Poor sleep quality is associated with new-onset hypertension in a diverse young and middle-aged population

BackgroundSleep disorders have been proposed as the potential risk factors for hypertension, thus we aimed to investigate the association of sleep quality with new-onset hypertension.MethodsWe evaluated sleep quality using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and it's seven components in normotensive population aged 18 years old and over in Emin Xinjiang, China in 2016 and followed up till 2019 using annual health checkup data. Poor sleep quality was defined as a PSQI score>5, and good sleep quality was defined as a PSQI score⩽5.ResultsAmong 9344 analytic sample 57.29% were female. A total of 2958 (31.66%) subjects developed hypertension during 22,960 person-years of follow-up. Poor sleep quality (HR 1.131, 95% CI 1.045, 1.224) showed had higher risk of development hypertension in total population in adjusted Cox models. Fairly bad subjective sleep quality (HR 1.148, 95% CI 1.015, 1.298), habitual sleep efficiency of <65%–75% group (HR 1.174, 95% CI 1.026, 1.344), and mild (HR 1.194, 95% CI 1.098, 1.299) and moderate (HR 1.264, 95% CI 1.080, 1.479) sleep disturbance increased the risk of developing hypertension compared to their counterparts. In age stratification, poor sleep quality (HR 1.100, 95% CI 1.007, 1.202) had higher risk of developing hypertension in the young and middle-aged population after adjusted all covariates.ConclusionsPoor sleep quality is associated with higher risk of new-onset hypertension in young and middle-aged population.     

The prevalence of sleep problems among children in mainland China: a meta-analysis and systemic-analysis

BackgroundWe conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to identify a reliable estimate of sleep problems prevalence among children in mainland China and to describe its epidemiological characteristics.MethodsRelevant studies were searched thoroughly via electronic databases included China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Weipu, PubMed, Embase and Medline databases from inception until December 2020. Prevalence estimates were calculated by random-effects models. The sources of heterogeneity were explored using subgroup analyses and Meta-regression analysis, and publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger's Test.ResultsOverall, 66 studies were included in this meta-analysis, which revealed that the pooled prevalence of sleep problems was 37.6% (95%CI: 34.3–40.9%) with high heterogeneity (I² = 99.6%,P < 0.001). The incidence of snoring was 7.7%, choking or gasping was 0.9%, apnea was 1.5%, restless sleep was 11.3%, mouth breathing was 4.7%, hyperhidrosis was 17.2%, leg movements was 2.7%, bruxism was 9.6%, sleep talking was 0.7%, sleep-walking was 0.8%, nightmare was 5.1%, enuresis was 3.4%, night awakening was 6.7% and trouble falling asleep was 11.1%. The prevalence rate of sleep problems among males was higher than females (OR:1.01,95%CI:1.05–1.13). In all age groups, the prevalence rates of sleep problems increased with age, including infancy or early childhood group (33.3%), pre-school group (38.9%), school-age group (43.7%). The prevalence rate in South China (30.4%, 95%CI: 23.9–36.8%) was the lowest, and the highest prevalence rate was in West China (47.4%,95%CI:35.9–58.9%), which than any other region in China. The point estimate for sleep disorders prevalence obtained using the CSHQ criterion was higher than other criteria. Meta-regression indicated that age group could influence prevalence estimation (P = 0.011).ConclusionsOver the past two decades, the prevalence rate of sleep problems among children in mainland China has increased, significantly affecting two-fifth of the school-age children. The incidence of hyperhidrosis, restless sleep and trouble falling asleep were significantly higher than other sleep prombles. The prevalence rate of sleep problems in west China was significantly higher than in any other area. There is still a lack of guidelines on children's sleep problems in mainland China, so future research should pay special attention to the sleep problems of school-age children and children in economically backward areas.     

The effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing relaxation training for improving sleep quality among nursing staff during the COVID-19 outbreak: a before and after study

ObjectivesRecent studies have demonstrated that first-line nurses involved in the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) crisis may experience sleep disturbances. As breathing relaxation techniques can improve sleep quality, anxiety, and depression, the current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing relaxation training (DBRT) for improving sleep quality among nurses in Wuhan, China during the COVID-19 outbreak.MethodsThis study used a quasi-experimental (before and after) intervention strategy, with 151 first-line nurses from four wards in Leishenshan hospital. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) to evaluate the effectiveness of DBRT before and after the intervention. Data were examined using the Shapiro–Wilk test, Levene's test, and paired t-test.ResultsA total of 140 nurses completed the DBRT sessions. First-line nurses achieved significant reductions in global sleep quality (p < 0.01), subjective sleep quality (p < 0.001), sleep latency (p < 0.01), sleep duration (p < 0.001), sleep disturbances (p < 0.001), habitual sleep efficiency (p = 0.015), daytime dysfunction (p = 0.001), and anxiety (p = 0.001). There were no significant reductions in the use of sleeping medication (p = 0.134) and depression (p = 0.359).ConclusionDBRT is a useful non-pharmacological treatment for improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety among first-line nurses involved in the COVID-19 outbreak.The study protocol was clinically registered by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR2000032743.     

Sleep quality in acromegaly and changes after transsphenoidal surgery: a prospective longitudinal study

ObjectiveTo elucidate the sleep quality characteristics and factors related to either good or poor sleep quality in acromegaly patients before surgery and to explore sleep quality changes after transsphenoidal surgery and the factors related to these changes.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 39 acromegaly patients and 78 patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. Scales for anxiety, depression, disease stigma and nasal condition were evaluated. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was administered before surgery as well as one month and three months after surgery.ResultsA higher percentage of acromegaly patients had poor sleep quality compared to controls (35.9% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001). In addition, acromegaly patients experienced worse subjective sleep quality, extended sleep latency, increased sleep disturbance and decreased daytime functioning. Higher scores for anxiety, disease stigma and sinonasal outcomes were correlated with worse sleep quality in acromegaly patients. At one month after transsphenoidal surgery, we found worse subjective sleep quality, extended sleep latency, shortened sleep duration, impaired sleep efficiency and increased sleep disturbance in acromegaly patients. At three months postoperatively, most impaired PSQI domains in acromegaly patients recovered to preoperative levels. The use of soluble gauze was related to decreased sleep quality at one month after surgery and severe anxiety and depression were related to improved sleep quality at three months after surgery.ConclusionsSleep quality was reduced in acromegaly patients. Moreover, sleep quality initially worsened after surgery but later recovered. Emotional problems and the use of soluble gauze were related factors.Clinical trial registrationNone.     

Associations of sleep duration,sedentary behaviours and energy expenditure with maternal glycemia in pregnancy

BackgroundWomen with high levels of physical activity (PA) are less likely to develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the relations with sleep and sedentary behaviours (SB) are more controversial. We aimed to investigate all three components (sleep, PA, and SB) and their association with maternal glucose in pregnancy.MethodsWe included 766 pregnant women recruited at first trimester and that we followed at second trimester. We collected blood samples, anthropometry and standardized questionnaires about lifestyle including PA, SB, and sleep duration at both visits. Women completed a 50 g glucose challenge test at first trimester and 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at second trimester. We conducted regression analyses to test cross-sectional associations between sleep, PA, and SB with maternal glucose levels while taking into account potential confounders (maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gravidity, and smoking). We considered linear and quadratic relationships.ResultsAt first trimester, we observed a linear relationship between shorter sleep duration and higher glucose levels, which was attenuated after adjustments for confounders. At second trimester, we found a quadratic relationship between sleep and glucose showing lowest levels at fasting and 1 h-post OGTT for women who slept 6–10 h/night. This association remained significant after adjusting for confounders and taking into account PA and/or SB. Greater amount of SB was associated with higher 1 h-glucose after adjustment for confounders (β = 0.132; SE = 0.047; P = 0.005).ConclusionsSleep duration is associated with glucose regulation in pregnancy, independently of PA and SB, and this association varies according to the period of gestation.     

Patterns and correlates of sleep duration in the Southern cohort community study

ObjectiveTo investigate whether race (African American (AA) and white) is associated with sleep duration among adults from low socioeconomic (SES) strata and whether SES status, lifestyle behaviors, or health conditions are associated with sleep duration within race-sex groups.MethodsThis cross-sectional study includes 78,549 participants from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). Averaged daily sleep duration was assessed by weighted averages of self-reported sleep duration on weekdays and weekends. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of very short (<5 h/day), short (5–6 h/day), and long sleep (≥9 h/day) associated with pre-selected risk factors in each race-sex group were determined by multinomial logistic models.ResultsThe prevalence of very short and short sleep was similar among AAs (6.2% and 29.1%) and whites (6.5% and 29.1%). Long sleep was considerably more prevalent among AAs (19.3%) than whites (13.0%). Very short sleep was associated with lower education and family income, with stronger associations among whites. Higher physical activity levels significantly decreased odds for both very short (OR = 0.80) and long sleep (OR = 0.78). Smoking, alcohol use, and dietary intake were not associated with sleep duration. Regardless of race or sex, very short, short, and long sleep were significantly associated with self-reported health conditions, especially depression (ORs were 2.06, 1.33, and 1.38, respectively).ConclusionsSleep duration patterns differed between AAs and whites from the underrepresented SCCS population with low SES. Sleep duration was associated with several socioeconomic, health behaviors, and health conditions depending on race and sex.     

Effect of partial and total sleep deprivation on serum testosterone in healthy males: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCurrently, there is no consensus on the effect of sleep deprivation on male serum testosterone. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between partial/total sleep deprivation and male serum testosterone level.MethodsThe literature related to sleep deprivation and male serum testosterone in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from their inception to July 15, 2021. Data were pooled using the Stata 15 software. The results were presented as standard mean differences (SMDs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsEighteen studies involving 252 men were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The findings revealed that short-term partial sleep deprivation had no significant effect on male serum testosterone (SMD = −0.22; 95% CI: −0.5, 0.06; P = 0.13), while total sleep deprivation reduced the male testosterone levels (SMD = −0.64; 95% CI: −0.87, −0.42; P < 0.001). According to the intervention duration of total sleep deprivation, subgroup analysis was conducted by a fixed-effects model. The results revealed that the serum testosterone was significantly decreased after 24 h total sleep deprivation (SMD = − 0.67; 95% CI = − 0.93, −0.42, P < 0.001), as well as 40–48 h total sleep deprivation (SMD = − 0.74; 95% CI = − 1.22, −0.26, P = 0.002).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis revealed that total sleep deprivation (more than or equal to 24 h) reduces the male testosterone levels, while short-term partial sleep deprivation has no significant effect on male serum testosterone. Sleep duration plays a pivotal role in maintaining male serum testosterone levels.     

Female and male sleep duration in association with the probability of conception in two representative populations of reproductive age in US and China

ObjectiveSleep duration has been found to affect some reproductive phenotypes but fecundability has been rarely researched. We aim to evaluate the association between female/male sleep duration and the probability of conception in two representative populations.MethodsThe present study uses two datasets, namely, a cross-sectional dataset of 9137 reproductive-age females in the US (National Health Interview Survey, NHIS) and a longitudinal dataset of 2687 reproductive-age females and their male mates in China (China Health and Nutrition Survey, CHNS). Logistic regression or mixed model was used to analyze the association between sleep duration and the probability of conception in the females of both populations and in CHNS males with adjustments for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, sleep health and reproductive factors.ResultsAn inverse association was observed between male sleep duration (≥8 h/day) and their mates' conception probability in the CHNS population (P = 0.012). Sleep of 9 h/day and ≥10 h/day in men was associated with 0.65 (0.41–1.02) fold and 0.53 (0.31–0.90) fold of conception probability when compared to 8 h/day sleep. On the other hand, a U-shaped association between female sleep duration and conception probability was observed in both populations. Each hour/day departure (longer or shorter) from 7 h/day sleep was associated with 1.26 (1.12–1.42, P < 0.001) and 1.21 (1.03–1.41, P = 0.019) fold conception probability in the NHIS and CHNS populations, respectively. An adjustment for potential confounders, including spouse characteristics did not substantially attenuate these associations.ConclusionsFemale and male sleep duration may be independent predictors of conception, suggesting there is an intervention target for reproductive health.     

EEG and behavioural correlates of mild sleep deprivation and vigilance

ObjectiveThe current study investigated the behavioral, cognitive, and electrophysiological impact of mild (only a few hours) and acute (one night) sleep loss via simultaneously recorded behavioural and physiological measures of vigilance.MethodsParticipants (N = 23) came into the lab for two testing days where their brain activity and vigilance were recorded and assessed. The night before the testing session, participants either slept from 12am to 9am (Normally Rested), or from 1am to 6am (Sleep Restriction).ResultsVigilance was reduced and sleepiness was increased in the Sleep Restricted vs. Normally Rested condition, and this was exacerbated over the course of performing the vigilance task. As well, sleep restriction resulted in more intense alpha bursts. Lastly, EEG spectral power differed in Sleep Restricted vs. Normally Rested conditions as sleep onset progressed, particularly for frequencies reflecting arousal (e.g., delta, alpha, beta).ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that only one night of mild sleep loss significantly increases sleepiness and, importantly, reduces vigilance. In addition, this sleep loss has a clear impact on the physiology of the brain in ways that reflect reduced arousal.SignificanceUnderstanding the neural correlates and cognitive processes associated with loss of sleep may lead to important advancements in identifying and preventing deleterious or potentially dangerous, sleep-related lapses in vigilance.     

Exploring the bi-directional relationship between sleep and resilience in adolescence

ObjectiveThe study examined whether overall sleep quality and the sleep components comprising the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) have a bi-directional relationship with resilience among adolescents, after adjusting for sex, age, depression, and socioeconomic status, and investigated which sleep components have a stronger effect on resilience.MethodsA total of 1299 students (58% females; mean age, 15.79 years) participated at baseline, with 840 finishing all four study waves over the course of 24 months. Data were collected through questionnaires, including socio-demographics, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Cross-lagged models were used to analyze the relationships between sleep and resilience.ResultsBoth daytime dysfunction and sleep disturbance had an independent bi-directional relationship with resilience. Higher resilience scores predicted overall better sleep quality and shorter sleep latency, but not vice versa. Sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction had stronger effects on resilience.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the importance of future school interventions for sleep to improve students' resilience.     

Everyday and major experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination and sleep health in a multiethnic population of U.S. women: findings from the Sister Study

BackgroundPerceived racial/ethnic discrimination and poor sleep occur across all races/ethnicities in the U.S., although both are most common among racial/ethnic minorities. Few studies have investigated associations between perceived racial/ethnic discrimination and various sleep dimensions in a multiethnic population.MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional associations among 40,038 eligible Sister Study participants (enrollment: 2003–2009) who reported ever/never experiencing specific types of everyday (eg, treated unfairly at a store or restaurant) or major (eg, unfairly stopped, threatened, or searched by police) discrimination attributed to their race/ethnicity during a follow-up survey in 2008–2012. Participants also reported short sleep duration (<7 h), sleep debt (≥2-h difference between longest and shortest sleep duration), frequent napping (≥3 times/week), and insomnia. Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, adjusted for sociodemographic and health characteristics, estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between each type of racial/ethnic discrimination and each sleep dimension, overall and by race/ethnicity.ResultsMean age was 55 ± 8.9 years, 89% were Non-Hispanic (NH)-white, 8% NH-black, and 3% Hispanic/Latina. NH-black participants were the most likely to report everyday (76% vs. 4% [NH-whites] and 36% [Hispanics/Latinas]) and major racial/ethnic discrimination (52% vs. 2% [NH-whites] and 18% [Hispanics/Latinas]). Participants who experienced both types versus neither were more likely to report short sleep duration (PR = 1.17 [95% CI: 1.09–1.25]) and insomnia symptoms (PR = 1.10 [1.01–1.20]) but not other poor sleep dimensions.ConclusionsRacial/ethnic minority women were most likely to experience racial/ethnic discrimination, which was associated with certain poor sleep dimensions among women of all races/ethnicities.     

The relationship between gross motor function impairment in cerebral palsy and sleeping issues of children and caregivers

AimTo investigate, among children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP), the relationship between impairment of the gross motor function and: (i) child sleep disorders; (ii) the need for nocturnal support; and (iii) the quality of sleep of their caregivers.MethodsFor children, we considered their scores on the gross motor function measure (GMFM-88) and on the sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC), besides analyzing qualitative features about their sleep. For caregivers, we considered their scores in the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI).ResultsOur sample was comprised of 87 participants with mean age of 11.4 years old (±3.4). We observed correlations between GMFM-88 and disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS) (r = −0.22; p = 0.039), sleep–wake transition disorders (SWTD) (r = 0.26; p = 0.017) and disorders of arousal (DA) (r = 0.23; p = 0.033). Children receiving nocturnal support presented lower scores in the GMFM-88 (p = 0.001) and higher scores in the SDSC (p = 0.029). For the caregivers, we found no correlation between GMFM-88 and PSQI. Nonetheless, their PSQI scores correlated with the SDSC scores (r = 0.24; p = 0.027).ConclusionImpairment of the gross motor function correlated with DIMS and the need for nocturnal support but might not have an impact on the caregivers’ sleep, which in turn correlated with child sleep disorders.     

Concurrent changes in sleep and physical activity during the transition to retirement: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundCurrently, little is known regarding whether changes in physical activity are associated with changes in sleep in general population. The aim of this study was to examine the association between changes in physical activity and changes in sleep duration and difficulties at retirement transition point.MethodsData from the prospective Finnish Retirement and Aging study of 2745 retired public sector employees was used. Participants answered questionnaires before and after the retirement with one year interval, in which they reported average weekly hours of physical activity, sleep duration and the frequency of sleep difficulties. The level of physical activity, classified as ‘low’, ‘moderate’ or ‘high’, before and after retirement was used to classify the participants to five physical activity groups. Changes in sleep duration (in minutes) and sleep difficulties (no, moderate, severe) were examined in these physical activity groups.ResultsBefore retirement, high physical activity was associated with longest sleep duration (7 h 8 min) and low physical activity was associated with severe sleep difficulties (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06–1.44) in comparison to high physical activity. During retirement transition, sleep duration increased in all physical activity change groups and sleep difficulties decreased significantly in ‘stable’, ‘increase from moderate’, ‘decrease from moderate’ and ‘decrease from high’ groups. Changes in sleep duration and sleep difficulties were not statistically significantly different between the physical activity change groups.ConclusionSleep duration increases and sleep difficulties decrease after retirement. Changes in sleep during retirement transition seem to be independent of changes in physical activity during the same time period.     

A meta-analysis of the relationship between subjective sleep and depressive symptoms in adolescence

BackgroundAdolescence is a risk period for the development of mental illness, as well as a time for pronounced change in sleep behaviour. While prior studies, including several meta-analyses show a relationship between sleep and depressive symptoms, there were many inconsistences found in the literature.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between subjective sleep and depressive symptoms.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search that yielded forty-nine recent studies (2014–2020) with adolescent samples aged 9 to 25-year-olds, and more than double the sample size of previous meta-analyses (N = 318,256).ResultsIn a series of meta-analyses, we show that while several common categories of subjective sleep are associated with depressive symptoms in adolescents, the strength of this relationship varies. Measures of sleep perception: poor sleep quality (r = 0.41), insomnia (r = 0.37), sleep disturbances (r = 0.36), wake after sleep onset (r = 0.31), and daytime sleepiness (r = 0.30) correlated more strongly with depressive symptoms, than measures of sleep behaviour: sleep latency (r = 0.22), and sleep duration (r = −0.19).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that in studies of depressive symptoms it may be important to assess an adolescent's perception about their sleep, in addition to their sleep/wake behaviours.     

The Arousal Disorders Questionnaire: a new and effective screening tool for confusional arousals,Sleepwalking and Sleep Terrors in epilepsy and sleep disorders units

BackgroundArousal Disorders (DoA) include Confusional Arousals, Sleepwalking and Sleep Terrors. DoA diagnosis is mainly clinical but no validated questionnaires exist for DoA screening according to the criteria of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition. Recently our group proposed the Arousal Disorders Questionnaire (ADQ) as a new diagnostic tool for DoA diagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the ADQ in a sleep and epilepsy center.MethodsOne interviewer blinded to clinical and video-polysomnographic (VPSG) data administered the ADQ to 150 patients consecutively admitted to our Sleep and Epilepsy Centers for a follow-up visit. The final diagnosis, according to VPSG recordings of at least one major episode, classified patients either with DoA (DoA group) or with other sleep-related motor behaviors confounding for DoA (nDoA group).Results47 patients (31%) composed the DoA group; 56 patients with REM sleep behavior disorder, 39 with sleep-hypermotor epilepsy, six with night eating syndrome, and two with drug-induced DoA composed the nDoA group. The ADQ had a sensitivity of 72% (95% CI: 60–82) and a specificity of 96% (95% CI: 89–98) for DoA diagnosis; excluding the items regarding consciousness and episode recall, sensitivity was 83% (95% CI: 71–90) and specificity 93% (95% CI: 86–97).ConclusionsThe ADQ showed good accuracy in screening patients with DoA in a sleep and epilepsy center setting. Diagnostic criteria related to cognition and episode recall reduced ADQ sensitivity, therefore a better definition of these criteria is required, especially in adults.     

Racial/ethnic disparity in habitual sleep is modified by caloric intake in adolescents

Study objectivesWe investigated the moderation of caloric intake on the association between race/ethnicity and habitual sleep in adolescents.MethodsWe analyzed the data obtained from 324 adolescents who completed the follow-up examination of the Penn State Child Cohort study. We collected actigraphy-measured sleep duration on 7 consecutive nights and computed their mean and standard deviation as habitual sleep duration (HSD) and habitual sleep variability (HSV), respectively. We also measured participants’ daily intakes of total calorie, total fat, carbohydrates, and protein, through the Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire. Adjusted mean HSD and HSV among non-Hispanic whites and racial/ethnic minorities were compared by using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), while controlling for age, sex, BMI percentile, total caloric intake, and socioeconomic status. The significance of the interaction between race/ethnicity and caloric intake was further tested in ANCOVA models.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 79.3% non-Hispanic whites, 13.0% African American, 4.6% Hispanics, 2.2% Asian, and 0.9% American Indian. Adolescents who are racial/ethnic minorities showed shorter HSD (mean (SE): 6.80 (0.10) vs. 7.07 (0.05) hours/night, p = 0.02) and higher HSV (mean (SE): 1.31 (0.07) vs. 1.15 (0.04) hours/night, p = 0.04) than non-Hispanic whites. Racial/ethnic differences in HSV were significantly more pronounced among adolescents with high caloric intake (p interaction = 0.01), especially from carbohydrates (p interaction = 0.03) and fat (p interaction = 0.05).ConclusionAdolescents who are racial/ethnic minorities slept objectively shorter and with greater night-to-night variability than non-Hispanic whites. The racial/ethnic disparity in habitual sleep variability was more pronounced among adolescents with high caloric intake, particularly from carbohydrates and fat.     

Bidirectional association between alopecia areata and sleep disorders: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan

BackgroundThe relationship between alopecia areata (AA) and sleep disorders remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the bidirectional association between AA and sleep disorders.MethodsTo assess the risk of developing sleep disorders, we recruited 5648 patients with AA and 22,592 matched controls from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Similarly, risk of developing AA was assessed in 93,130 patients with sleep disorders (including 7310 patients with obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] and 85,820 patients with non-apnea insomnia) and 372,520 matched controls. Cox regression model was used for the analysis.ResultsAA patients had a significantly increased risk of developing OSA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.53–5.71) and non-apnea insomnia (aHR 4.20; 95% CI 3.68–4.79). Conversely, presence of sleep disorders significantly increased the risk of AA development (aHR 4.70; 95% CI 3.99–5.54). Both OSA (aHR 3.89; 95% CI 2.46–6.16) and nonapnea insomnia (aHR 4.77; 95% CI 4.03–5.64) were associated an increased risk of developing AA.ConclusionsPatients with AA have a higher risk of developing sleep disorders compared to controls, and vice versa. Further studies are needed to investigate the shared pathogenic mechanism underlying these two conditions.     

Abnormal night sleep duration and poor sleep quality are independently and combinedly associated with elevated depressive symptoms in Chinese rural adults: Henan Rural Cohort

ObjectiveTo assess the independent and combined effects of night sleep duration and sleep quality on depressive symptoms.MethodsA total of 28,202 participants (11,236 males and 16,966 females) aged 18–79 years from the Henan Rural Cohort were included in this study. Night sleep duration and sleep quality were defined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were applied to evaluate the association of night sleep duration and sleep quality with depressive symptoms.ResultsA U-shaped dose-response relationship between night sleep duration and depressive symptoms along with a J-shaped relationship between sleep quality and depressive symptoms were observed. Compared with reference group (7-<8 h), shorter sleep duration (<6 h) and longer sleep duration (≥10 h) were associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms in males (short sleep: Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34–2.52; long sleep: OR = 1.56, 95% CI, 1.01–2.42) and females (short sleep: OR = 2.19, 95% CI, 1.77–2.70; long sleep: OR = 1.51, 95% CI, 1.10–2.10). Compared with good sleepers, poor sleepers had 4.23-fold (95% CI:3.54–5.06) and 3.87-fold (95% CI: 3.41–4.40) increased odds of depressive symptoms in males and females. Furthermore, participants with longer night sleep duration (≥10 h) and poorer sleep quality had the strongest effect on depressive symptoms (males: OR = 6.64, 95% CI, 3.21–13.74; females: OR = 7.76, 95% CI, 5.00–12.02).ConclusionsExtreme night sleep duration and poor sleep quality were independently and combinedly related to elevated depressive symptoms, suggesting that keeping optimal night sleep duration and good sleep quality maybe benefit for maintaining mental health.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Register. Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699.     

Wake-up stroke is not associated with obstructive sleep apnea

Objective/BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for stroke. This study sought to assess the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and wake-up strokes (WUS), that is, stroke symptoms that are first noted upon awakening from sleep.Patients/methodsIn this analysis, 837 Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project participants completed an interview to ascertain stroke onset during sleep (WUS) versus wakefulness (non-wake-up stroke, non-WUS). A subset of 316 participants underwent a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) shortly after ischemic stroke to assess for OSA. Regression models were used to test the association between OSA and WUS, stratified by sex.ResultsOf 837 participants who completed the interview, 251 (30%) reported WUS. Among participants who underwent an HSAT, there was no significant difference in OSA severity [respiratory event index (REI)] among participants with WUS [median REI 17, interquartile range (IQR) 10, 29] versus non-WUS (median REI 18, IQR 9, 30; p = 0.73). OSA severity was not associated with increased odds of WUS among men [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.011, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.995, 1.027] or women (unadjusted OR 0.987, 95% CI 0.959, 1.015). These results remained unchanged after adjustment for age, congestive heart failure, body mass index, and pre-stroke depression in men (adjusted OR 1.011, 95% CI 0.994, 1.028) and women (adjusted OR 0.988, 95% CI 0.959, 1.018).ConclusionsAlthough OSA is a risk factor for stroke, the onset of stroke during sleep is not associated with OSA in this large, population-based stroke cohort.