Physical sleeping environment is related to insomnia risk and measures of readiness in US army special operations soldiers

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2021-001801
Author(s):  
Janna Mantua ◽  
B M Ritland ◽  
J A Naylor ◽  
G Simonelli ◽  
C A Mickelson ◽  
...  

BackgroundUS military service members have characteristically poor sleep, even when ‘in garrison’ or at one’s home base. The physical sleeping environment, which is often poor in military-provided housing or barracks, may contribute to poor sleep quality in soldiers. The current study aimed to assess whether the sleeping environment in garrison is related to sleep quality, insomnia risk and military readiness.MethodsSeventy-four US army special operations soldiers participated in a cross-sectional study. Soldiers were queried on their sleeping surface comfort and the frequency of being awakened at night by excess light, abnormal temperatures and noise. Subjective sleep quality and insomnia symptoms were also queried, via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Insomnia Severity Index, respectively. Lastly, measures of soldier readiness, including morale, motivation, fatigue, mood and bodily pain, were assessed.ResultsSoldiers reporting temperature-related and light-related awakenings had poorer sleep quality higher fatigue and higher bodily pain than soldiers without those disturbances. Lower ratings of sleeping surface comfort were associated with poorer sleep quality and lower motivation, lower morale, higher fatigue and higher bodily pain. Each 1-point increase in sleeping surface comfort decreased the risk for a positive insomnia screen by 38.3%, and the presence of temperature-related awakenings increased risk for a positive insomnia screen by 78.4%. Those living on base had a poorer sleeping environment than those living off base.ConclusionOptimising the sleep environment—particularly in on-base, military-provided housing—may improve soldier sleep quality, and readiness metrics. Providers treating insomnia in soldiers should rule out environment-related sleep disturbances prior to beginning more resource-intensive treatment.

Author(s):  
Rulan Yin ◽  
Lin Li ◽  
Lan Xu ◽  
Wenjie Sui ◽  
Mei’e Niu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Currently, there is no consistent understanding of the relationship between depression and sleep quality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to explore the correlation between depression and sleep quality in SLE patients. Methods Five English (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) databases were systematically searched from inception to January 12, 2021. Two authors independently screened publications and extracted data according to set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analyses were performed with STATA 16.0. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Results A total of 9 identified studies matched the inclusion criteria, reporting on 514 patients with SLE in the analysis. A moderate correlation of depression with sleep quality was found (pooled r = 0.580 [0.473, 0.670]). Compared to good sleepers, patients with SLE and poor sleep quality had higher levels of depression (standardized mean difference =  − 1.28 [− 1.87, − 0.69]). Depression was associated with subjective sleep quality (r = 0.332 [0.009, 0.592]), sleep latency (r = 0.412 [0.101, 0.649]), sleep disturbances (r = 0.405 [0.094, 0.645]), daytime dysfunction (r = 0.503 [0.214, 0.711]), the four dimensions of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while no significant correlation was found in the other three PSQI dimensions. Conclusion Depression had a moderate correlation with sleep quality in patients with SLE. Patients with poor sleep quality tended to have higher level of depression than that of good sleepers. Awareness of the correlation may help rheumatology physicians and nurses to assess and prevent depression and improve sleep quality in patients with SLE.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Mary Horne ◽  
Ray Norbury

Increasing evidence suggests that eveningness is associated with increased risk for depression. Eveningness, however, is also associated with poor sleep quality and the unique role of eveningness in depressive symptomatology remains to be elucidated. The goal of the current study, therefore, was to examine the inter-relationships between eveningness, subjective sleep quality and depressive symptoms in healthy participants free of current or previous depression and sleep disorder. Here, 167 healthy participants (mean age 24.16, 129/38 females/males) completed the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Bootstrap mediation analysis for a simple mediation model including rMEQ, PSQI and CES-D was applied. Eveningness was associated with increased depressive symptoms and mediation analysis showed that this relationship was partly mediated by sleep quality. Our results suggest that indicators of depression observed in evening-type individuals cannot be attributed exclusively to disturbed sleep. We suggest that interventions that target both sleep quality and dysfunctionl cognitive styles would be optimal to promote well-being in evening-type individuals.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e021902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lovro Štefan ◽  
Goran Sporiš ◽  
Tomislav Krističević ◽  
Damir Knjaz

ObjectivesThe main purpose of the present study was to explore the associations between sleep quality and insufficient physical activity.DesignCross-sectional.SettingFaculties in Croatia.Participants2100 university students (1049 men and 1051 women) aged 18–24 years were recruited.Primary outcomeTo assess the domains of sleep quality (independent variables) and ‘insufficient’ physical activity (dependent variable), we used previously validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and International Physical Activity questionnaires. Logistic regressions were used to calculate the associations between the sleep quality and ‘insufficient’ physical activity.ResultsWhen sleep quality domains were entered separately into the model, very bad subjective sleep quality (OR 3.09; 95% CI 1.50 to 6.56), >60 min of sleep latency (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.39 to 3.39), <7 hours of sleep (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.96), <65% of habitual sleep efficiency (OR 2.26; 95% CI 1.26 to 4.05), sleep disturbances >1/week (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.52), use of sleep medication >1/week (OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.83 to 6.10), very big daytime dysfunction problem (OR 2.78; 95% CI 1.57 to 4.93) and poor sleep quality (1.53; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.91) were associated with ‘insufficient’ physical activity. When all sleep quality domains were entered simultaneously into the model, the same significant associations remained, except for sleep disturbances. Both models were adjusted for gender, body mass index, self-rated health, life satisfaction, socioeconomic status, presence or absence of chronic diseases, smoking status, binge drinking and psychological distress.ConclusionsOur results show that ‘poor’ sleep quality is associated with ‘insufficient’ physical activity in young adults. In order to improve, special strategies and policies that leverage ‘good sleep’ quality are warranted.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A330-A330
Author(s):  
C C Hays ◽  
E A Almklov ◽  
H J Orff ◽  
C E Wierenga

Abstract Introduction Sleep disturbances have been linked to a variety of health-related consequences, including clinically significant cognitive alterations. Older adults represent a particularly vulnerable population given that advanced age is associated with an increased risk for both sleep disorders, such as insomnia, and cognitive decline. Examining the relationship between resting cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and sleep quality in older adults will better our understanding of the neurophysiologic implications of poor sleep in aging adults. Methods Thirty-three cognitively normal older adults (15 males) between the ages of 65-85 (mean age=73) were administered the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and underwent assessment of rCBF using arterial spin labeling (ASL). Those who scored above 5 on the PSQI were defined as poor sleepers (n=17) and those who scored 5 or below were defined as good sleepers (n=16). Groups were then compared on voxel-wise whole-brain rCBF using independent samples t-tests statistically adjusting for age, sex, and the time interval between neuroimaging and sleep assessment. Results Compared to good sleepers, poor sleepers exhibited higher rCBF within bilateral thalamus and the left precuneus and lower rCBF within the left putamen (all ps&lt;.01, uncorrected). Conclusion In this preliminary investigation, poor sleepers exhibited a differential pattern of rCBF in several brain regions, including those involved in consciousness and other important cognitive abilities such as attention. Future research is needed to determine the short- and long-term implications of poor sleep on the aging brain. Support U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Clinical Sciences Research and Development Service Merit Award 5I01CX000565 (CEW) & VA Rehabilitation Research & Development - Career Development Award - RX001512-01A2 (HJO)


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-144
Author(s):  
Azam Teimouri ◽  
Babak Amra

BACKGROUND Due to stressful occupational conditions, irregular dietary and sleep schedules, medical students are at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in particular, as well as sleep disturbances. Therefore, for the first time, we aimed to assess the correlation between GERD and sleep disturbances among medical students. METHODS The current cross-sectional study was done on 290 medical students at different study periods in Iran during 2018-2019. Age, sex, stage of studying, residence, and body mass index were gathered. The frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (FSSG) was utilized to assess gastrointestinal symptoms among them and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality. Eventually, the association of sleep disturbances with demographic factors and gastrointestinal symptoms was evaluated. RESULTS Living in the dormitory (p = 0.048; OR: 1.73; 95%CI: 1.01-2.99) and being overweight (p < 0.001; OR: 3.09; 95%CI: 1.58-6.06) were independently correlated with impaired sleep quality. GERD presented either by heartburn (p < 0.001) or regurgitation (p < 0.001) was associated with a lower quality of life. CONCLUSION GERD was correlated with poor sleep quality among medical students. In addition, residence in dormitory and being overweight were correlated with poor sleep quality.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Immanuel Babu Henry Samuel ◽  
Charity B Breneman ◽  
Timothy Chun ◽  
Arghavan Hamedi ◽  
Rayelynn Murphy ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion is a known risk factor for multiple adverse health outcomes, including disturbed sleep. Although prior studies show adverse effects of TBI on sleep quality, its compounding effect with other factors on sleep is unknown. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of TBI on subjective sleep quality in the context of military status and other demographic factors. Materials and Methods A programmatic search of PubMed database from inception to June 2020 was conducted to identify studies that compared subjective sleep quality measured using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in individuals with TBI relative to a control group. The meta-analysis included group-wise standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI. Pooled means and SDs were obtained for TBI and non-TBI groups with and without military service, and meta-regression was conducted to test for group effects. Exploratory analysis was performed to test for the effect of TBI, non-head injury, military status, sex, and age on sleep quality across studies. Results Twenty-six articles were included, resulting in a combined total of 5,366 individuals (2,387 TBI and 2,979 controls). Overall, individuals with TBI self-reported poorer sleep quality compared to controls (SMD = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.80). Subgroup analysis revealed differences in the overall effect of TBI on PSQI, with a large effect observed in the civilian subgroup (SMD: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.03) and a medium effect in the civilian subgroup with orthopedic injuries (SMD: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.65) and military/veteran subgroup (SMD: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.71). Exploratory analysis revealed that age and history of military service significantly impacted global PSQI scores. Conclusions Poor sleep quality in TBI cohorts may be due to the influence of multiple factors. Military/veteran samples had poorer sleep quality compared to civilians even in the absence of TBI, possibly reflecting unique stressors associated with prior military experiences and the sequelae of these stressors or other physical and/or psychological traumas that combine to heightened vulnerability. These findings suggest that military service members and veterans with TBI are particularly at a higher risk of poor sleep and its associated adverse health outcomes. Additional research is needed to identify potential exposures that may further heighten vulnerability toward poorer sleep quality in those with TBI across both civilian and military/veteran populations.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janna Mantua ◽  
Alexxa F Bessey ◽  
Carolyn A Mickelson ◽  
Jake J Choynowski ◽  
Jeremy J Noble ◽  
...  

Abstract Experimental sleep restriction and deprivation lead to risky decision-making. Further, in naturalistic settings, short sleep duration and poor sleep quality have been linked to real-world high-risk behaviors (HRB), such as reckless driving or substance use. Military populations, in general, tend to sleep less and have poorer sleep quality than nonmilitary populations due to a number of occupational, cultural, and psychosocial factors (e.g. continuous operations, stress, and trauma). Consequently, it is possible that insufficient sleep in this population is linked to HRB. To investigate this question, we combined data from four diverse United States Army samples and conducted a mega-analysis by aggregating raw, individual-level data (n = 2,296, age 24.7 ± 5.3). A negative binomial regression and a logistic regression were used to determine whether subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Insomnia Severity Index [ISI], and duration [h]) predicted instances of military-specific HRB and the commission of any HRB (yes/no), respectively. Poor sleep quality slightly elevated the risk for committing HRBs (PSQI Exp(B): 1.12 and ISI Exp(B): 1.07), and longer duration reduced the risk for HRBs to a greater extent (Exp(B): 0.78), even when controlling for a number of relevant demographic factors. Longer sleep duration also predicted a decreased risk for commission of any HRB behaviors (Exp(B): 0.71). These findings demonstrate that sleep quality and duration (the latter factor, in particular) could be targets for reducing excessive HRB in military populations. These findings could therefore lead to unit-wide or military-wide policy changes regarding sleep and HRB.


2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 1827-1835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Cupidi ◽  
Sabrina Realmuto ◽  
Gianluca Lo Coco ◽  
Antonio Cinturino ◽  
Simona Talamanca ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackground: Knowledge about sleep complaints of caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) is limited, and we lack information about the relationship between caregivers’ sleep problems and their quality of life (QoL).Methods: We evaluated subjective sleep quality and its relationship to QoL in a group of 80 caregivers of patients with AD (ADCG, n = 40) and PD (PDCG, n = 40), and in 150 controls. Information about night-time complaints was collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). QoL was measured using the McGill QoL Questionnaire.Results: Eighteen ADCG (45%), 22 PDCG (55%), and 45 (30%) controls reported poor sleep quality. Mean global PSQI score of PDCG (6.25 ± 3.9) was not significantly different from that of ADCG (5.8 ± 3.5; p = 0.67). However, both PDCG and ADCG scored significantly higher than control group (4.3 ± 3.1; p < 0.01). ADCG frequently reported difficulties falling asleep (72.5%) and disturbed sleep (100%). PDCG reported reduced subjective sleep quality (80%) and increased sleep disturbances (100%). Poor sleep quality was associated with depressive symptoms and correlated with QoL in caregivers of both groups, particularly the psychological symptoms domain.Conclusions: Among caregivers of patients with AD and PD, poor sleep quality is frequent and significantly linked to QoL and depressive symptoms. Identifying the nature of sleep disturbances not only in patients but also in their caregivers is important as appropriate treatment may lead to a better management of the needs of families coping with these patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mazyar Haghgoo ◽  
Atoosa Saidpour ◽  
Hakimeh Sadeghzadeh ◽  
Samira Rabiei

Abstract ObjectivesSleep is an essentially biological process for health and the pattern of sleep. Poor sleep quality is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for poor health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between sleep quality, body mass index (BMI) and glycemic and lipid profiles in Iranian adults in 2020.This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on adults aged 18-60 years from both sexes. Participants were selected from those who referred to community centers in Tehran Municipality. Three hundred and fifty-three Volunteers who had inclusion criteria entered the study by convenience sampling. Information on anthropometric measurements, Physical Activity and dietary intake were collected. Sleep quality was assessed through PSQI questionnaire. Biochemical analysis was also conducted to investigate FBS, Insulin and lipid profile.ResultsBMI had positive correlation with subscale of “sleep disturbances” and “use of sleep medication” (P-value <0.001). Physical activity had a significant negative correlation with subscales of “subjective sleep quality” and “sleep latency”. FBS and TG had positive correlation with “sleep latency” and “Subjective sleep quality”, respectively (p-value<0.05). Weak sleep quality has association with obesity, disorder of glucose and triglyceride metabolism and lower level of physical activity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A71-A71
Author(s):  
P Varma ◽  
M Burge ◽  
H Meaklim ◽  
M Junge ◽  
M Jackson

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant psychological distress to many people across the globe. Poor sleep quality may be linked to poor mental health and increased suicide ideation. To contextualise the risk factors associated with self-harm or suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic, this cross-sectional study examined links between poor sleep quality, individual experiences and self-harm risk. Methods N=1544 (Mage=44.3y) from 63 countries completed an online survey in March-April 2020. Participants reported their pandemic experiences as free text responses, which were examined quantitatively for frequent word usage using Linguist Inquiry and Word Count software. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index assessed poor sleep quality (cut-off score &gt;8). Item-9 of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 measured the risk of self-harm. Results Individuals with poor sleep quality (45%) used more negative emotional tone and had greater use of anxiety or money-related words in their comments than good sleepers (all ps&lt;.05). Additionally, 19% of respondents (n=295) reported thoughts of self-harm at least several days a week (3.4% nearly every day). Logistic regression indicated that younger individuals, males, and those feeling isolated or less resilient had 1.2 to 1.5 times greater risk of self-harm (all ps&lt;.001). Poor sleep quality was associated with a two-fold increased risk of self-harm (95%CI=1.5–2.7, p&lt;.0001) after controlling for demographic variables. Discussion Poor sleep quality is linked to negative emotionality and increased risk of self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sleep is a modifiable factor; therefore interventions aimed at addressing sleep disturbances may improve resilience and reduce the risk of self-harm in vulnerable individuals.


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