CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Insomnia

  • A randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a hospice setting.

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    Abstract Title:

    A randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a hospice setting.

    Abstract Source:

    Palliat Med. 2004 Mar;18(2):87-92. PMID: 15046404

    Abstract Author(s):

    Katie Soden, Karen Vincent, Stephen Craske, Caroline Lucas, Sue Ashley

    Article Affiliation:

    Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, Surrey, UK. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Abstract:

    Research suggests that patients with cancer, particularly in the palliative care setting, are increasingly using aromatherapy and massage. There is good evidence that these therapies may be helpful for anxiety reduction for short periods, but few studies have looked at the longer term effects. This study was designed to compare the effects of four-week courses of aromatherapy massage and massage alone on physical and psychological symptoms in patients with advanced cancer. Forty-two patients were randomly allocated to receive weekly massages with lavender essential oil and an inert carrier oil (aromatherapy group), an inert carrier oil only (massage group) or no intervention. Outcome measures included a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain intensity, the Verran and Snyder-Halpern (VSH) sleep scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL). We were unable to demonstrate any significant long-term benefits of aromatherapy or massage in terms of improving pain control, anxiety or quality of life. However, sleep scores improved significantly in both the massage and the combined massage (aromatherapy and massage) groups. There were also statistically significant reductions in depression scores in the massage group. In this study of patients with advanced cancer, the addition of lavender essential oil did not appear to increase the beneficial effects of massage. Our results do suggest, however, that patients with high levels of psychological distress respond best to these therapies.

  • A single-blinded, randomized pilot study evaluating the aroma of Lavandula augustifolia as a treatment for mild insomnia.

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    Abstract Title:

    A single-blinded, randomized pilot study evaluating the aroma of Lavandula augustifolia as a treatment for mild insomnia.

    Abstract Source:

    J Altern Complement Med. 2005 Aug;11(4):631-7. PMID: 16131287

    Abstract Author(s):

    George T Lewith, Anthony Dean Godfrey, Philip Prescott

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: Insomnia is the most common of all sleep complaints and is under-researched. The current treatments of choice are conventional hypnotics agents, but these have potential for serious adverse reactions. Uncontrolled and anecdotal evidence suggests that lavender oil is an effective treatment for insomnia, but this has not been formally investigated. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the proposed trial methodology and the efficacy of Lavandula augustifolia (lavender) on insomnia. Interventions: Interventions consisted of Lavandula augustifolia (treatment) and sweet almond oil as placebo/control. The aroma was supplied via an Aromastream device (Tisserand Aromatherapy, Sussex, UK). DESIGN: This was a pilot study with randomized, single-blind, cross-over design (baseline, two treatment periods, and a washout period, each of 1 week duration). SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Volunteers with defined insomnia treated on a domiciliary basis participated in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes were assessed with the following: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) indicating insomnia (score > 5 at entry); Borkovec and Nau (B&N) Questionnaire evaluating treatment credibility; and Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (HCAMQ) assessing attitudes to CAM and health beliefs. RESULTS: Ten (10) volunteers (5 male and 5 female) were entered and completed the 4 week study. Lavender created an improvement of -2.5 points in PSQI (p = 0.07, 95% CI - 4.95 to - 0.4). Each intervention was equally credible and belief in CAM did not predict outcome. Women and younger volunteers with a milder insomnia improved more than others. No period or carry-over effect was observed. CONCLUSION: The methodology for this pilot study appeared to be appropriate. Outcomes favor lavender, and a larger trial is required to draw definitive conclusions.

  • Acupoints massage in improving the quality of sleep and quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease.

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    Abstract Title:

    Acupoints massage in improving the quality of sleep and quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease.

    Abstract Source:

    J Adv Nurs. 2003 Apr;42(2):134-42. PMID: 12670382

    Abstract Author(s):

    Shiow-Luan Tsay, Jiin-Ru Rong, Pay-Fan Lin

    Article Affiliation:

    Graduate Institute of Nursing, National Taipei College of Nursing, Pei-tou, Taipei, Taiwan. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese acupressure is a noninvasive technique that employs pressure and massage to acupoints in order to stimulate the balance of life energy that promotes health and comfort. Sleep disturbance is common in patients with end-stage renal disease but no intervention studies have addressed this problem. Aim. The purpose of the present study was to test the effectiveness of acupoints massage for patients with end-stage renal disease and experiencing sleep disturbances and diminished quality of life. METHODS: The study was a randomized control trial. A total of 98 end-stage renal disease patients with sleep disturbances were randomly assigned into an acupressure group, a sham acupressure group, and a control group. Acupressure and sham acupressure group patients received acupoints or no acupoints massage three times a week during haemodialysis treatment for a total of 4 weeks. The measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Sleep Log, and the Medical Outcome Study - Short Form 36. FINDINGS: The results indicated significant differences between the acupressure group and the control group in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index subscale scores of subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep sufficiency, and global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Sleep log data revealed that the acupressure group significantly decreased wake time and experienced an improved quality of sleep at night over the control group. Medical Outcome Study - Short Form 36 data also documented that acupressure group patients experienced significantly improved quality of life. CONCLUSION: This study supports the effectiveness of acupoints massage in improving the quality of sleep and life quality of end-stage renal disease patients, and offers a noninvasive therapy for sleep-disturbed patients.

  • Acupuncture improves sleep in postmenopause in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

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    Abstract Title:

    Acupuncture improves sleep in postmenopause in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

    Abstract Source:

    Climacteric. 2012 Sep 3. Epub 2012 Sep 3. PMID: 22943846

    Abstract Author(s):

    H Hachul, T K P Garcia, A L Maciel, F Yagihara, S Tufik, L Bittencourt

    Article Affiliation:

    * Departamento de Psicobiologia.

    Abstract:

    Background Insomnia increases in frequency as women approach and pass through menopause. Studies have not shown acupuncture efficacy for insomnia in postmenopausal women. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on sleep parameters, depression symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women with insomnia. Methods This study included 18 postmenopausal women aged 50-67 years old. Participants had a body mass index≤ 30 kg/m(2), presented a diagnosis of insomnia according to the DSM-IV criteria, had experienced at least 1 year of amenorrhea and had a follicle stimulating hormone level ≥ 30 mIU/ml. Participants were not using antidepressants, hypnotics or hormonal therapy. This study was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled. The sample was divided into two groups: acupuncture and 'sham' acupuncture. We performed ten sessions of acupuncture and 'sham' acupuncture during a period of 5 weeks. A polysomnography exam (PSG) and questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF, Beck Depression Inventory and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were completed by all patients before and after the treatment period. Results Anthropometric, polysomnographic, and questionnaire data were similar among the groups at baseline. Comparison of baseline and post-treatment data of the acupuncture group showed that treatment resulted in significantly lower scores on the Pittsburgh Questionnaire and an improvement in psychological WHOQOL. The acupuncture group had a higher percentage of the N3 + 4 stage than the sham group in PSG findings. Conclusion Acupuncture was effective in improving reported sleep quality and quality of life in postmenopausal women with insomnia.

  • Acupuncture improves sleep in postmenopause in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

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    Abstract Title:

    Acupuncture improves sleep in postmenopause in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

    Abstract Source:

    Climacteric. 2012 Sep 3. Epub 2012 Sep 3. PMID: 22943846

    Abstract Author(s):

    H Hachul, T K P Garcia, A L Maciel, F Yagihara, S Tufik, L Bittencourt

    Article Affiliation:

    * Departamento de Psicobiologia.

    Abstract:

    Background Insomnia increases in frequency as women approach and pass through menopause. Studies have not shown acupuncture efficacy for insomnia in postmenopausal women. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on sleep parameters, depression symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women with insomnia. Methods This study included 18 postmenopausal women aged 50-67 years old. Participants had a body mass index≤ 30 kg/m(2), presented a diagnosis of insomnia according to the DSM-IV criteria, had experienced at least 1 year of amenorrhea and had a follicle stimulating hormone level ≥ 30 mIU/ml. Participants were not using antidepressants, hypnotics or hormonal therapy. This study was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled. The sample was divided into two groups: acupuncture and 'sham' acupuncture. We performed ten sessions of acupuncture and 'sham' acupuncture during a period of 5 weeks. A polysomnography exam (PSG) and questionnaires (WHOQOL-BREF, Beck Depression Inventory and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were completed by all patients before and after the treatment period. Results Anthropometric, polysomnographic, and questionnaire data were similar among the groups at baseline. Comparison of baseline and post-treatment data of the acupuncture group showed that treatment resulted in significantly lower scores on the Pittsburgh Questionnaire and an improvement in psychological WHOQOL. The acupuncture group had a higher percentage of the N3 + 4 stage than the sham group in PSG findings. Conclusion Acupuncture was effective in improving reported sleep quality and quality of life in postmenopausal women with insomnia.

  • Acupuncture plus cupping for treating insomnia in college students.

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    Abstract Title:

    Acupuncture plus cupping for treating insomnia in college students.

    Abstract Source:

    Med Sci Monit. 2007 Dec;13(12):BR286-92. PMID: 21053624

    Abstract Author(s):

    Yue-Feng Zhang, Gui-Fang Ren, Xiu-Chun Zhang

    Article Affiliation:

    Hospital of Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China.

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:To observe clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus cupping for treating insomnia in college students.

    METHODS:Ninety two college students suffering from insomnia were randomly divided into a treatment group (52 cases) and a control group (40 cases). Acupuncture plus cupping was used for profiting the brain and tranquilizing the mind in the treatment group, and conventional differentiation of symptoms and signs was used in the control group. Therapeutic effect, number of treatment, self-rating sleeping scaling (SRSS), and subtracted rate were evaluated after one month of treatment.

    RESULTS:There was a significant difference in effective rate between the two groups (P<0.05). For the cases with moderate insomnia, the effective rate was obviously better in the treatment group than that in the control group (P<0.05), and for the cases with slight and moderate insomnia, the average treatment number was remarkably less in the former than that in the latter (P<0.01). SRSS was reduced in both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05) with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The subtracted rate in the former was more than that in the latter (P<0.05). Conclusion: The therapeutic effect in the treatment group was better than that in the control group, showing superiority in the cases with moderate insomnia with less treatments and more improved and cured rates.

  • Acupuncture plus cupping for treating insomnia in college students📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Acupuncture plus cupping for treating insomnia in college students.

    Abstract Source:

    Med Sci Monit. 2007 Dec;13(12):BR286-92. PMID: 21053624

    Abstract Author(s):

    Yue-Feng Zhang, Gui-Fang Ren, Xiu-Chun Zhang

    Article Affiliation:

    Hospital of Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China.

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:To observe clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus cupping for treating insomnia in college students.

    METHODS:Ninety two college students suffering from insomnia were randomly divided into a treatment group (52 cases) and a control group (40 cases). Acupuncture plus cupping was used for profiting the brain and tranquilizing the mind in the treatment group, and conventional differentiation of symptoms and signs was used in the control group. Therapeutic effect, number of treatment, self-rating sleeping scaling (SRSS), and subtracted rate were evaluated after one month of treatment.

    RESULTS:There was a significant difference in effective rate between the two groups (P<0.05). For the cases with moderate insomnia, the effective rate was obviously better in the treatment group than that in the control group (P<0.05), and for the cases with slight and moderate insomnia, the average treatment number was remarkably less in the former than that in the latter (P<0.01). SRSS was reduced in both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05) with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The subtracted rate in the former was more than that in the latter (P<0.05). Conclusion: The therapeutic effect in the treatment group was better than that in the control group, showing superiority in the cases with moderate insomnia with less treatments and more improved and cured rates.

  • Benefits of napping and an extended duration of recovery sleep on alertness and immune cells after acute sleep restriction.

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    Abstract Title:

    Benefits of napping and an extended duration of recovery sleep on alertness and immune cells after acute sleep restriction.

    Abstract Source:

    Brain Behav Immun. 2011 Jan ;25(1):16-24. Epub 2010 Aug 8. PMID: 20699115

    Abstract Author(s):

    Brice Faraut, Karim Zouaoui Boudjeltia, Michal Dyzma, Alexandre Rousseau, Elodie David, Patricia Stenuit, Thierry Franck, Pierre Van Antwerpen, Michel Vanhaeverbeek, Myriam Kerkhofs

    Article Affiliation:

    Sleep Laboratory, (ULB 222 Unit), CHU de Charleroi, A. Vésale Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Montigny-le-Tilleul, Belgium.

    Abstract:

    Understanding the interactions between sleep and the immune system may offer insight into why short sleep duration has been linked to negative health outcomes. We, therefore, investigated the effects of napping and extended recovery sleep after sleep restriction on the immune and inflammatory systems and sleepiness. After a baseline night, healthy young men slept for a 2-h night followed by either a standard 8-h recovery night (n=12), a 30-min nap (at 1 p.m.) in addition to an 8-h recovery night (n=10), or a 10-h extended recovery night (n=9). A control group slept 3 consecutive 8-h nights (n=9). Subjects underwent continuous electroencephalogram polysomnography and blood was sampled every day at 7 a.m. Leukocytes, inflammatory and atherogenesis biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-8, myeloperoxidase, fibrinogen and apolipoproteins ApoB/ApoA), sleep patterns and sleepiness were investigated. All parameters remained unchanged in the control group. After sleep restriction, leukocyte and - among leukocyte subsets - neutrophil counts were increased, an effect that persisted after the 8-h recovery sleep, but, in subjects who had a nap or a 10-h recovery sleep, these values returned nearly to baseline. Inflammatory and atherogenesis biomarkers were unchanged except for higher myeloperoxidase levels after sleep restriction. The increased sleepiness after sleep restriction was reversed better in the nap and extended sleep recovery conditions. Saliva cortisol decreased immediately after the nap. Our results indicate that additional recovery sleep after sleep restriction provided by a midday nap prior to recovery sleep or a sleep extended night can improve alertness and return leukocyte counts to baseline values.

  • Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: A randomized controlled trial. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: A randomized controlled trial.

    Abstract Source:

    J Psychiatr Res. 2018 Jan ;96:196-202. Epub 2017 Oct 21. PMID: 29101797

    Abstract Author(s):

    Ari Shechter, Elijah Wookhyun Kim, Marie-Pierre St-Onge, Andrew J Westwood

    Article Affiliation:

    Ari Shechter

    Abstract:

    :The use of light-emitting electronic devices before bedtime may contribute to or exacerbate sleep problems. Exposure to blue-wavelength light in particular from these devices may affect sleep by suppressing melatonin and causing neurophysiologic arousal. We aimed to determine if wearing amber-tinted blue light-blocking lenses before bedtime improves sleep in individuals with insomnia. Fourteen individuals (n = 8 females; age ± SD 46.6 ± 11.5 y) with insomnia symptoms wore blue light-blocking amber lenses or clear placebo lenses in lightweight wraparound frames for 2 h immediately preceding bedtime for 7 consecutive nights in a randomized crossover trial (4-wk washout). Ambulatory sleep measures included the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS) completed at the end of each intervention period, and daily post-sleep questionnaire and wrist-actigraphy. PIRS total scores, and Quality of Life, Distress, and Sleep Parameter subscales, were improved in amber vs. clear lenses condition (p-values<0.05). Reported wake-time was significantly delayed, and mean subjective total sleep time (TST), overall quality, and soundness of sleep were significantly higher (p-values<0.05) in amber vs. clear lenses condition over the 7-d intervention period. Actigraphic measures of TST only were significantly higher in amber vs. clear lenses condition (p = 0.035). Wearing amber vs. clear lenses for 2-h preceding bedtime for 1 week improved sleep in individuals with insomnia symptoms. These findings have health relevance given the broad use of light-emitting devices before bedtime and prevalence of insomnia. Amber lenses represent a safe, affordable, and easily implemented therapeutic intervention for insomnia symptoms.

    CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02698800.

  • Clinical observation on acupuncture treatment of intractable insomnia.

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    Abstract Title:

    Clinical observation on acupuncture treatment of intractable insomnia.

    Abstract Source:

    J Tradit Chin Med. 2010 Mar;30(1):21-2. PMID: 20397457

    Abstract Author(s):

    Ling-Feng Li, Jian-Hua Lu

    Article Affiliation:

    The People's Hospital of Hangzhou Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China.

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of acupuncture for treatment of intractable insomnia.

    METHODS:Totally 90 patients were randomly divided into a treatment group (50 cases), treated by the body acupuncture plus auricular-plaster therapy, and a control group (40 cases), the Baihui (GV 20)-through-Sishencong (EX-HN1). puncture, auricular-plaster therapy and moxibustion on the back-shu points were not used in the control group. The clinical effects were observed.

    RESULTS:The total effective rate was 98.0% in the treatment group and 77.5% in the control group. The therapeutic effect in the treatment group was much better than that in the control group (P<0.01).

    CONCLUSION:The body acupuncture plus auricular-plaster therapy may show better effect for intractable insomnia.

  • Clinical observation on acupuncture treatment of intractable insomnia📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Clinical observation on acupuncture treatment of intractable insomnia.

    Abstract Source:

    J Tradit Chin Med. 2010 Mar;30(1):21-2. PMID: 20397457

    Abstract Author(s):

    Ling-Feng Li, Jian-Hua Lu

    Article Affiliation:

    The People's Hospital of Hangzhou Xiacheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China.

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of acupuncture for treatment of intractable insomnia.

    METHODS:Totally 90 patients were randomly divided into a treatment group (50 cases), treated by the body acupuncture plus auricular-plaster therapy, and a control group (40 cases), the Baihui (GV 20)-through-Sishencong (EX-HN1). puncture, auricular-plaster therapy and moxibustion on the back-shu points were not used in the control group. The clinical effects were observed.

    RESULTS:The total effective rate was 98.0% in the treatment group and 77.5% in the control group. The therapeutic effect in the treatment group was much better than that in the control group (P<0.01).

    CONCLUSION:The body acupuncture plus auricular-plaster therapy may show better effect for intractable insomnia.

  • Contribution of mindfulness meditation in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia

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    Abstract Title:

    [Contribution of mindfulness meditation in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia].

    Abstract Source:

    Encephale. 2017 Feb 14. Epub 2017 Feb 14. PMID: 28213988

    Abstract Author(s):

    H Vanhuffel, M Rey, I Lambert, D Da Fonseca, F Bat-Pitault

    Article Affiliation:

    H Vanhuffel

    Abstract:

    INTRODUCTION:Insomnia is considered to be a serious public health issue affecting approximately 10% of adults. Chronic insomnia may increase the risk of health problem, psychological vulnerability and proneness to accidents. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as the first line of treatment. Even though CBT-I is widely considered as an effective therapy, 20 to 30% of patients do not respond to this treatment. Mindfulness therapy, known to reduce rumination and stress, could be an interesting complement to enhance CBT-I. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of therapy combining mindfulness meditation and CBT-I for the treatment of chronic insomnia.

    METHODS:Thirty-three patients, diagnosed with chronic insomnia, aged 18 to 75 years (51±15 years) were recruited between October 2015 and June 2016 at the Sleep Center of Marseille. The patients were then divided into two groups according to their psychotherapy method: group CBT-I alone (17 patients) or a group therapy combining CBT-I and Mindfulness (16 patients). Allparticipants were given five sessions of standard CBT during eight weeks. The patient-reported outcome measures were sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset (WASO), total wake time, total sleep time, time in bed, sleep efficiency and number of awakening from sleep diaries before treatment (T0) and six weeks later (T1). Assessments were done using Pittsburgh Sleep quality index (PSQI), Insomnia severity Index (ISI), the Epworth sleepiness scale, the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD), the dysfunctional beliefs and attitude about sleep (DBAS-16); further, the use of sleeping pills was also recorded at T0 and T1.

    RESULTS:Out of the 33 participants who began the treatment, 29 completed all sessions and were included in the analyses (4 dropouts in the group CBT-I alone). The data shows that each treatment yielded significant improvements over time in sleep variables from the diary, PSQI, ISI, anxiety (P=0.004), DBAS 16, sleepingpill use and vitality measured by SF36 health survey (P=0.004). Comparing the results of the two therapy groups, the meditation associated to CBT-I shows significantly greater rates of reduction in WASO relative to CBT-I group (P=0.009).

    CONCLUSIONS:This study confirms the beneficial effects of CBT for patients suffering from insomnia on sleep parameters, anxiety symptoms and quality of life. Furthermore, this study suggests, for the first time, that combining CBT and mindfulness is a superior approach compared to that of only conventional CBT-I in improving sleep.

  • Daytime napping after a night of sleep loss decreases sleepiness, improves performance, and causes beneficial changes in cortisol and interleukin-6 secretion. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Daytime napping after a night of sleep loss decreases sleepiness, improves performance, and causes beneficial changes in cortisol and interleukin-6 secretion.

    Abstract Source:

    Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Jan;292(1):E253-61. Epub 2006 Aug 29. PMID: 16940468

    Abstract Author(s):

    A N Vgontzas, S Pejovic, E Zoumakis, H M Lin, E O Bixler, M Basta, J Fang, A Sarrigiannidis, G P Chrousos

    Article Affiliation:

    Penn State Univ. College of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry H073, 500 University Dr., Hershey, PA 17033, USA. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Abstract:

    Sleep loss has been associated with increased sleepiness, decreased performance, elevations in inflammatory cytokines, and insulin resistance. Daytime napping has been promoted as a countermeasure to sleep loss. To assess the effects of a 2-h midafternoon nap following a night of sleep loss on postnap sleepiness, performance, cortisol, and IL-6, 41 young healthy individuals (20 men, 21 women) participated in a 7-day sleep deprivation experiment (4 consecutive nights followed by a night of sleep loss and 2 recovery nights). One-half of the subjects were randomly assigned to take a midafternoon nap (1400-1600) the day following the night of total sleep loss. Serial 24-h blood sampling, multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), subjective levels of sleepiness, and psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) were completed on the fourth (predeprivation) and sixth days (postdeprivation). During the nap, subjects had a significant drop in cortisol and IL-6 levels (P<0.05). After the nap they experienced significantly less sleepiness (MSLT and subjective, P<0.05) and a smaller improvement on the PVT (P<0.1). At that time, they had a significant transient increase in their cortisol levels (P<0.05). In contrast, the levels of IL-6 tended to remain decreased for approximately 8 h (P = 0.1). We conclude that a 2-h midafternoon nap improves alertness, and to a lesser degree performance, and reverses the effects of one night of sleep loss on cortisol and IL-6. The redistribution of cortisol secretion and the prolonged suppression of IL-6 secretion are beneficial, as they improve alertness and performance.

  • Effect of acupuncture combined with massage of sole on sleeping quality of the patient with insomnia

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    Abstract Title:

    [Effect of acupuncture combined with massage of sole on sleeping quality of the patient with insomnia].

    Abstract Source:

    J Antimicrob Chemother. 2001 Oct;48(4):487-91. PMID: 18630537

    Abstract Author(s):

    Zhi-Guo Zhong, Heng Cai, Xiao-Long Li, Dong Lü

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE: To assess effect of acupuncture combined with massage of sole on sleeping quality of the patient with insomnia. METHODS: Fifty-eight cases of insomnia were randomly divided into an observation group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 26). The observation group were treated with oral administration of Alprazolam, massage of sole, and acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), etc. on the abdomen as main points; the control group were treated with Alprazolam. Clinical therapeutic effects, and scores for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were assessed before and after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: The effective rate was 93.75 in the observation group and 88.46% in the control group with no significant difference between the two groups; after treatment, there were significant or very significant differences in scores for various factors in the PSQI, SAS and SDS (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Abdominal acupuncture as main combined with massage of sole can obviously improve sleeping quality of the patient with insomnia.

  • Effect of acupuncture combined with massage of sole on sleeping quality of the patient with insomnia

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    Abstract Title:

    [Effect of acupuncture combined with massage of sole on sleeping quality of the patient with insomnia].

    Abstract Source:

    J Antimicrob Chemother. 2001 Oct;48(4):487-91. PMID: 18630537

    Abstract Author(s):

    Zhi-Guo Zhong, Heng Cai, Xiao-Long Li, Dong Lü

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE: To assess effect of acupuncture combined with massage of sole on sleeping quality of the patient with insomnia. METHODS: Fifty-eight cases of insomnia were randomly divided into an observation group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 26). The observation group were treated with oral administration of Alprazolam, massage of sole, and acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), etc. on the abdomen as main points; the control group were treated with Alprazolam. Clinical therapeutic effects, and scores for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were assessed before and after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: The effective rate was 93.75 in the observation group and 88.46% in the control group with no significant difference between the two groups; after treatment, there were significant or very significant differences in scores for various factors in the PSQI, SAS and SDS (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Abdominal acupuncture as main combined with massage of sole can obviously improve sleeping quality of the patient with insomnia.

  • Effectiveness of acupressure for residents of long-term care facilities with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effectiveness of acupressure for residents of long-term care facilities with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial.

    Abstract Source:

    Rheumatol Int. 2004 Sep;24(5):278-82. Epub 2003 Sep 17. PMID: 20056221

    Abstract Author(s):

    Jia-Ling Sun, Mei-Sheng Sung, Mei-Yu Huang, Guang-Chih Cheng, Chia-Chin Lin

    Article Affiliation:

    Department of Nursing, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: Acupressure on the Shenmen point (indexed as HT7) can improve insomnia, but there has been no longitudinal study to evaluate its efficacy for residents of long-term care facilities. No evidence from the existing literature indicates how long its efficacy can be maintained after stopping acupressure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on the Shenmen point for residents of long-term care facilities with insomnia. METHODS: Fifty residents with insomnia in long-term care facilities were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial, with 25 participants allocated to the experimental group and 25 participants to the control group. For a 5-week period, the experimental group received standard acupressure on the HT7 points of both wrists, whereas the control group received only light touch on the same places. Insomnia was measured with the Athens Insomnia Scale-Taiwan form (AIS-T). Participants' self-reported scores were done at baseline, during the 5-week period, and after intervention. This study was analyzed on an intention-to-treat procedure. RESULTS: The experimental group has significantly better scores on the AIS-T compared to the control group, not only during the intervention period, but also extending after intervention, as shown by generalized estimating equations (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Offering acupressure on a regular basis has the potential to improve insomnia in residents of long-term care facilities. Acupressure on the HT7 point may improve insomnia for up to 2 weeks after the intervention.

  • Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students

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    Abstract Title:

    [Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students].

    Abstract Source:

    Br J Pharmacol. 1999 Sep;128(2):380-4. PMID: 16520572

    Abstract Author(s):

    Inn-Sook Lee, Gyung-Joo Lee

    Abstract:

    PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the lavender fragrance on sleep and depression in women college students. METHOD: Forty-two women college students who complained of insomnia were studied during a four-week protocol(control treatment week, 60% lavender fragrance treatment week, washout week, 100% lavender fragrance treatment week). All subjects were in the department of nursing in "K" college and the study was a single blind repeated measurements experiment. For the duration of the study, weekly evaluations of sleep, patterns of sleep disturbance, severity of insomnia scale, self satisfaction with sleep, and severity of depression were performed. RESULT: Among sleep variables, length of time taken to fall asleep, severity of insomnia, and self satisfaction with sleep were improved for the 60%(p=.000, p=.000, p=.000) and 100%(p=.000, p=.000, p=.000) week while the severity of depression was improved only for the 100%(p=.002) week. CONCLUSION: According to the study results, it can be concluded that the lavender fragrance had a beneficial effect on insomnia and depression in women college students. Repeated studies are needed to confirm effective proportions of lavender oil and carrier oil for insomnia and depression.

  • Effects of melatonin and bright light treatment in childhood chronic sleep onset insomnia with late melatonin onset: A randomised controlled study.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of melatonin and bright light treatment in childhood chronic sleep onset insomnia with late melatonin onset: A randomised controlled study.

    Abstract Source:

    Sleep. 2016 Oct 10. Epub 2016 Aug 10. PMID: 27748241

    Abstract Author(s):

    Annette van Maanen, Anne Marie Meijer, Marcel G Smits, Kristiaan B van der Heijden, Frans J Oort

    Article Affiliation:

    Annette van Maanen

    Abstract:

    STUDY OBJECTIVES:Chronic sleep onset insomnia with late melatonin onset is prevalent in childhood, and has negative daytime consequences. Melatonin treatment is known to be effective in treating these sleep problems. Bright light therapy might be an alternative treatment, with potential advantages over melatonin treatment. In this study, we compare the effects of melatonin and bright light treatment with a placebo condition in children with chronic sleep onset insomnia and late melatonin onset.

    METHODS:84 children (mean age 10.0 years, 61% boys) first entered a baseline week, after which they received melatonin (N=26), light (N=30), or placebo pills (N=28) for three to four weeks. Sleep was measured daily with sleep diaries and actigraphy. Before and after treatment children completed a questionnaire on chronic sleep reduction, and Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO) was measured. Results were analysed with linear mixed model analyses.

    RESULTS:Melatonin treatment and light therapy decreased sleep latency (sleep diary) and advanced sleep onset (sleep diary and actigraphy), although for sleep onset the effects of melatonin were stronger. In addition, melatonin treatment advanced DLMO and had positive effects on sleep latency and sleep efficiency (actigraphy data), and sleep time (sleep diary and actigraphy data). However, wake after sleep onset (actigraphy) increased with melatonin treatment. No effects on chronic sleep reduction were found.

    CONCLUSIONS:We found positive effects of both melatonin and light treatment on various sleep outcomes, but more and stronger effects were found for melatonin treatment.

    NEDERLANDS TRIAL REGISTER (NTR):NTR4045 (http://www.trialregister.nl).

  • Efficacy of wrists overnight compression (HT 7 point) on insomniacs: possible role of melatonin?

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    Abstract Title:

    Efficacy of wrists overnight compression (HT 7 point) on insomniacs: possible role of melatonin?

    Abstract Source:

    Minerva Med. 2008 Dec;99(6):539-47. PMID: 19034253

    Abstract Author(s):

    M Nordio, F Romanelli

    Abstract:

    AIM: Insomnia is a major problem which decreases life quality. Many causes are involved with it and anxiety is often associated. The underlying mechanism is not completely understood, even though different factors seem to be associated. Among them melatonin and its circadian rhythm is thought to have an important role. In addition, acupressure and acupuncture are known to ameliorate insomnia and anxiety, when a specific wrist point is stimulated (HT 7 Shenmen). With these bases, the aim of the present study has been to evaluate the efficacy of an acupressure device, ''H7-insomnia control'', positioned on HT 7 points, during the night, in terms of general health and anxiety levels, together with the evaluation of sleep quality and the urinary melatonin metabolite 6-hydroxymelatonin sulphate determination, in a number of insomniacs. METHODS: Forty patients with insomnia were divided into two groups and randomly received either the H7 or placebo treatments, in a double-blind protocol, for 20 nights. Before and after treatments every subject answered a series of questionnaires (General Health Questionnaire 28 items; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and collected 24 h urines, divided into two samples of 12 h each. Urinary melatonin metabolite was then determined using a RIA method. RESULTS: Data obtained indicate that the device H7-insomnia control is efficacious to ameliorate quality of sleep and reduce anxiety levels in insomniacs, at a higher extent than in the placebo group. In addition, the 24 hours urinary melatonin metabolite rhythm, obtained at the end of treatment, was considered as being normal in a higher percentage of H7-treated patients, with respect to the placebo group. CONCLUSION: It is plausible to hypothesize that the wrist acupressure device might be considered a valid tool, without adverse effects since it does not contain pharmaceutical products, that is able to naturally ameliorate sleep quality in insomniacs, acting through a not jet completely clarified mechanism, that may involve melatonin.

  • Electroacupuncture for primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Electroacupuncture for primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial.

    Abstract Source:

    Sleep. 2009 Aug 1;32(8):1039-47. PMID: 19725255

    Abstract Author(s):

    Wing-Fai Yeung, Ka-Fai Chung, Shi-Ping Zhang, Tuan-Gee Yap, Andrew C K Law

    Abstract:

    STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for the treatment of primary insomnia. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group. SETTING: A university-based sleep clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Community sample of 60 Chinese adult volunteers who report having insomnia 3 or more nights per week, whose symptoms meet the DSM-IV criteria for primary insomnia for at least 3 months, and who have an Insomnia Severity Index total score of at least 15. Participants were screened with polysomnography and the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV prior to randomization. INTERVENTION: Electroacupuncture at Yintang (EX-HN3), Baihui (GV20), bilateral ear Shenmen, Sishencong (EX-HN1), and Anmian (EX) 3 times per week for 3 weeks or placebo acupuncture using Streitberger needles at the same points. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Self-reported questionnaires, 1-week sleep diaries, and 3-day actigraphy were collected at baseline and 1 week after treatment. The Insomnia Severity Index was used as the primary outcome measure. Both groups showed significant improvement compared with the pretreatment baseline. One-way analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline scores showed that there were significantly greater improvements in sleep efficiency by sleep diary and actigraphy in the electroacupuncture group. However, no significant between-group differences were observed in the Insomnia Severity Index and other outcome measures. The proportions of subjects having less than 30 minutes of wake after sleep onset and a sleep efficiency of at least 85% at the posttreatment visit were significantly higher in the electroacupuncture group. All adverse events were mild in severity. CONCLUSION: We found a slight advantage of electroacupuncture over placebo acupuncture in the short-term treatment of primary insomnia. Because of some limitations of the current study, further studies are necessary to verify the effectiveness of acupuncture for insomnia.

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