scholarly journals Association between Irregular Meal Timing and the Mental Health of Japanese Workers

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2775
Author(s):  
Yu Tahara ◽  
Saneyuki Makino ◽  
Takahiko Suiko ◽  
Yuki Nagamori ◽  
Takao Iwai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Breakfast Skipping ◽  
Meal Timing ◽  
Subjective Mental Health

Breakfast skipping and nighttime snacking have been identified as risk factors for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of irregularity of meal timing on health and daily quality of life are still unclear. In this study, a web-based self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted involving 4490 workers (73.3% males; average age = 47.4 ± 0.1 years) in Japan to investigate the association between meal habits, health, and social relationships. This study identified that irregular meal timing was correlated with higher neuroticism (one of the Big Five personality traits), lower physical activity levels, and higher productivity loss. Irregular meal timing was also associated with a higher incidence of sleep problems and lower subjective health conditions. Among health outcomes, a high correlation of irregular meal timing with mental health factors was observed. This study showed that irregularity of meal timing can be explained by unbalanced diets, frequent breakfast skipping, increased snacking frequency, and insufficient latency from the last meal to sleep onset. Finally, logistic regression analysis was conducted, and a significant contribution of meal timing irregularity to subjective mental health was found under adjustment for other confounding factors. These results suggest that irregular meal timing is a good marker of subjective mental health issues.

scholarly journals Are Reallocations between Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Associated with Better Sleep in Adults Aged 55+ Years? An Isotemporal Substitution Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9579
Author(s):  
Julie Vanderlinden ◽  
Gregory Biddle ◽  
Filip Boen ◽  
Jannique van Uffelen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Sleep Efficiency ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Wake Time ◽  
Alternative Treatment Option

Physical activity has been proposed as an effective alternative treatment option for the increasing occurrence of sleep problems in older adults. Although higher physical activity levels are associated with better sleep, the association between specific physical activity intensities and sedentary behaviour (SB) with sleep remains unclear. This study examines the associations of statistically modelled time reallocations between sedentary time and different physical activity intensities with sleep outcomes using isotemporal substitution analysis. Device-measured physical activity data and both objective and subjective sleep data were collected from 439 adults aged 55+ years. Replacing 30 min of SB with moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was significantly associated with an increased number of awakenings. Moreover, a reallocation of 30 min between light physical activity (LPA) and MVPA was significantly associated with increased sleep efficiency. Furthermore, reallocating 30 min of SB to LPA showed a significant association with decreased sleep efficiency. There were no significant associations of time reallocations for wake time after sleep onset, length of awakenings, and sleep quality. These results improve our understanding of the interrelationships between different intensities of movement behaviours and several aspects of sleep in older adults.

scholarly journals 706 Sleep and Mental Health in College Students Before and During the Initial COVID-19 Shutdown

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A275-A276
Author(s):  
Michele Okun ◽  
Allison Walden ◽  
Leilani Feliciano
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Sleep Onset Latency ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unparalleled impact on college students. Following the initial and abrupt shutdown of campuses in March 2020, several investigators assessed the immediate effects on University students. Early reports found that college students reported a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression, sedentary behavior, and sleep problems. Most were conducted outside the U.S. Data from U.S. college students are critical to identify which areas are should receive resources and interventions as the U.S. continues to experience exponential COVID cases along with continued remote learning, social restrictions and/or lockdowns. Methods Students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester (18 years of age +) were invited to participate in an online survey (April – May 2020). A final sample of 491 completed the entire survey (length ~45 minutes) which asked about sleep quality, psychological stress, depression, and exercise.Paired t-tests were conducted to compare pre-COVID and during COVID data. Results There were significant differences in sleep onset latency (26.44 ± 23.53 min vs 32.06 ± 26.88 min; t = -3.81, P < .001), sleep duration (7.30 ± 1.45 hours vs 7.63 ± 2.07 hours; t = -2.23, p = 0.027) and overall sleep quality (6.29 ± 3.29 vs 7.44 ± 3.86; t = -7.26, p < .001), as well as depression scores (IDS no sleep questions) (5.61 ± 4.18 vs 17.59 ± 5.45; t = -54.9, P < .001). There was no difference in perceived stress (28.03 ±5.27 vs 28.39 ±5.53, t = -1.49, p = .138). Exercise (vigorous, moderate and walking) all decreased with regards to days and time spent, (all P’s < .001), whereas minutes sitting significantly increased (426.50 ± 239.88 vs 542.26 ± 249.63, p < .001). Conclusion These data empirically support the claim that the pandemic is having a significant negative impact on physical and mental health among college students. In the best of times, college students have irregular sleep patterns and significant depression, but these behaviors are worsened under government restrictions. These findings underscore the need to prioritize prevention and intervention of modifiable behaviors, especially if the pandemic extends into 2021. Support (if any):

scholarly journals Tired, Worried and Burned Out, but Still Resilient: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Workers in the UK during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4457
Author(s):  
Sofia Pappa ◽  
Joshua Barnett ◽  
Ines Berges ◽  
Nikolaos Sakkas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Health Workers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on health systems and the physical and mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been substantial. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of mental health workers who provide care to a vulnerable patient population that have been particularly affected during this crisis. A total of 387 HCWs from across a large urban mental health service completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, lifestyle and work-based information and validated psychometric scales. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively; sleep problems with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS); burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); and resilience with the Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine potential mediating factors. Prevalence of burnout was notable, with 52% recording moderate/severe in Emotional Exhaustion, 19.5% moderate/severe in Depersonalisation, and 55.5% low/moderate Personal Accomplishment. Over half of all respondents (52%) experienced sleep problems; the presence of depressive symptoms was a significant predictor of insomnia. An increase in potentially harmful lifestyle changes, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and overeating was also observed. However, high Resilience was reported by 70% of the samples and the importance of this is highlighted. Female gender was associated with increased levels of depression and emotional exhaustion while those with a history of mental health conditions were most at risk of affective symptoms, insomnia, and burnout. Overall, our study revealed considerable levels of psychological distress and maladaptive coping strategies but also resilience and satisfaction with organizational support provided. Findings can inform tailored interventions in order to mitigate vulnerability and prevent long-term psychological sequelae.

scholarly journals Dual impacts of coronavirus anxiety on mental health in 35 societies

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia Xiaohua Chen ◽  
Jacky C. K. Ng ◽  
Bryant P. H. Hui ◽  
Algae K. Y. Au ◽  
Wesley C. H. Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Psychological Adaptation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
Perceived Vulnerability

AbstractThe spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected both physical health and mental well-being around the world. Stress-related reactions, if prolonged, may result in mental health problems. We examined the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in a multinational study and explored the effects of government responses to the outbreak. We sampled 18,171 community adults from 35 countries/societies, stratified by age, gender, and region of residence. Across the 35 societies, 26.6% of participants reported moderate to extremely severe depression symptoms, 28.2% moderate to extremely severe anxiety symptoms, and 18.3% moderate to extremely severe stress symptoms. Coronavirus anxiety comprises two factors, namely Perceived Vulnerability and Threat Response. After controlling for age, gender, and education level, perceived vulnerability predicted higher levels of negative emotional symptoms and psychological distress, whereas threat response predicted higher levels of self-rated health and subjective well-being. People in societies with more stringent control policies had more threat response and reported better subjective health. Coronavirus anxiety exerts detrimental effects on subjective health and well-being, but also has the adaptive function in mobilizing safety behaviors, providing support for an evolutionary perspective on psychological adaptation.

scholarly journals Trajectory of Food Insecurity and Its Association with Longitudinal Mental Health and Sleep Outcomes in Adolescents from Economically Disadvantaged Families

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1696
Author(s):  
Ting-Hsuan Lee ◽  
Jen-Hao Kuo ◽  
Chia-Yi Liu ◽  
Yi-Fang Yu ◽  
Carol Strong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Economically Disadvantaged ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Disadvantaged Families

Background: Adolescence is a critical transition period in the course of human development. Although food insecurity (FI) has been shown to be associated with adverse mental health and sleep outcomes in US adolescents, there is a paucity of research examining the relationships between FI, mental health, and sleep outcomes in Taiwanese adolescents. Furthermore, it is unknown how the change of FI over time (i.e., the trajectory of FI) is related to health outcomes. Methods: The data come from the Taiwan Database of Children and Youth in Poverty, which is a national longitudinal project measuring FI in five survey waves (2009–2017). We employed group-based trajectory modeling to classify various FI trends over the five waves using STATA. Furthermore, a generalized estimating equation analysis was conducted with FI trajectories as the independent variable to see how FI trajectory is related to mental health and sleep outcomes. Results: In total, 1921 participants aged 12–18 years in the first wave were deemed valid for the analysis. We classified the participants into four FI trajectory groups: persistently low FI (24.8%), persistently moderate FI (64.7%), declining from high to low FI (4.1%), and food-secure groups (6.4%). As compared to food-secure adolescents, the persistently moderate FI group was more likely to have mental problems (β = 0.30, [95% confidence interval 0.21–0.38]), while the other FI groups were only marginally associated with mental health problems. Moreover, adolescents in the persistently low FI group (β = 0.13, [0.02–0.23]) and persistently moderate FI group (β = 0.39, [0.29–0.48]) were found to have more sleep problems than those in the food-secure group. Conclusions: Our study describes the FI profile of adolescents from economically disadvantaged families and the difficulties they might encounter. With this information, healthcare providers can aid adolescents in the early stages of mental health problems and provide guidance when appropriate.

scholarly journals Treating sleep problems in young people at ultra-high-risk of psychosis: study protocol for a single-blind parallel group randomised controlled feasibility trial (SleepWell)

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e045235
Author(s):  
Felicity Waite ◽  
Thomas Kabir ◽  
Louise Johns ◽  
Jill Mollison ◽  
Apostolos Tsiachristas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Psychotic Experiences ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Ultra High Risk ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundEffective interventions, targeting key contributory causal factors, are needed to prevent the emergence of severe mental health problems in young people. Insomnia is a common clinical issue that is problematic in its own right but that also leads to the development and persistence of psychotic experiences. The implication is that treating sleep problems may prevent the onset of psychosis. We collected initial case series data with 12 young people at ultra-high-risk of psychosis. Post-intervention, there were improvements in sleep, depression and psychotic experiences. Now we test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial, with a clinical aim to treat sleep problems and hence reduce depression, psychotic experiences, and prevent transition to psychosis.Methods and analysisA randomised controlled feasibility trial will be conducted. Forty patients aged 14 to 25 years who are at ultra-high-risk of psychosis and have sleep disturbance will be recruited from National Health Service (NHS) mental health services. Participants will be randomised to receive either a novel, targeted, youth-focussed sleep intervention in addition to usual care or usual care alone. Assessor-blinded assessments will be conducted at baseline, 3 months (post-intervention) and 9 months (follow-up). The eight-session psychological intervention will target the key mechanisms which disrupt sleep: circadian rhythm irregularities, low sleep pressure, and hyperarousal. To gain an in-depth understanding of participants’ views on the acceptability of the intervention and study procedures, 16 participants (n=10 intervention, n=6 control) will take part in qualitative interviews. Analyses will focus on feasibility outcomes (recruitment, retention, and treatment uptake rates) and provide initial CI estimates of intervention effects. Thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews will assess the acceptability of the intervention and trial procedures.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has received ethical approval from the NHS Health Research Authority. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and lay networks.Trial registration numberISRCTN85601537.

scholarly journals Effect of early intervention for anxiety on sleep outcomes in adolescents: a randomized trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bente Storm Mowatt Haugland ◽  
Mari Hysing ◽  
Asle Hoffart ◽  
Åshild Tellefsen Haaland ◽  
Jon Fauskanger Bjaastad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Standard Length ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sleep Onset Latency ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration

AbstractThe potential effect of early intervention for anxiety on sleep outcomes was examined in a sample of adolescents with anxiety (N = 313, mean 14.0 years, SD = 0.84, 84% girls, 95.7% Norwegians). Participants were randomized to one of three conditions: a brief or a standard-length cognitive-behavioral group-intervention (GCBT), or a waitlist control-group (WL). Interventions were delivered at schools, during school hours. Adolescents with elevated anxiety were recruited by school health services. Questionnaires on self-reported anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and sleep characteristics were administered at pre- and post-intervention, post-waitlist, and at 1-year follow-up. Adolescents reported reduced insomnia (odds ratio (OR) = 0.42, p < 0.001) and shorter sleep onset latency (d = 0.27, p <  0.001) from pre- to post-intervention. For insomnia, this effect was maintained at 1-year follow-up (OR = 0.54, p = 0.020). However, no effect of GCBT on sleep outcomes was found when comparing GCBT and WL. Also, no difference was found in sleep outcomes between brief and standard-length interventions. Adolescents defined as responders (i.e., having improved much or very much on anxiety after GCBT), did not differ from non-responders regarding sleep outcomes. Thus, anxiety-focused CBT, delivered in groups, showed no effect on sleep outcomes. Strategies specifically targeting sleep problems in adolescents should be included in GCBT when delivered as early intervention for adolescents with elevated anxiety.Trial registry Clinical trial registration: School Based Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Anxious Youth (LIST); http://clinicalrials.gov/; NCT02279251, Date: 11.31. 2014

scholarly journals Loneliness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison between Older and Younger People

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 7871
Author(s):  
Mostafa Saidur Rahim Khan ◽  
Yoshihiko Kadoya
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older People ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Subjective Health Status ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Precautionary Measures

The precautionary measures and uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have serious psychological impacts on peoples’ mental health. We used longitudinal data from Hiroshima University to investigate loneliness before and during the pandemic among older and younger people in Japan. We provide evidence that loneliness among both older and younger people increased considerably during the pandemic. Although loneliness among younger people is more pervasive, the magnitude of increase in loneliness during the pandemic is higher among older people. Our logit regression analysis shows that age, subjective health status, and feelings of depression are strongly associated with loneliness before and during the pandemic. Moreover, household income and financial satisfaction are associated with loneliness among older people during the pandemic while gender, marital status, living condition, and depression are associated with loneliness among younger people during the pandemic. The evidence of increasing loneliness during the pandemic is concerning for a traditionally well-connected and culturally collectivist society such as Japan. As loneliness has a proven connection with both physical and mental health, we suggest immediate policy interventions to provide mental health support for lonely people so they feel more cared for, secure, and socially connected.

Psychopathological effects of the Coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2) imposed lockdown on vulnerable patients in treatment in a mental health outpatient department for migrants and individuals in poor socioeconomic conditions

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402098857
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Aragona ◽  
Maria Cristina Tumiati ◽  
Federica Ferrari ◽  
Sonia Viale ◽  
Gianluca Nicolella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Treatment Discontinuation ◽  
Outpatient Department ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Life Problems ◽  
Mental Symptoms

Background: The effects of Sars-Cov-2 pandemic may increase vulnerability of migrants. Aims: To investigate the effects of the governmental lockdown on the mental health of vulnerable migrants in treatment at an outpatient department. Method: In a telephone survey post-migration living difficulties and psychopathological symptoms were investigated, particularly post-traumatic thoughts and nightmares, anxiety, depression, feelings of tension and irritability, other sleep problems, as well as COVID-19 related fears. Psychopathological changes during the lockdown were detected and rated by clinicians. Rates of treatment discontinuation and reasons why were also recorded. Results: Of 103 eligible patients, 81 answered the phone call and were included in the study. Mental symptoms were frequent but not as severe as expected. About 32% of patients in psychopharmacological treatment and almost 52% of patients in psychotherapy had discontinued treatment. Patients who were globally considered to have worsened if compared to their pre-coronavirus mental health conditions had in fact higher scores on several mental symptoms but mild specific fears about coronavirus issues, similar to those of patients improved or stable. Worsening was significantly associated with unemployment, lack of VISA, and treatment discontinuation. Shifting the way of providing psychotherapy into a web-based modality was significantly more frequent in stable/improved patients. Conclusion: Findings suggest that concrete life problems and treatment discontinuation more than the coronavirus fear, have predominantly affected the mental health conditions of our patients.

086 Sleep midpoint after job loss predicts breakfast skipping patterns

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A36-A36
Author(s):  
Leah Callovini ◽  
Gaby Gubka ◽  
Candace Mayer ◽  
Darlynn Rojo-Wissar ◽  
David Glickenstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Job Loss ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Circadian Phase ◽  
Breakfast Skipping ◽  
Occupational Transitions ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Significant Covariates

Abstract Introduction Few studies have examined circadian phase after job loss, an event that upends daily routine. It is common that a daily routine begins with the consumption of breakfast, and breakfast behavior may contribute to health status in adults. Therefore, we sought to examine whether a later midpoint of sleep was associated with breakfast skipping among adults whose schedules were no longer dictated by employment. Methods Data were obtained from the Assessing Daily Activity Patterns Through Occupational Transitions (ADAPT) study. The sample of 155 participants had involuntarily lost their jobs in the last 90 days. Both cross-sectional and 18-month longitudinal analyses assessed the relationship between sleep midpoint after job loss and current and later breakfast skipping. Assessment periods were 14 days. Sleep was measured via actigraphy, and breakfast skipping was measured via daily diary (1 = had breakfast; 0 = did not have breakfast). The midpoint of sleep was calculated as the circular center based on actigraphy sleep onset and offset times. Results The midpoint of sleep at baseline was negatively associated with breakfast consumption at baseline (B = -.09, SE = .02, p = .000). Also, a later midpoint was associated with breakfast skipping over the next 18 months (estimate = -.08; SE = .02; p = .000). Prospective findings remained significant when adjusting for gender, ethnicity, age, perceived stress, body mass index (BMI), education, and reemployment over time. Education (estimate = 14.26, SE = 6.23, p &lt; .05) and BMI (estimate = -.51, SE = .25, p &lt; .05) were the only significant covariates. No other sleep indices predicted breakfast behavior cross-sectionally or prospectively. Conclusion Consistent with research in adolescents, unemployed adults with a later circadian phase are more likely to skip breakfast more often. Breakfast skipping was also associated with higher BMI. Taken together, these findings provide support for the future testing of sleep/wake scheduling interventions to modify breakfast skipping and potentially mitigate weight gain after job loss. Support (if any) #1R01HL117995-01A1

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