while low to moderate evidence for sufficient reliability in the JSS, MOS-SS, and PSQI. CONCLUSION: Studies reporting the most measurement properties included the JSS, MOS-SS, and PSQI in multiple prevalent pain-related conditions. Given this, not all measurement properties have been reported for these as well as other questionnaires, and much investigation is needed to ensure the quality of these questionnaires within high prevalence chronic pain conditions. PROSPERO: CRD42019136623.

Significance of sleep stability using cardiopulmonary coupling in sleep disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the sleep quality and sleep stability according to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by using questionnaires and cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) analysis. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-one adults were evaluated using subjective sleep questionnaires, CPC parameters, and respiratory parameters measured during full-night polysomnography. We measured the differences in the CPC parameters of each OSA group and the correlation between the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and CPC parameters. RESULTS: AHI and CPC parameters were not associated with sleep questionnaires. AHI is negatively correlated with high frequency coupling (HFC, r = -0.725, P < 0.001) and very low frequency coupling (VLFC, r = -0.475, P < 0.001), but it is positively correlated with low frequency coupling (LFC, r = 0.786, P < 0.001) and narrow- and broadband-elevated low frequency coupling (e-LFCNB and e-LFCBB ; r = 0.522, P < 0.001 and r = 0.668, P < 0.001, respectively). We also found similar results regarding the correlation between the arousal index and CPC parameters. In addition, there were significant differences in HFC, LFC, VLFC, e-LFCNB , and e-LFCBB (all P < 0.001) between the severe OSA group and all other groups. CONCLUSION: We found that CPC parameters significantly correlated with AHI. In addition, sleep stability-related parameters differ significantly based on OSA severity, and apneic parameters in the severe OSA group are significantly different from those in the other groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130: 2069-2075, 2020.

Sleep quality and related factors in postmenopausal women.

Sleep disorders, resulting from hormonal changes and vasomotor symptoms, are common in both peri- and postmenopausal women. Poor sleep quality is associated with increased metabolic and cardiovascular risk, depression and a global impairment in health status. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to assess sleep quality in a sample of postmenopausal women and to identify the factors associated with poor sleep quality. It also considered the negative impact of sleep disorders such as insomnia, hypersomnia and breathing disturbances. SUBJECTS & METHODS: Data came from a cross-sectional study of 195 postmenopausal women conducted at the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Their sociodemographic, gynecological and clinical characteristics were recorded and sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire (Cuestionario Oviedo de Sueño, COS). RESULTS: The mean PSQI score was 6.90 ± 4.43. Sleep problems were common, with 46.7% of participants scoring over 5 on the PSQI. Snoring was reported by 13% of the patients (PSQI item 10 A). While 10% of the poor sleepers reported episodes of apnea during rest (PSQI item 10B), 7.1% reported leg spasm (PSQ I item 10C). The mean total COS score was 17.57 ± 7. According to COS item 1, all the subjects reported some dissatisfaction with the quality of their sleep. According to the COS, the prevalence of insomnia was 3.6% using ICD-10 criteria and 15.4% using DSM-IV criteria. The mean ESS score was 6.12 ± 4.09. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women are likely to complain of disturbed sleep. Almost half of the women in this survey said their sleep quality was impaired, and most of that group would benefit from medical attention.