Sleep medicine
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Numerous studies on the high prevalence of sleep disorders in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been conducted in the past few decades. These disorders can accentuate other consequences of TBI, negatively impacting mood, exacerbating pain, heightening irritability, and diminishing cognitive abilities and the potential for recovery. Nevertheless, sleep is not routinely assessed in this population. ⋯ The evidence we reviewed supports screening for post-TBI sleep dysfunction. This approach could improve the outcomes and reduce the risks for post-TBI adverse health and nonhealth effects (e.g., secondary injuries). A joint sleep and brain injury collaboration focusing on outcomes is needed to improve our knowledge.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is related to an increased risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease. However, studies investigating the relationship between nonapnea sleep disorders (NSD) and the risk for subsequent ischemic stroke are scant. The objective of our study was to assess the association between NSD and the risk for acute ischemic stroke among patients in Taiwan. ⋯ Our nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study provides evidence that patients with NSD were at increased risk for developing ischemic stroke compared to patients without diagnosed sleep disorder, with men and the elderly being at greatest risk.
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Uninterrupted sleep is of vital importance for restoration and regaining health. In intensive care units (ICUs) where recovering and healing is crucial, patients' sleep often is fragmented and disturbed due to noise from activities from oneself, other patients, and alarms. The aim of our study was to explore if sleep could be improved by modifying the sound environment in a way that is practically feasible in ICUs. ⋯ Noise in ICUs impairs sleep and the reduction of maximal A-weighted levels from 64 to 56dB is not enough to have a clear improved effect on sleep quality.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial in patients without cardiovascular disease.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality which may be mediated by increased arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy improves excessive daytime somnolence (EDS), but its effect on vascular function in patients without preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unclear. ⋯ In patients without overt CVD, CPAP therapy had a nonsignificant effect on AIx and did not modify endothelial function.
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Observational Study
Continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive ventilation adherence in children.
Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is crucial for the successful treatment of sleep-disordered breathing. The aim of our study was to analyze the adherence of children to long-term home CPAP/NIV treatment. ⋯ Long-term CPAP/NIV adherence at home was extremely high in this group of children followed in a pediatric NIV unit. This finding may explain the lack of effect of the interface, nocturnal gas exchange, and duration of CPAP/NIV treatment.