Sleep Disorders During Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Systematic Review

This study aimed to asses previous research results about bio-physiological alterations during pregnancy and postpartum, and make clear outlook about prevalence and related factors of sleep disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. In this review, the articles that published from 2000 to 2019 were reviewed. Related articles were searched from databases in English language. After evaluation of inclusion and exclusion criteria, articles were chosen and reviewed based on the University of York strategies. Sleep disorders in present study were classified according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders-3. The search revealed 4449 articles, after evaluating and assessing qualified articles, finally 56 article selected to review. According to the results of this review, The prevalence of sleep disorders was almost 76%–97% in whole pregnancy. The most common sleep disorders included central disorders of hyper somnolence (waking up in the middle of the night, daytime sleepiness, sleeplessness) or insomnia, sleep-related movement disorders (restless legs syndrome), sleep related breathing disorders (obstructive sleep apnea), and parasomnia. In addition, sleep disorder may continue 3–12 months postpartum (33.2%). Sleep disorders induced by physiological processes (fetal movement, excessive weight gain, male sex of the fetus, and multiparty), health-related risks (metabolism disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and mood disorders), and physical or sexual abuse in childhood. In addition, these disorders could have maternal outcomes that can be greatest trigger to postpartum psychiatric disorders and fetal outcomes that have harmful sequences during childhood (sexual, fertility, emotional, and cognitive problems). Health care providers should evaluate the mothers’ sleep quality because sleep disorder leads to harmful consequences in fetuses and children.

Sleep Treatments in Disorders of Consciousness: A Systematic Review

Sleep disorders are among the main comorbidities in patients with a Disorder of Consciousness (DOC). Given the key role of sleep in neural and cognitive functioning, detecting and treating sleep disorders in DOCs might be an effective therapeutic strategy to boost consciousness recovery and levels of awareness. To date, no systematic reviews have been conducted that explore the effect of sleep treatments in DOCs; thus, we systematically reviewed the existing studies on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders in DOCs. Among 2267 assessed articles, only 7 were included in the systematic review. The studies focused on two sleep disorder categories (sleep-related breathing disorders and circadian rhythm dysregulation) treated with both pharmacological (Modafinil and Intrathecal Baclofen) and non-pharmacological (positive airway pressure, bright light stimulation, and central thalamic deep brain stimulation) interventions. Although the limited number of studies and their heterogeneity do not allow generalized conclusions, all the studies highlighted the effectiveness of treatments on both sleep disorders and levels of awareness. For this reason, clinical and diagnostic evaluations able to detect sleep disorders in DOC patients should be adopted in the clinical routine for the purpose of intervening promptly with the most appropriate treatment.

Can Digital Therapeutics Open a New Era of Sleep Medicine?

Digital therapeutics (DTx) are products that provide evidence-based interventions driven by high-quality software programs to prevent, manage, or treat a medical disease. DTx are receiving increasing attention as a new therapeutic approach. Several DTx for insomnia are on the market, some of which have received approval by national regulatory agencies. DTx for insomnia are usually based on cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. No DTx for other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or sleep-related breathing disorders, have received regulatory authority approval as a medical device. DTx have the substantial benefits of being accessible and relatively low-cost. However, several issues related to DTx have not yet been fully resolved, and discussions regarding DTx are still in the early stages. To use DTx for sleep disorders as an effective treatment option in the future, considering the current status of DTx is necessary. This review discusses definitions and background of DTx; specific DTx for insomnia that have been developed; use of DTx for sleep and related psychiatric comorbid symptoms; global regulatory processes for DTx, including prescribing and medical billing issues; and remaining challenges regarding the use of DTx.

General dental practitioners' knowledge and opinions of snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders

Aims There is increasing recognition that sleep disturbances can affect lifestyle, economy and health. General dental practitioners (GDPs) can play a vital role in helping to identify at-risk patients through screening as well as aid in the management of these conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of UK-based GDPs in relation to sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs).Material and methods A questionnaire was developed to assess GDPs' knowledge of SRBDs and their current practice in relation to the management of SRBDs, and identify the factors associated with improved knowledge and management. A volunteer sample was recruited from social media platforms and conference attendees.Results In total, 152 GDPs completed the questionnaire; 101 (66% [95% CI 59%,74%]) agreed that GDPs should ask their patients about sleep disorders, while only 82 (54% [95% CI 46%,62%]) confirmed that they actually asked their patients about the problem. On a 22-point knowledge scale, the mean score was 12.93 (95%CI 12.23, 13.63). Postgraduate education (F = 5.47; p = 0.001), increasing age (r = 0.23; p = 0.005) and GDP workplace (F = 4.98; p = 0.008) contributed to a higher knowledge score. GDPs were strongly in favour of having more information (N = 141; 93% [95% CI 87%,97%]).Conclusion Although GDPs' knowledge of SRBDs was better than anticipated, they clearly felt a need for further information and training. There is a compelling case to include this subject in the undergraduate dental curriculum.

Hypersomnias and Sleep-Related Movement Disorders

Hypersomnias are disorders associated with excessive daytime sleepiness not related to sleep deprivation, disturbed nocturnal sleep, circadian rhythm disturbances, sleep-related breathing disorders, or a medical condition. This chapter reviews the primary hypersomnias of narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Sleep-related movement disorders, including restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements of sleep, are also commonly encountered in clinical practice. These common syndromes are reviewed in this chapter.

Clinical Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

Sleep-related breathing disorders are categorized into obstructive sleep apnea syndromes, central sleep apnea syndrome, and sleep-related hypoventilation or hypoxic syndromes. These disorders can occur in adults and children. Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed in this chapter. Sleep apnea occurs when recurrent complete (apnea) or nearly complete (hypopnea) cessation of airflow develops, accompanied by preservation of the respiratory drive manifested as persistent respiratory muscle effort. Apnea is defined as the cessation of airflow for more than 10 seconds, using a valid measure of airflow. Hypopnea is an airflow reduction of at least 30% from baseline that lasts at least 10 seconds and is accompanied by an oxygen desaturation of 4% or more.

Screening Sleep Abnormalities in Children with Prader–Willi Syndrome: Challenges in the Indian Scenario

There is a high prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders in the form of obstructive and central sleep apnea as well as spontaneous oxygen desaturation in children with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Most cases are asymptomatic and if untreated go on to develop unfavorable neurodevelopmental, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular outcomes. Hence, sleep study or polysomnography (PSG) is recommended in all children at the time of diagnosis as well as with the development of certain risk factors including symptoms of sleep apnea, before and after initiation of recombinant growth hormone (rGH) therapy. The use of rGH in children with PWS has been shown to improve central sleep apnea but also shown to be associated with worsening of OSA. PSG is ideally performed in a sleep laboratory. Various types of PSG devices are available depending on the biological parameters that are desired to be monitored. Sleep disorders in children are distinct from those seen in adults and have different diagnostic scoring criteria necessitating a trained pediatric sleep specialist to analyze the PSG recording. Through the clinical case vignette of a 14-year-old girl with PWS, severe obesity, and sleep disordered breathing, this review aims to highlight the need, timing, types, analysis, and interpretation of sleep studies in infants and older children with PWS, particularly in relation to rGH therapy. There is a paucity of literature on sleep studies in children with PWS in the local setting. Thus this review also suggests the need for adapting the existing Western guidelines for PSG in Indian children with PWS.