Lee J, Kim M, Kim N, Hwang Y, Lee KH, Lee J, Lee YJ, Kim SJ. Evidence of White Matter Integrity Changes in the Anterior Cingulum Among Shift Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Nat Sci Sleep 2022;
14:1417-1425. [PMID:
35996418 PMCID:
PMC9392483 DOI:
10.2147/nss.s369192]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
We investigated the white matter integrity in shift and non-shift workers and its associations with sleep and activity.
Methods
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed on 61 shift workers and 31 non-shift workers. Their sleep and activity profiles were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sleep diaries, and actigraphy. Fractional anisotropy (FA) (a measure of white matter integrity) was calculated using DTI tractography.
Results
Shift workers exhibited higher FA values in the bilateral anterior cingulum than did non-shift workers. An increased FA in the right anterior cingulum was correlated with poor sleep quality (ie, a high PSQI score) in shift workers. An increased FA in the right anterior cingulum was also correlated with higher actigraphic activity indices (the mesor and M10 indices) in shift workers.
Discussion
The white matter integrity of the anterior cingulum was altered in shift workers, perhaps in association with sleep and activity disturbances.
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