Music improves sleep quality in older adults

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report an investigation of the effects of soft music on sleep quality in older community-dwelling men and women in Taiwan.
Background.  Sleep is a complex rhythmic state that may be affected by the ageing process. Few studies have focused on the effects of music, a non-pharmacological method of improving the quality of sleep in older adults.
Method.  A randomized controlled trial was used with a two-group repeated measures design.
Sixty people aged 60–83 years with difficulty in sleeping were recruited through community leaders and screened using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Those reporting depression, cognitive impairment, medical or environmental problems that might interfere with sleep; and those who used sleeping medications, meditation, or caffeine at bedtime were excluded. Participants listened to their choice among six 45-minute sedative music tapes at bedtime for 3 weeks. There were five types of Western and one of Chinese music. Sleep quality was measured with the PSQI before the study and at three weekly post-tests. Groups were comparable on demographic variables, anxiety, depressive symptoms, physical activity, bedtime routine, herbal tea use, napping, pain, and pretest overall sleep quality.
Results.  Music resulted in significantly better sleep quality in the experimental group, as well as significantly better components of sleep quality: better perceived sleep quality, longer sleep duration, greater sleep efficiency, shorter sleep latency, less sleep disturbance and less daytime dysfunction ( P  = 0·04–0·001). Sleep improved weekly, indicating a cumulative dose effect.
Conclusion.  The findings provide evidence for the use of soothing music as an empirically-based intervention for sleep in older people.     

正性音乐刺激联合认知干预对ICU重症肺炎患者的影响

目的探讨正性音乐刺激联合认知干预对ICU重症肺炎患者的影响。方法选取2017年5月至2018年5月收治的80例重症肺炎患者作为研究对象,以随机抽签法分为研究组与对照组,各40例。对照组予以常规护理干预,研究组则予以正性音乐刺激联合认知干预。比较两组在干预前后睡眠指数、情绪状态及自我感受负担方面的差异。结果干预后研究组与对照组匹兹堡睡眠质量指数(PSQI)相比干预前均较低,且研究组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。干预后研究组与对照组自我感受负担量表评分比干预前降低,且研究组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。干预后研究组焦虑自评量表(SAS)、抑郁自评量表(SDS)评分比对照组低,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论正性音乐刺激联合认知干预可显著改善ICU重症肺炎患者的睡眠质量,同时有利于缓解患者负性情绪,降低自我感受负担。     

Music improves sleep quality in older adults

AIM: The aim of this paper is to report an investigation of the effects of soft music on sleep quality in older community-dwelling men and women in Taiwan. BACKGROUND: Sleep is a complex rhythmic state that may be affected by the ageing process. Few studies have focused on the effects of music, a non-pharmacological method of improving the quality of sleep in older adults. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial was used with a two-group repeated measures design. Sixty people aged 60-83 years with difficulty in sleeping were recruited through community leaders and screened using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Those reporting depression, cognitive impairment, medical or environmental problems that might interfere with sleep; and those who used sleeping medications, meditation, or caffeine at bedtime were excluded. Participants listened to their choice among six 45-minute sedative music tapes at bedtime for 3 weeks. There were five types of Western and one of Chinese music. Sleep quality was measured with the PSQI before the study and at three weekly post-tests. Groups were comparable on demographic variables, anxiety, depressive symptoms, physical activity, bedtime routine, herbal tea use, napping, pain, and pretest overall sleep quality. RESULTS: Music resulted in significantly better sleep quality in the experimental group, as well as significantly better components of sleep quality: better perceived sleep quality, longer sleep duration, greater sleep efficiency, shorter sleep latency, less sleep disturbance and less daytime dysfunction (P = 0.04-0.001). Sleep improved weekly, indicating a cumulative dose effect. CONCLUSION: The findings provide evidence for the use of soothing music as an empirically-based intervention for sleep in older people.     

音乐治疗辅助肺康复训练对COPD患者康复治疗的研究

目的:探讨音乐治疗辅助肺康复训练对COPD患者的心肺功能、生活质量、情绪状况及睡眠质量的影响。方法:将COPD的患者共30例随机数字表法分为研究组和对照组,每组15例。2组均予以正规内科治疗及康复专科护理,研究组予以音乐治疗辅助常规肺康复训练干预,对照组予以常规肺康复训练干预,2组治疗时间每次45min,每日1次,5次/周,持续12周。比较2组干预前后肺功能、生活质量、情绪状况、睡眠质量。结果:干预12周后,2组第一秒用力呼气容积(FEV1)与用力肺活量(FVC)的比值(FEV1/FVC)(%)、FEV1占预计值百分比(FEV1%pred)、无氧阈(AT)、二氧化碳通气当量斜率(VE/VCO_2)、6min步行距离及健康调查简表(SF-36)指数明显高于治疗前(均P0.05),2组改良气短(Borg)指数均明显低于治疗前(P0.05),且研究组的各项评定均明显高于对照组(均P0.05);治疗后,2组汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)、汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)、匹兹堡睡眠质量指数(PSQI)均明显低于治疗前(均P0.05),且研究组各项指标均低于对照组(均P0.05)。结论:音乐治疗辅助肺康复训练与常规肺康复训练相比,能更好地改善COPD患者的肺功能,提高患者的运动耐力、生活质量,改善患者的心理、情绪及睡眠状况。     

综合干预对高校学生睡眠质量的影响

目的 探索符合高校学生睡眠特点的干预模式,为改善高校学生的睡眠质量提供参考.方法 以匹兹堡睡眠质量指数量表(PSQI)作为筛查工具,在睡眠质量差的学生中,采用系统随机抽样方法抽取80名作为研究对象,并随机分为干预组和对照组各40名.干预组接受健康教育、刺激控制疗法、音乐疗法、渐进式肌肉放松训练综合干预;对照组为空白对照.1个月后,采用PSQI测定两组睡眠质量.结果 干预组主观睡眠质量、睡眠时间、睡眠效率、日间功能障碍评分及PSQI总分均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).干预后,干预组主观睡眠质量、睡眠时间、睡眠效率、日间功能障碍评分及PSQI总分低于干预前,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).结论 综合干预可以改善高校学生的主观睡眠质量、睡眠时间、睡眠效率,并减少日间功能障碍.     

Comparison between ventilatory and mouth occlusion pressure responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia in healthy sleeping man

Summary. Ventilatory and mouth occlusion pressure (P_0·1) responses to progressive isocapnic-hypoxia and hyperoxic-hypercapnia were compared in eleven healthy sleeping men during the same night. Hypoxic and hypercapnic responses were determined during wakefulness, non-rapid and rapid-eye-movement sleep. The following parameters were measured: minute ventilation (V?E), tidal volume (V_T), ‘duty cycle’ (T_l/T_T), mean inspiratory flow rate (V_T/T_l) and P_0·1, an index of the neuromuscular inspiratory drive. To allow a direct comparison between the two types of chemostimuli, responses were characterized by the value of the different parameters at ‘equivalent’ levels of hypoxia and hypercapnia, i.e., at levels which produced the same P_0·1 during wakefulness: an oxyhaemoglobin saturation (Sao₂) of 94% during the isocapnic-hypoxic tests (P_ETco₂=42·5±1·2 mmHg) was found to be equivalent to a P_etco₂ of 47·4±3·7 mmHg during hypoxic-hypercapnic tests. For both tests, the arousal levels of the stimulus and of P_0·1 were similar in all sleep stages. Sleep did not significantly modify P_0·1 or breathing pattern responses to hypoxia (Sao₂=94%). In contrast, at the ‘equivalent’ level of hypercapnic stimulation, P_0·1 (P<0·05) and V?_E (P<0·01) responses were significantly impaired, particularly in REM sleep, with a decrease in V_T (P<0·01) and V_T/T_l (P<0·05) responses. The results suggest that CO₂ intracranial receptor mechanisms are more affected by sleep than the O₂ peripheral receptor activity.     

Effects of music and music video interventions on sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial in adults with sleep disturbances

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to compare the effects of music and music video interventions on objective and subjective sleep quality in adults with sleep disturbances.DesignA randomized controlled trial was performed on 71 adults who were recruited from the outpatient department of a hospital with 1100 beds and randomly assigned to the control, music, and music video groups.InterventionsDuring the 4 test days (Days 2–5), for 30 min before nocturnal sleep, the music group listened to Buddhist music and the music video group watched Buddhist music videos. They were instructed to not listen/watch to the music/MV on the first night (pretest, Day 1) and the final night (Day 6). The control group received no intervention.Main outcome measuresSleep was assessed using a one-channel electroencephalography machine in their homes and self-reported questionnaires.ResultsThe music and music video interventions had no effect on any objective sleep parameters, as measured using electroencephalography. However, the music group had significantly longer subjective total sleep time than the music video group did (Wald χ² = 6.23, p = 0.04).ConclusionOur study results increase knowledge regarding music interventions for sleep quality in adults with sleep disturbances. This study suggested that more research is required to strengthen the scientific knowledge of the effects of music intervention on sleep quality in adults with sleep disturbances. (ISRCTN94971645)     

Bacteriostasis evaluation of the different soaking solutions in perineal skin preparation before the male urethral open operation: a randomized controlled trial

Perineal soaking is of crucial importance for skin preparation before the male urethral open operation; however, soaking solutions vary across the world. The aim of this research was to explore the bacteriostasis efficacy of the different soaking solutions in perineal skin preparation before the operation. Thirty‐six patients were randomly divided into three groups. In Group A, 0·1% povidone iodine was used to soak the 12 patients' perineum to reduce the bacterial load of the skin preparation before the operation. Similarly, combination of 0·1% povidone iodine and 1·6% saline for Group B and 1·6% saline for Group C was used. Bacteria samples were collected in four sites of the patients' perineum, before soaking, 1 d after soaking and 2 d after soaking, respectively. No serious adverse reactions were observed. There was a significant lower bacteria load in Group C after soaking (P = 0·032). For penoscrotal junction, there were significant lower bacteria loads after soaking in both Group A and Group B compared with Group C (P = 0·009), and there was significant lower bacteria load after soaking in Group A (P = 0·001) and Group B (P = 0·017). Similar with penoscrotal junction, bacteria load at the bottom of the scrotum decreased significantly in Group A (P = 0·001) and Group B (P = 0·002) and there were significant lower bacteria loads after soaking in both Group A and Group B compared with Group C (P = 0·041). In the middle of the penis, still, there were significant lower bacteria loads after soaking in both Group A and Group B compared with Group C (P = 0·019), and there was significant lower bacteria load after soaking in Group A (P = 0·012) and Group B (P = 0·006). In conclusion, combination of 0·1% povidone iodine and 1·6% saline solution for the preoperative skin preparation of male open urethral operation is safe and efficient.     

The pathophysiology of the insulin-like growth factor axis in fetal growth failure: a basis for programming by undernutrition?

Abstract. Recent evidence suggests that a number of adulthood conditions, including non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and lipid and cardiovascular abnormalities are associated with intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR). It is possible that this arises from programming of endocrine axes during development as a result of an adverse intra-uterine environment. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are mitogenic polypeptides which stimulate cellular proliferation and differentiation and are important in human fetal development. The functions of IGFs are modulated by specific high affinity binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGFBP-1 is antagonistic to the insulin-like and growth promoting effects of IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 holds IGFs in the circulation by associating with IGFs and an acid labile subunit to form a ternary complex. Using specific radioimmunoassays and fetal serum obtained during diagnostic cordocentesis we have investigated the role of the IGF/IGFBP axis in human fetal development. In a study of 130 singleton pregnancies we have examined levels of immunoreactive IGFs and IGFBPs in normally grown fetuses (AGA), starved small fetuses affected by uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI), and non-starved small fetuses (SGA). IGF-1 was significantly lower in the UPI group (n= 14, 7·8±0·6 μg l^-1), than in either the SGA group (n= 22, 31·4±3·5 μg l^-1, P= 0·0001) or the AGA group (n= 94, 36·3±1·9 μg l^-1, P= 0·0001). IGFBP-3 showed similar changes (UPI: 682·6±50·0 μg l^-1; SGA: 831·9±55·5 μg l^-1; AGA: 847·7±19·8 μg l^-1). In contrast, IGFBP-1 levels were significantly higher in the UPI group (312·4±57·5 μg l^-1) than in either the SGA group (132·6±39·5 μg l^-1, P= 0·009) or the AGA group (116·9±25·4 μg l^-1, P= 0·003), and the normal inverse relationship between IGFBP-1 and insulin levels was lost in the UPI group. IGFBP-2 levels showed a similar pattern (UPI: 2510·3±178·0 μg l^-1; SGA: 878·5±80·3μg l^-1, P= 0·0001; AGA: 791·6±27·0 μg l^-1, P= 0·0001). Thus, there are clear differences between the two groups of SGA fetuses. It is possible that in utero‘programming’ of the IGF/IGFBP axis, as a result of fetal undernutrition, may be important in the pathogenesis of disease in adulthood.     

Effects of psychosocial group rehabilitation on social functioning, loneliness and well-being of lonely, older people: randomized controlled trial

Title. Effects of psychosocial group rehabilitation on social functioning, loneliness and well‐being of lonely, older people: randomized controlled trial. Aim. This paper is a report of a study to explore the effects of psychosocial group nursing intervention on older people’s feelings of loneliness, social activity and psychological well‐being. Background. Older people’s loneliness is associated with low quality of life, and impaired health, increased use of health and social services and increased mortality. Previous intervention studies have achieved quite modest results. Method. A randomized controlled trial was conducted between 2003 and 2006 using a group intervention aimed at empowering older people, and promoting peer support and social integration. A total of 235 people (>74 years) suffering from loneliness met 12 times with professional leaders in groups. The UCLA Loneliness Scale and Lubben’s Social Network Scale were used at entry, after 3 and 6 months. Psychological well‐being was charted using a six‐dimensional questionnaire at baseline and 12 months later. Findings. A statistically significantly larger proportion of intervention group participants had found new friends during the follow‐up year (45% vs. 32%, P = 0·048), and 40% of intervention group participants continued their group meetings for 1 year. However, no differences were found in loneliness or social networks between the groups. Psychological well‐being score improved statistically significantly in the intervention groups [+0·11, 95% confidence interval (CI): +0·04 to +0·13], compared with the controls (+0·01, 95% CI: ?0·05 to +0·07, P = 0·045). Feeling needed was statistically significantly more common in the intervention groups (66%) than in controls (49%, P = 0·019). Conclusion. New sensitive measurements of loneliness and social isolation are needed to measure fluctuations in feelings of loneliness and in social isolation.     

Ascorbic acid reduces the endotoxin-induced lung injury in awake sheep

Abstract Our aim was to investigate whether ascorbic acid can reduce reactive oxygen metabolite-mediated acute lung injury. The effects of intravenous administration of Escherichia coli endotoxin were studied, with and without ascorbic acid infusion, on haemodynamics, lung lymph flow, cardio-respiratory and neutrophil function in chronically instrumented sheep. Paired experiments were performed on eight sheep in which they received either endotoxin alone (0·5 μg kg^-1 b.w.) (ET group) or in combination with an ascorbic acid infusion (1 g kg^-1 b.w. bolus injection followed by 0·2 g kg^-1 h^-1 continuous infusion) (ET + ASC group) in random order. Four of the animals also received ascorbic acid alone (ASC group). As a result, for the ET + ASC group a general and mostly significant improvement (P < 0·05) in the early hypertensive phase (0·60 min, P values) and in the late permeability phase (2–4 h, *P values) of cardiorespiratory function (mean artery pressure: P/*P= 0·283/0·049; mean pulmonary artery pressure: P/*P= 0·0.0001; mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure: P/*P= 0·02/0·001; right ventricular stroke work index: P/*P= 0·02/0·0001; cardiac index: P/*P= 0·797/0·755; arterial oxygen saturation: P/*P= 0·0059/0·01; arterial-venous difference of oxygen tension: P/*P= 0·011/0·0005), oxygen consumption: P/*P=0·013/0·035, lung lymph flow: P/*P=0·562/0·012, lymph/plasma protein ratio: P/*P= 0·304/0·008 and protein clearance: P/*P= 0·56/0·05 was observed in comparison with the ET group. The decrease of the neutrophil chemiluminescence response of the ET + ASC group in the late phase: P/*P= 0·419/0·026 was most likely due to ascorbic acid, whereas β-N-acetylglucosaminidase secretion was identical for both groups. In conclusion, we suggest that reactive oxygen metabolite scavenging by ascorbic acid is responsible for the improvement of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury.     

观察家庭康复干预联合音乐放松疗法对抑郁症患者心理及睡眠质量的影响

目的:观察家庭康复干预联合音乐放松疗法对抑郁症患者心理及睡眠质量的影响.方法:选取2019年3月至2020年3月江门市新会区第三人民医院收治的抑郁症患者80例作为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,每组40例.对照组给予常规康复干预,观察组给予家庭康复干预联合音乐放松疗法,采用匹兹堡睡眠指数量表(Pittsb...     

Arterial stiffness in relation to subclinical atherosclerosis

Background Increased arterial stiffness or arteriosclerosis, represents a physiological part of ageing. Atherosclerosis is a process that does not affect the arterial bed uniformly but has a variable local distribution and is frequently superimposed on stiffened vessels. We therefore addressed the question of whether any correlation exists between the general characteristics of arterial stiffness or wave reflection and subclinical atherosclerosis as assessed by carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) in a sample of healthy subjects. Methods A total of 116 healthy subjects (mean age 55 years, 43 female) were evaluated. Arterial stiffness and wave reflection was assessed with the use of digital volume pulse analysis (DVP) and pulse wave analysis (PWA). Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by measurement of IMT. Results Stiffness Index (SI_DVP), the measure of general arterial stiffness correlated significantly with IMT (r = 0·37, P < 0·01). IMT correlated significantly with age (r = 0·5, P < 0·0001), waist to hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0·39, P < 0·0001) and mean blood pressure (BPmean) (r = 0·4, P < 0·0001). IMT did not correlate with measures of wave reflection. SI_DVP correlated significantly with age (r = 0·32, P < 0·005), WHR (r = 0·36, P < 0·0001), BPmean (r = 0·36, P < 0·0001) and measurements of wave reflection. However analysis of a model which included variables that significantly influenced SI_DVP and IMT, such as age, WHR and mean BP showed that arterial stiffness is not independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Conclusions The indices of subclinical atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness and wave reflection, indicate different aspects of vascular status in otherwise healthy subjects     

Predictors of health-related quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

Title. Predictors of health-related quality of life in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea Aim. This paper is a report of a study to identify the common symptoms and demographic and physiological factors of obstructive sleep apnoea that are predictive of health-related quality of life in a Chinese population. Background. Health-related quality of life impairment in obstructive sleep apnoea is an increasingly important consideration, but little is known about the factors that influence quality of life in this population. Method. A total of 108 Chinese patients with newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea were recruited in 2003 and assessed for health-related quality of life, daytime sleepiness, depression and anxiety. Associations between symptoms, demographic and physiological factors and quality of life were examined by Pearson linear correlation. Hierarchical multiple regression were used to determine predictors of overall quality of life and its dimensions. Results. Forty-six patients (42·6%) had depressed mood and 21 (19·4%) were anxious. Fifty-nine (54·6%) were hypersomnolent. The severity of symptoms of sleepiness, depression, and anxiety was statistically significantly inversely correlated with each domain and the total score for health-related quality of life. No statistically significant correlation was observed between disease severity and quality of life. Controlling for age and gender, anxiety and sleepiness predicted 45·2% of the variance of overall quality of life (R² = 0·452, P < 0·001). Anxiety was the strongest predictor of overall and each domain of health-related quality of life. Conclusion. Assessment of mood in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea should be an essential part of nursing practice. Comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, especially mood disturbance, is important for improving quality of life for these patients.     

The relationship between arterial stiffness and the lifestyle habits of female athletes after retiring from competitive sports: a prospective study

This study investigated the relationship between changes in arterial stiffness and the lifestyle habits of endurance athletes after retiring from competition. The subjects were 10 female university endurance athletes. We used formPWV/ABI^® as an index for arterial stiffness and measured brachial‐ankle pulse‐wave velocity (baPWV) directly before subjects retired (0Y) and at 2 years after retirement (2Y). Furthermore, to investigate the relationship between arterial stiffness and lifestyle habits 2 years later, Lifecorder ^® PLUS was used to measure physical activity levels, hours of sleep were surveyed using a questionnaire, and a food intake survey was conducted using Excel Eiyoukun Food Frequency Questionnaire Based on Food Group, FFQg Ver. 3.5. We found that baPWV increased significantly from 0Y to 2Y (P<0·05). Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between 2Y baPWV and step count as the physical activity index (r = ?0·653, P<0·05) and moderate physical activity (r = ?0·663, P<0·05). With regard to lifestyle habits that affected the amount of increase in baPWV from 0Y to 2Y (ΔbaPWV), negative correlations were noted between the step count (r = ?0·690, P<0·05) and total physical activity (r = ?0·657, P<0·05). However, no significant correlations were observed between 2Y baPWV and ΔbaPWV with food intake or hours of sleep. The results of this study suggested that physical activity was a lifestyle habit that inhibited an increase in arterial stiffness after retirement from competition and that having a high step count or engaging in physical activity for long periods of time in particular was useful in this regard.     

Determination of baroreflex gain using auto-regressive moving-average analysis during spontaneous breathing

The heart rate component of the arterial baroreflex gain (BRG) was determined with auto-regressive moving-average (ARMA) analysis during each of spontaneous (SB) and random breathing (RB) protocols. Ten healthy subjects completed each breathing pattern on two different days in each of two different body positions, supine (SUP) and head-up tilt (HUT). The R–R interval, systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and instantaneous lung volume were recorded continuously. BRG was estimated from the ARMA impulse response relationship of R–R interval to SAP and from the spontaneous sequence method. The results indicated that both the ARMA and spontaneous sequence methods were reproducible (r=0·76 and r=0·85, respectively). As expected, BRG was significantly less in the HUT compared to SUP position for both ARMA (mean ± SEM; 3·5 ± 0·3 versus 11·2 ± 1·4 ms mmHg^–1; P<0·01) and spontaneous sequence analysis (10·3 ± 0·8 versus 31·5 ± 2·3 ms mmHg^–1; P<0·001). However, no significant difference was found between BRG during RB and SB protocols for either ARMA (7·9 ± 1·4 versus 6·7 ± 0·8 ms mmHg^–1; P=0·27) or spontaneous sequence methods (21·8 ± 2·7 versus 20·0 ± 2·1 ms mmHg^–1; P=0·24). BRG was correlated during RB and SB protocols (r=0·80; P<0·0001). ARMA and spontaneous BRG estimates were correlated (r=0·79; P<0·0001), with spontaneous sequence values being consistently larger (P<0·0001). In conclusion, we have shown that ARMA-derived BRG values are reproducible and that they can be determined during SB conditions, making the ARMA method appropriate for use in a wider range of patients.     

Tailored music listening intervention to reduce sleep disturbances in older adults with dementia: Research protocol

Sleep disruption in older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is debilitating and contributes to increased institutionalization, reduced cognitive function, and accelerated disease progression. Furthermore, sleep disruption is linked to poor health outcomes in caregivers, such as decreased quality of life and increased caregiver burden. Given the potentially harmful side effects of pharmacologic treatment, nonpharmacologic approaches, such as music, may provide a safer alternative to reducing sleep disruption in this vulnerable population. A growing body of literature suggests that calming tailored music may improve sleep quality in older adults with memory loss, but its efficacy has not been demonstrated in older adults with ADRD in the community, where most older adults with ADRD live. If shown to be feasible and acceptable, tailored music interventions can then be tested for efficacy in reducing sleep disruption. This protocol details a wait-list randomized controlled trial (NCT04157244), the purpose of which is to test the feasibility, acceptability, and examine the preliminary efficacy of a tailored music listening intervention in older adults with ADRD who report sleep disruption. Music selections will be tailored to the music genre preferences of older adults with ADRD and account for known sleep-inducing properties. The feasibility of processes that is key to the success of the subsequent study will be examined. Preliminary efficacy of the intervention will be assessed using objective (actigraphy) and subjective (proxy-reported) sleep quality measures. In addition, qualitative data will be solicited, examining the acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention by individuals with ADRD.     

Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial

BackgroundTo evaluate the effect of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil inhalation on sleep and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women with insomnia.Participants35 postmenopausal women with a clinical diagnosis of insomnia were included, 17 in Aroma Group (AG) and 18 in Placebo Group (PG).MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, PG participants inhaled sunflower oil and AG participants inhaledLavandula angustifolia essential oil, for 29 days. Both groups received sleep hygiene guidelines before the intervention and weekly follow-up during it. Evaluations were performed before and after intervention. All statistical analyses and intention-to-treat test were performed in SPSS 22. Sleep quality (Primary outcome) was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Secondary outcomes were polysomnography data, severity of insomnia, anxiety and depression symptoms, and postmenopausal symptoms.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups after intervention in the primary outcome (P = 0.22; effect size=0.69); however, a tendency of improvement in wake after sleep onset (WASO) was observed (P = 0.07; effect size=0.81; B = 42.2). Both groups presented better sleep quality over time (AG P < 0.001; PG P = 0.011). AG participants showed a significant decrease in sleep onset latency (P = 0.001), depression levels (P = 0.025), hot flashes (P < 0.001), postmenopausal symptoms (P < 0.001) and, in polysomnography data, increased sleep efficiency (P = 0.002) compared to baseline.ConclusionAlthough no significant differences were observed between groups, our data presented a tendency of improvement in WASO. Moreover, AG participants had enhanced overall sleep pattern, quality and sleep efficiency. Weekly follow-up and sleep hygiene instructions were essential for both groups to show improvement in almost all outcomes.Clinical trial registrationBrazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br, RBR-5q5t5z.     

Lung aeration during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

Background: Previous studies have indicated that patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) have altered ventilation and lung volumes awake and the results suggest that this may be a determinant of severity of desaturations during sleep. However, little is known about regional lung aeration during sleep in patients with OSA. Methods: Twelve patients with OSA were included in the study. Computed tomography was used to study regional lung aeration during wakefulness and sleep. Lung aeration was calculated in ml gas/g lung tissue in four different regions of interest (ROI_1–4), along the border of the lung from ventral to dorsal. Results: Lung aeration in the dorsal (dependent) lung region (ROI₄) was lower during sleep compared to wakefulness 0·78 ± 0·19 versus 0·88 ± 0·19 (mean ± SD) ml gas/g lung tissue (P = 0·005). Associations were found between awake expiratory reserve volume and change in lung aeration from wakefulness to sleep in ROI₄ (r = ?0·69; P = 0·012). In addition, the change in lung aeration in the dorsal region correlated to sleep time (r = 0·69; P = 0·014) but not to time in supine position. The difference in lung aeration between inspiration and expiration (i.e. ventilation), was larger in the ventral lung region when expressed as ml gas per g lung tissue. In two patients it was noted that, during on‐going obstructive apnoea, lung aeration tended to be increased rather than decreased. Conclusions: Aeration in the dorsal lung region is reduced during sleep in patients with OSA. The decrease is related to lung volume awake and to sleep time.