scholarly journals Does reading a book in bed make a difference to sleep in comparison to not reading a book in bed? The People’s Trial—an online, pragmatic, randomised trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Finucane ◽  
Ann O’Brien ◽  
Shaun Treweek ◽  
John Newell ◽  
Kishor Das ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The best way of comparing healthcare treatments is through a randomised trial. In a randomised trial, we compare something (a treatment or intervention) to something else, often another treatment. Who gets what is decided at random, meaning everyone has an equal chance of getting any of the treatments. This means any differences found can be put down to the treatment received rather than other things, such as where people live, or health conditions they might have. The People’s Trial aimed to help the public better understand randomised trials by inviting them to design and carry out a trial. The question chosen by the public for The People’s Trial was: ‘Does reading a book in bed make a difference to sleep, in comparison to not reading a book in bed?’ This paper describes that trial, called ‘The Reading Trial’. Methods The Reading Trial was an online, randomised trial. Members of the public were invited to take part through social media campaigns. People were asked to either read a book in bed before going to sleep (intervention group) or not read a book in bed before going to sleep (control group). We asked everyone to do this for 7 days, after which they measured their sleep quality. Results During December 2019, a total of 991 people took part in The Reading Trial, half (496 (50%)) in the intervention group and half (495 (50%)) in the control group. Not everyone finished the trial: 127 (25.6%) people in the intervention group and 90 (18.18%) people in the control group. Of those providing data, 156/369 (42%) people in the intervention group felt their sleep improved, compared to 112/405 (28%) of those in the control group, a difference of 14%. When we consider how certain we are of this finding, we estimate that, in The Reading Trial, sleep improved for between 8 and 22% more people in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusions Reading a book in bed before going to sleep improved sleep quality, compared to not reading a book in bed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04185818. Registered on 4 December 2019.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Finucane ◽  
Ann O’Brien ◽  
Shaun Treweek ◽  
John Newell ◽  
Kishor Das ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundThe best way of comparing healthcare treatments is through a randomised trial. In a randomised trial, we compare something (a treatment or intervention) to something else, often another treatment. Who gets what is decided at random, meaning everyone has an equal chance of getting any of the treatments. This means any differences found can be put down to the treatment received rather than other things, such as where people live, or health conditions they might have.The People’s Trial aimed to help the public better understand randomised trials by inviting them to design and carry out a trial. The question chosen by the public for The People’s Trial was:‘Does reading a book in bed make a difference to sleep, in comparison to not reading a book in bed?’ This paper describes that trial, called ‘The Reading Trial’.MethodsThe Reading Trial was an online, randomised trial. Members of the public were invited to take part through social media campaigns. People were asked to either read a book in bed before going to sleep (intervention group) or not read a book in bed before going to sleep (control group). We asked everyone to do this for seven days, after which they measured their sleep quality. Results During December 2019, a total of 991 people took part in The Reading Trial, half (496 (50%)) in the intervention group and half (495 (50%)) in the control group. Not everyone finished the trial: 127 (25.6%) people in the intervention group, and 90 (18.18%) people in the control group. Of those providing data, 156/369 (42%) people in the intervention group felt their sleep improved, compared to 112/405 (28%) of those in the control group, a difference of 14%. When we consider how certain we are of this finding, we estimate that, in The Reading Trial, sleep improved for between 8% and 22% more people in the intervention group compared to the control group.ConclusionsReading a book in bed before going to sleep improved sleep quality, compared to not reading a book in bed.Trial Registration Registered 4th December 2019, ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04185818.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Fabio R. M. dos Santos ◽  
Shirley S. Lacerda ◽  
Cassia C. Coelhoso ◽  
Carla R. Barrichello ◽  
Patricia R. Tobo ◽  
...  

Meditation and positive psychology have been reported as promising approaches to deal with stress. This exploratory pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of meditation and positive psychology-based intervention on stress. Two experiments are reported; in the first one, 29 healthcare professionals were included (intervention = 14; control = 15), and the second one included 57 women managers (intervention = 27; control = 30). All participants were evaluated before and after eight weeks for levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric symptoms. In Experiment 1, intervention group participants showed a reduction in stress levels and anxiety symptoms, and in Experiment 2, participants in the intervention group showed a decrease in stress, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep quality, when compared to the control group. A multi-component intervention based on positive psychology and meditation practices was effective at reducing stress as well as improving related stress parameters such as anxiety, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep quality.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1757
Author(s):  
Michael R. Szymanski ◽  
Gabrielle E. W. Giersch ◽  
Margaret C. Morrissey ◽  
Courteney L. Benjamin ◽  
Yasuki Sekiguchi ◽  
...  

Euhydration remains a challenge in children due to lack of access and unpalatability of water and to other reasons. The purpose of this study was to determine if the availability/access to a beverage (Creative Roots®) influences hydration in children and, therefore, sleep quality and mood. Using a crossover investigation, 46 participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CON) or an intervention group and received Creative Roots® (INT) for two-week periods. We recorded daily first morning and afternoon urine color (Ucol), thirst perception, and bodyweight of the two groups. Participants reported to the lab once per week and provided first morning urine samples to assess Ucol, urine specific gravity (USG), and urine osmolality (Uosmo). Participants also completed the questionnaires Profile of Mood States-Adolescents (POMS-a) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Dependent t-tests were used to assess the effects of the intervention on hydration, mood, and sleep quality. Uosmo was greater and Ucol was darker in the control group (mean ± SD) [Uosmo: INT = 828 ± 177 mOsm·kg−1, CON = 879 ± 184 mOsm·kg−1, (p = 0.037], [Ucol:INT = 5 ± 1, CON = 5 ± 1, p = 0.024]. USG, POMS-a, and PSQI were not significant between the groups. At-home daily afternoon Ucol was darker in the control group [INT = 3 ± 1, CON = 3 ± 1, p = 0.022]. Access to Creative Roots® provides a small, potentially meaningful hydration benefit in children. However, children still demonstrated consistent mild dehydration based on Uosmo, despite consuming the beverage.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liora Kempler ◽  
Louise A Sharpe ◽  
Nathaniel S Marshall ◽  
Delwyn J Bartlett

Abstract Study Objectives Poor sleep is commonly problematic during pregnancy and postpartum and is associated with depression. This trial investigated the efficacy of prenatal brief, group sleep psychoeducation in improving postpartum maternal sleep, and depression. Methods A total of 215 healthy expectant first-time mothers were cluster randomized (1:1) to receive either a 2 × 1.5 h psychoeducation intervention and a set of booklets, or a set of booklets only. Participants completed questionnaires during pregnancy (pre-intervention), and 6 weeks and 4 months postpartum. A post hoc subset of questionnaires was collected at 10 months postpartum. The primary hypothesis was the intervention group would have improved postpartum sleep quality, and reduced levels of insomnia symptoms, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness compared to the control group. Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and stress. Results Linear mixed model analyses failed to confirm a group by time interaction on primary or secondary outcomes across all time points. There was no effect of the intervention on outcomes at 6 weeks, or 10 months postpartum. A significant time by group interaction was found at 4 months, favoring the intervention for sleep quality (p = 0.03) and insomnia symptoms (p = 0.03), but not fatigue or daytime sleepiness. Conclusions Prenatal sleep psychoeducation did not produce a sustained effect on maternal sleep throughout the postpartum period. There was little evidence of benefits on depressive symptoms. Clinical Trial Registration ACTRN12611000859987


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Gebhart ◽  
Daniel Erlacher ◽  
Michael Schredl

Research indicates that physical exercise can contribute to better sleep quality. This study investigates the six-week influence of a combined intervention on self-rated sleep quality, daytime mood, and quality of life. A nonclinical sample of 114 adults with chronic initiating and the maintaining of sleep complaints participated in the study. The intervention group of 70 adults underwent moderate physical exercise, conducted weekly, plus sleep education sessions. Improvements among participants assigned to the intervention group relative to the waiting-list control group (n=44) were noted for subjective sleep quality, daytime mood, depressive symptoms and vitality. Derived from PSQI subscores, the intervention group reported increased sleep duration, shortened sleep latency, fewer awakenings after sleep onset, and overall better sleep efficiency compared to controls. The attained scores were well sustained and enhanced over a time that lasted through to the follow-up 18 weeks later. These findings have implications in treatment programs concerning healthy lifestyle approaches for adults with chronic sleep complaints.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Shukla ◽  
Nitin Ujjaliya

Introduction: The characteristic clinical features of Covid-19 disease range between asymptomatic to mild-moderate symptoms. Studies suggest that a large population (80%) presents its asymptomatic or milder form. Remaining 20 percent, owing to severity of the diseases, need hospital-based care. Many treatment protocols and strategies have been promoted and recommended by authorities including WHO, but nothing has actually been finalized till date. The present study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of an Ayurvedic formulation viz. Arogya Kashayam-20 in the hospitalized cases of Covid-19.Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Arogya Kashayam-20 in the cases of COVID-19 particularly the negative conversion of RTPCR in 10 days duration.Material and Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at COVID-19 Care Center, Pt. Khushilal Sharma Government Ayurveda College & Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh with a sample size of 112 participants, aged between 16 to 60 years of either sex. Participants were divided in two groups viz. group A and B. Both the groups received Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), vitamin C and Zinc as per the prevailing ICMR guidelines and group 'A' received additionally Arogya Kashayam-20 for 10 days. Outcome measure of the study was to see the negative conversion RT-PCR test after intervention period of 10 days. CTRI Registration: CTRI/2020/06/026221. Results: Among the 60 cases registered in study group (group A), 51 cases (85.00%) were reported with negative RTPCR on 10th day. Out of 52 cases registered in control group (group B); 39 cases (75.00%) were tested negative RTPCR on 10th day. In both the groups all the cases were discharged asymptomatically on 10th day as per the prevailing ICMR guidelines. No ADR/AE observed during the intervention period.Conclusion: The study observes that the add on intervention group has a better outcome in terms of RT-PCR negative reports after 10 days comparing to the control group.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 52-67
Author(s):  
Anggi Vina Hariyati ◽  
Cahyaningrum ◽  
Adil Zulkarnain

Anemia is one of the public health problems that need more attention of the female because they experience menstruation and they are in the growth phase. From the data of Semarang City Health Office  in 2011, it is shown the incidence of anemia in adolescents aged 10-19 years old are 68.24%. The prevention effort of the case is by measuring hemoglobin and prescribing blood supplement. The objective of the study is to find out the effect of Fe tablets on Hemoglobin in Semarang Merchant Marine Polytechnique students. The objective of the study is to find out the effect of Fe tablets on Hemoglobin in Semarang Merchant Marine Polytechnique students. This research used pre-experimental design with the two group pretest posttest. The population in this Study were all Merchant Marine Polytechnique Semarang at the 4th semester of female students  amounting to 50 with the total respondents 34 respondents taken with purposive sampling technique. The data were collected by performing Hemoglobin examination. The results of the study show that the average Hemoglobin before being prescribed Fe on the intervention and control group was 11.29 g/dl. After being prescribed Fe to the intervention group, it is found the average increased to 13.69 g/dl, while in the control group it is found averaged 11.72 g/dl. Bivariate Analysis uses an independent t test, the value of t is 6.136 with a p-value of   0.000. It shows that the p-value is 0,000 <((0.05), this indicates that there is a significant difference in the decrease in Hemoglobin levels in the population after being prescribed blood supplement between the intervention and control groups in The Semarang Merchant Marine Politechnique Students. It is suggested that the female adolescents to consume more iron-containing foods or consume Fe supplements such as Fe, during menstruation. ABSTRAK  Anemia merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan masyarakat yang perlu khusus nya pada remaja  putri yang perlu mendapatkan perhatian khusus karena remaja putri mengalami mestruasi tiap bulan dan dalam masa pertumbuhan . Hasil Data Dinas Kesehatan Kota Semarang tahun 2011.  Kejadian anemia pada remaja usia 10-19 sebanyak 68,24%. Untuk menangani masalah tersebut pencegahan yang dilakukan yaitu dengan cara mengukur hemoglobin dan pemberian suplemen tablet tambah darah . Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat Pengaruh Pemberian Tablet Fe Terhadap Hemoglobin Pada Taruni Politeknik Ilmu Pelayaran Semarang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat Pengaruh Pemberian Tablet Fe Terhadap Hemoglobin Pada Taruni Politeknik Ilmu Pelayaran Semarang. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan  pre-eksperimen design dengan rancangan Two group pretest posttest. Populasi dalam penelitian iniadalah seluruh taruni politeknik ilmu pelayaran semarang semester 4 berjumlah 50 taruni dengan jumlah sempel 34 responden dengan tehnik pengambilan sempel purposive sampling. Pengambilan data dengan melakukan pemeriksaan Hemoglobin.  Penelitian menunjukan bahwa rata-rata Hemoglobin sebelum diberikan pada taruni kelompok intervensi  dan  kontrol sama yaitu  11,29 g/dl.  Dan setelah diberikan pada kelompok intervensi  rata-rata meningkat menjadi 13,69 g/dl, sedangkan  kelompok kontrol rata-rata sebesar 11,72 g/dl. Analisis bivariate Menggunakan uji t independen, didapatkan nilai t hitung 6,136 dengan p-value sebesar 0,000. Terlihat bahwa p-value 0,000 <a (0,05), ini menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan secara signifikan penurunan (selisih) kadar Hemoglobin b pada taruni sesudah diberikan tablet penambah darah antara kelompok intervensi dan kontrol pada taruni Politeknik Ilmu Pelayaran Semarang.  Hendaknya bagi remaja putri lebih banyak mengomsumsi makanan yang mengandung zat besi atau mengomsumsi suplemen yang mengandung besi seperti Fe terutama saat mestruasi


Salmand ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-495
Author(s):  
Maryam Moradi ◽  
◽  
Hamideh Mohammadzadeh ◽  
Reza Noori ◽  
Kokab Basiri Moghadam ◽  
...  

Objectives: Low quality sleep is one of the most common problems in old age. The present study aims to determine the effect of a sleep hygiene education program using Telephone Follow-Up (TFU) method on the sleep quality of the elderly. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 eligible elderly people aged 60-74 years who were selected using a systematic random sampling method and were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a one-hour face-to-face education session on sleep hygiene. The TFU were carried out two times per week in the first month and once a week in the second month after intervention. The control group received routine care. The data collection tools were a demographic form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The PSQI was completed for both groups immediately after the second month. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean PSQI score before intervention in the intervention (8.02) and control (7.47) groups (P=0.32), but after the intervention, the mean PSQI score in the intervention group (5.42) was significantly reduced compared to the control group (7.67) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Sleep hygiene education program based on TFU improves the sleep quality of the elderly. It is recommended that health care providers use this method to improve the sleep quality of the elderly.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Dana Alkhatib

Introduction: Fasting during Ramadan involves large changes in daily eating   patterns which strongly impacts the daily biorhythm, and challenges the regular function of the digestive tract. In the UAE, more than seven out of ten children and adolescents consume less fiber than recommended. A common problem reported  during Ramadan is poor digestion health accompanied by an increase in the      occurrence of constipation. Objective: To assess satiety, bowel habits, body    composition, blood glycaemia, and blood lipidemia after the consumption of high fiber All Bran cereal at Suhur meal. Methodology: This research study is a controlled, randomized, parallel-design study. Subjects (n= 45) consumed either 90g of All Bran Raisins (11g/100g fiber) or 90g All Bran Flakes (15g/100g) at Suhur for 20     consecutive days compared with control group (n= 36). Results: After 20 days,   significant differences were found for the intervention group for appetite, digestive symptoms and lipid outcomes. Fifteen minutes after Suhur, 100% of the high fiber intervention group (n=45) and 32% of the control group (n=36) experienced     satisfaction after the meal. Eight hours later, 53% of the control group and 23% of the intervention group felt hungry. Bloating symptoms were significantly improved for intervention group compared to the control group and had improved bowel     functioning (60.5%, 48.6%; P < 0.001, respectively). The high fiber group had    significant higher fiber intakes: the control group stayed at 18.5g fiber per day while in the intervention group fiber intake increased from 18 to 25.5g fiber/day. There were no significant changes in body weight, % body fat, and BMI after 20 days for both groups. Moreover, cholesterol and LDL levels have increased significantly in the control group but were maintained in intervention group. Finally, there was no    significant increase in blood glucose and triglycerides for the control group.    Conclusions: There is a clear positive effect of consuming high fiber breakfast cereal on health and wellbeing during Ramadan with better satiety, improved bowel   functions, and blood lipids. Increasing the intake of dietary fiber/day in Ramadan would have many health benefits for the people in the Arab Gulf countries. This  research was funded and supported by Kellogg EMEA.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
HyoRim Ju ◽  
EunKyo Kang ◽  
YoungIn Kim ◽  
HyunYoung Ko ◽  
Belong Cho

BACKGROUND As the global burden of chronic conditions increases, effective management for these are a concern. There is an increasing need for chronic condition management using mobile self-management healthcare applications. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the effectiveness of a mobile self-management healthcare application combined with human coaching for primary care services in patients with chronic conditions. METHODS A total of 110 patients with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and/or metabolic syndrome who visited one of 17 participating primary care clinics from September 2020 to November 2020 were included in this study. Data regarding changes in body weight, sleep conditions, quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress, body mass index, waist circumference, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and blood lipids levels were recorded. The intervention group (N=65) used a mobile self-management healthcare application with human coaching for 12 weeks, and the control group (N=45) underwent conventional, self-managed health care. RESULTS Patients in the intervention group reported significantly more weight loss than those in the control group (P=.002). The weight loss was markedly greater after using application for nine weeks than using it for four weeks or five to eight weeks (P=.002). Patients in the intervention group reported better sleep quality (P=.04) and duration (P=.004) than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The combination of a mobile self-management healthcare application and human coaching in primary care clinics results in better management of chronic conditions. The observed weight loss was greater and sleep quality improved than conventional primary care for patients with at least one chronic condition.


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