Sleep patterns in patients with acute coronary syndromes

Sleep apnea prevalence and severity after coronary revascularization versus no intervention: a systematic review & meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Approximately 40-80% of cardiovascular disease patients have obstructive sleep apnea. The manifestation of it can vary significantly in different types of CAD patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigate the prevalence and severity of OSA in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The first inclusion criteria were that a reliable sleep study had to be done after treating the patients' acute coronary incident. All patients in the studies included were adults suffering from an ACS who underwent either coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG), a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or had no invasive coronary intervention done. A search was conducted within four valid databases 27.1.2023 and all suitable articles published after 1.1.2010 were included.

RESULTS

Eight studies fulfilled the full inclusion criteria. In five of them, a sleep study had been performed after PCI, in two after no coronary intervention, and in one study after CABG. Mean AHI in no-OSA group after PCI was 9.5 /h (95% CI 5.3-13.7) and in the no intervention group 6.4 /h (95% CI 3.5-9.4). In OSA patients, mean AHI after PCI was 34.9 /h (95% CI 25.9-43.8) vs. 24.1 /h without intervention (95% CI 15.6-32.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep apnea is very common among ACS patients and should be screened for and addressed after the acute coronary intervention. Moreover, we found that OSA is more severe in patients in whom PCI for ACS was indicated as opposed to patients who underwent no coronary intervention.

Genetic associations between Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder and cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND

Previous studies revealed that sleep disorders are potential risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as obstructive sleep apnea and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD). However, the causal associations between RBD and cardiovascular diseases remained unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the latest and largest summary-level genome-wide association studies of RBD, stroke and its subtypes, coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), and heart failure (HF) to select genetic variants as the instrumental variables. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to test the causal associations between RBD and the cardiovascular diseases above. Inverse variance weighted method was used as the main analysis.

RESULTS

After multiple comparisons, genetically predicted RBD was significantly associated with the risk of HF [odds ratio (OR) = 1.033, 95% CI 1.013-1.052, p = 0.001]. Leave-one-out analysis further supported the robustness of the causal association. Furthermore, we identified a suggestive association between genetically predicted MI and RBD (OR = 0.716, 95% CI 0.546-0.940, p = 0.016). However, in our study no associations were identified of RBD with CAD or stroke and its subtypes.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlighted the potential associations between RBD and cardiovascular diseases at genetic level, including HF and MI. More studies were required to clarify the biological mechanisms involved the associations.

A multi-intervention protocol to improve sleep quality in a coronary care unit

AIMS

Poor sleep is a frequent occurrence in the critical illness. Evaluate sleep quality and test the effect of a multi-intervention sleep care protocol in improving sleep quality in a coronary care unit (CCU).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Quasi-experimental study, carried out in two phases. During the first phase, the control group (n = 58 patients) received usual care. Baseline sleep data were collected through the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) and the Sleep in the Intensive Care Unit Questionnaire (SICUQ). During the second phase (n = 55 patients), a sleep care protocol was implemented. Interventions included actions to promote analgesia, reduce noise, brightness, and other general measures. Sleep data were collected again to assess the impact of these interventions. The intervention group had better scores in overall sleep depth [median (interquartile range)] [81 (65-96.7) vs. 69.7 (50-90); P = 0.046]; sleep fragmentation [90 (65-100) vs. 69 (42.2-92.7); P = 0.011]; return to sleep [90 (69.7-100) vs. 71.2 (40.7-96.5); P = 0.007]; sleep quality [85 (65-100) vs. 71.1 (49-98.1); P = 0.026]; and mean RCSQ score [83 (66-94) vs. 66.5 (45.7-87.2); P = 0.002] than the baseline group. The main barriers to sleep were pain [1 (1.0-5.5)], light [1 (1.0-5.0)], and noise [1 (1.0-5.0)]. The most rated sources of sleep-disturbing noise were heart monitor alarm [3 (1.0-5.25)], intravenous pump alarm [1.5 (1.0-5.00)]. and mechanical ventilator alarm [1 (1.0-5.0)]. All were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the baseline group.

CONCLUSION

A multi-intervention protocol was feasible and effective in improving different sleep quality parameters and reducing some barriers to sleep in CCU patients.

Sleep problems associated with long-term mortality in acute coronary syndrome: Effects of depression comorbidity and treatment

OBJECTIVES

The effects of sleep disturbance and its treatment on the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are not well understood. This study investigated the impact of sleep disturbance on long-term all-cause mortality, according to depression comorbidity and treatment, in patients with ACS.

METHODS

A cross-sectional baseline study and a nested 24-week double-blind escitalopram-placebo controlled trial were carried out from May 2007 to March 2013; 5-12-year follow-up for all-cause mortality was conducted. A total of 1152 patients with ACS were stratified by baseline depression comorbidity and treatment allocation into four groups: no depression (N = 706), depression on escitalopram (N = 149), depression on placebo (N = 151), and depression on medical care as usual (CAU; N = 146). Sleep disturbance was evaluated by the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire. During the 5-12-year follow-up, Kaplan-Meyer event rates for all-cause mortality were calculated; hazard ratios (HRs) using Cox regression models were estimated after adjustment for a range of covariates.

RESULTS

Worse sleep states at baseline increased long-term all-cause mortality in all patients (HRs 1.08-1.59). The associations between worse sleep states and long-term all-cause mortality were significant in patients without depression and in patients with depression who received CAU, but not in patients with depression who participated in the 24-week trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine evaluations of sleep disturbance in ACS and further treatment allocation may contribute to reducing long-term mortality associated with the disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier for the 24 week drug trial, NCT00419471.

DISTURBED SLEEP PATTERN (000198): CONTENT ANALYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the content of the defining characteristics of the Disturbed Sleep Pattern Nursing Diagnosis (00198) in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Method: content analysis performed by specialists who achieved a score equal to or greater than five, according to established criteria: clinical experience, teaching and/or research; participation in research groups; doctorate degree; master's degree; specialization and/or residency in cardiology and/or sleep and/or nursing classifications. Eight defining characteristics were evaluated for their relationship to population, relevance, clarity and accuracy. Descriptive statistics were performed to characterize the sample, binomial statistical test to establish if there is agreement between the experts and chi-square and Fisher's exact to establish associations between the evaluated items and the experts' variables. Results: 54 experts participated in the study. The defining characteristics validated by the experts were the following: dissatisfaction with sleep, feeling unrested, sleep deprivation, alteration in sleep pattern, unintentional awakening, difficulty initiating sleep and daytime sleepiness. There was a statistically significant association between evaluated items and the variables time of training, time of operation and punctuation. Conclusion: seven of the eight defining characteristics were considered valid after the application of binomial test. This study will contribute to the refinement of the Disturbed Sleep Pattern Nursing Diagnosis (000198) and may enable the improvement of the quality of care of patients hospitalized with Acute Coronary Syndrome regarding changes in sleep pattern. The content analysis stage will support the next stage of the validation process of the present diagnosis, the clinical validation.

Comparing acupressure with aromatherapy using Citrus aurantium in terms of their effectiveness in sleep quality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions: A randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Poor sleep quality is prevalent in candidates for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). The present study was conducted to compare aromatherapy with acupressure in terms of their effectiveness in sleep quality in patients undergoing PCIs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was conducted on 85 patients undergoing PCIs and randomly assigned, using block randomization, to five groups, namely (1)aromatherapy, (2)placebo aromatherapy, (3)acupressure, (4)placebo acupressure (acupressure applied to a point not traditionally associated with improving sleep) and (5)control. The intervention groups received aromatherapy or acupressure or placebo from 10pm to 8am the following day. The control group received only routine care. Sleep quality was measured in the patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) that was completed by them before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

The mean pretest score of sleep quality was 2.91 ± 0.53 in the aromatherapy group, 2.84 ± 0.47 in the placebo aromatherapy group, 2.98 ± 0.59 in the acupressure group, 2.75 ± 0.41 in the placebo acupressure group and 2.88 ± 0.41 in the controls. ANOVA suggested no significant differences among these groups in the pretest (P = 0.746). The mean posttest score of sleep quality was 3.72 ± 1.84 in the aromatherapy group, 3.70 ± 1.83 in the placebo aromatherapy group, 7.35 ± 0.99 in the acupressure group, 2.67 ± 0.41in the placebo acupressure group and 2.72 ± 0.34 in the controls, suggesting significant differences among the five groups based on the ANOVA results showed significant differences among the five groups (P < 0.001). The mean posttest score of sleep quality was higher than the pretest score by 4.37 in the acupressure group compared to in the other groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present findings provided scientific evidence for the benefits of using different methods, including acupressure, for sleep quality in patients undergoing PCIs.

IRANIAN REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

IRCT201707248665N6.

The Effect of Warm Footbath on the Quality of Sleep on Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in Cardiac Care Unit

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the effect of warm footbath before bedtime on the quality of sleep on patients with acute Coronary Syndrome in Cardiac Care Unit.

Methods: This study was conducted on 120 patients admitted to CCU at Mazandaran Heart Center and randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. In the intervention group, warm footbath was performed after the second night in hospital before bed time by 41 C water for 20 minutes for three consecutive nights; in contrast, the control group did not receive anything of this sort. The next day, St Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire was completed to evaluate sleep quality. Then, the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software and Friedman, Wilcoxon exact statistical tests.

Results: The quality of sleep in the first night of hospitalization was different from the third night after the intervention in both groups and the improvement process of sleep quality was observed in both groups. Most patients had moderate impairments (23-36), which had not changed during the intervention. In intervention groups, 8 patients had severe sleep disorders (greater than 37), which declined to 1 after three nights of intervention. While, in the control group this number fell from 10 patients with severe sleep disorders to 5. Warm footbath had a great positive impact on patients suffering from severe sleep disorders (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Although warm footbath did not improve the quality of sleep in all patients, it reduced the number of patients who had severe sleep disturbances.

Sleep Disturbances in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Investigation into sleep and coronary heart disease (CHD) has predominantly been focused on sleep disturbances as a risk factor for developing CHD. Objectively measured and self-reported sleep at a patient level has only been sparsely and not systematically reported. Therefore, we set out to review the literature for studies using objectively measured and self-reported sleep in patients with CHD. The review focuses on patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable CHD.

METHODS

A systematic review performed in four databases adhering to the PRISMA guidelines applying a qualitative synthesis of evidence.

RESULTS

Following ACS, we found sleep architecture to be significantly disturbed with changes normalizing over a period of up to 6 months. With increasing severity of CHD, sleep disturbances were more pronounced; however, the modulating effects of sleep-disordered breathing and ejection fraction on sleep in patients with CHD are conflicting. Overall, studies were predominantly cross-sectional in design and of low methodological quality. Polysomnography was the predominant outcome assessment tool and validated self-reported assessment tools were limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Future investigations in sleep and CHD applying both a longitudinal design and investigating objective and self-reported sleep assessments are warranted.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

Registry: PROSPERO, Title: Sleep measures in relation to coronary heart disease: a systematic review, Identifier: CRD42017056377, URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=56377.

Conceptual and operational definitions of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis Disturbed Sleep Pattern

Objective

to present the knowledge produced about sleep and Acute Coronary Syndrome in order to assist in the elaboration of the operational and conceptual definitions of the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis Disturbed Sleep Pattern (00198).

Method

integrative review in the following databases: COCHRANE; SCOPUS; MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) via Pubmed; LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature Database); CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and EMBASE (The Excerpta Medical Database). At the end of the search, 2827 studies were found, 43 were selected for reading, and 10 were included in the review. The gray literature was also included.

Results

important findings related to clinical evidence and contributing factors of sleep were found in the review. However, in order to build definitions of the defining characteristics, it was necessary to use gray literature, such as a Portuguese dictionary and two textbooks about sleep.

Conclusion

the definitions will help nurses in their practice in the collection of information, in the determination of the nursing diagnosis studied here, and in directing care measures with respect to quantity and quality of sleep of Acute Coronary Syndrome inpatients. They will also assist in the next steps of the validation of this diagnosis to the referred population.

Association of sleep problems with neuroendocrine hormones and coagulation factors in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia are frequent sleep problems that are associated with poor prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease. The mechanisms linking poor sleep with an increased cardiovascular risk are incompletely understood. We examined whether a high risk of OSA as well as insomnia symptoms are associated with neuroendocrine hormones and coagulation factors in patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

We assessed 190 patients (mean age 60 years, 83% men) in terms of OSA risk (STOP screening tool for the assessment of high vs. low OSA risk) and severity of insomnia symptoms (Jenkins Sleep Scale for the assessment of subjective sleep difficulties) within 48 h of an acute coronary intervention. Circulating concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and von Willebrand factor were measured the next morning. The association of OSA risk and insomnia symptoms with neuroendocrine hormones and coagulation factors was computed using multivariate models adjusting for demographic factors, health behaviors, somatic and psychiatric comorbidities, cardiac disease-related variables, and OSA risk in the model for insomnia symptoms, respectively, for insomnia symptoms in the model for OSA risk.

Results

High OSA risk was identified in 41% of patients and clinically relevant insomnia symptoms were reported by 27% of patients. Compared to those with low OSA risk, patients with high OSA risk had lower levels of epinephrine (p = 0.015), norepinephrine (p = 0.049) and cortisol (p = 0.001). More severe insomnia symptoms were associated with higher levels of fibrinogen (p = 0.037), driven by difficulties initiating sleep, and with lower levels of norepinephrine (p = 0.024), driven by difficulties maintaining sleep.

Conclusions

In patients with acute myocardial infarction, sleep problems are associated with neuroendocrine hormones and coagulation activity. The pattern of these relationships is not uniform for patients with a high risk of OSA and those with insomnia symptoms, and whether they contribute to adverse cardiovascular outcomes needs to be established.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01781247.

Non-circadian signals in the intensive care unit: Point prevalence morning, noon and night

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit (ICU) sleep disturbance is severe and potentially related to abnormal light and sound exposure.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of measures of light and sound disturbance in ICU patient rooms, and whether these could be modified by a sleep-promotion intervention.

METHODS

This observational study with a before and after design for a quality improvement initiative surveyed environmental factors in ICU rooms at 01:00 08:00, and 12:00. Surveys assessed light usage, television usage, window shade position, and room door/curtain position. Factors were compared before and after an ICU sleep-promotion intervention.

RESULTS

990 (pre-intervention) and 819 (post-intervention) occupied rooms were surveyed. Pre-intervention, the prevalence of night-time factors included: bright lights on (21%), television on (46%), and room door open (94%). Post-intervention, more rooms had all lights off at night (41% v 50%, p = 0.04), and fewer rooms had open door curtains (57% v 42%, p = 0.001) and window shades (78% v 62%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Disruptive environmental factors are common in the ICU. Some factors improve with sleep-promotion interventions.

Sleep Disturbance after Hospitalization and Critical Illness: A Systematic Review

RATIONALE

Sleep disturbance during intensive care unit (ICU) admission is common and severe. Sleep disturbance has been observed in survivors of critical illness even after transfer out of the ICU. Not only is sleep important to overall health and well being, but patients after critical illness are also in a physiologically vulnerable state. Understanding how sleep disturbance impacts recovery from critical illness after hospital discharge is therefore clinically meaningful.

OBJECTIVES

This Systematic Review aimed to summarize studies that identify the prevalence of and risk factors for sleep disturbance after hospital discharge for critical illness survivors.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed (January 4, 2017), MEDLINE (January 4, 2017), and EMBASE (February 1, 2017).

DATA EXTRACTION

Databases were searched for studies of critically ill adult patients after hospital discharge, with sleep disturbance measured as a primary outcome by standardized questionnaire or objective measurement tools. From each relevant study, we extracted prevalence and severity of sleep disturbance at each time point, objective sleep parameters (such as total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and arousal index), and risk factors for sleep disturbance.

SYNTHESIS

A total of 22 studies were identified, with assessment tools including subjective questionnaires, polysomnography, and actigraphy. Subjective questionnaire studies reveal a 50-66.7% (within 1 mo), 34-64.3% (>1-3 mo), 22-57% (>3-6 mo), and 10-61% (>6 mo) prevalence of abnormal sleep after hospital discharge after critical illness. Of the studies assessing multiple time points, four of five questionnaire studies and five of five polysomnography studies show improved aspects of sleep over time. Risk factors for poor sleep varied, but prehospital factors (chronic comorbidity, pre-existing sleep abnormality) and in-hospital factors (severity of acute illness, in-hospital sleep disturbance, pain medication use, and ICU acute stress symptoms) may play a role. Sleep disturbance was frequently associated with postdischarge psychological comorbidities and impaired quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disturbance is common in critically ill patients up to 12 months after hospital discharge. Both subjective and objective studies, however, suggest that sleep disturbance improves over time. More research is needed to understand and optimize sleep in recovery from critical illness.

Association of intensive care unit delirium with sleep disturbance and functional disability after critical illness: an observational cohort study

Background

In medical intensive care unit (MICU) patients, the predictors of post-discharge sleep disturbance and functional disability are poorly understood. ICU delirium is a risk factor with a plausible link to sleep disturbance and disability. This study evaluated the prevalence of self-reported post-ICU sleep disturbance and increased functional disability, and their association with MICU delirium and other ICU factors.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of MICU patients enrolled in a biorepository and assessed upon MICU admission by demographics, comorbidities, and baseline characteristics. Delirium was assessed daily using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. Telephone follow-up interview instruments occurred after hospital discharge and included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADLs, IADLs) for disability. We define sleep disturbance as a PSQI score > 5 and increased disability as an increase in composite BADL/IADL score at follow-up relative to baseline. Multivariable regression modeled the associations of delirium and other MICU factors on follow-up PSQI scores and change in disability scores.

Results

PSQI and BADL/IADL instruments were completed by 112 and 122 participants, respectively, at mean 147 days after hospital discharge. Of those surveyed, 63% had sleep disturbance by PSQI criteria, and 37% had increased disability by BADL/IADL scores compared to their pre-MICU baseline. Total days of MICU delirium (p = 0.013), younger age (p = 0.013), and preexisting depression (p = 0.025) were significantly associated with higher PSQI scores at follow-up. Lower baseline disability (p < 0.001), older age (p = 0.048), and less time to follow-up (p = 0.024) were significantly associated with worsening post-ICU disability, while the occurrence of MICU delirium showed a trend toward association (p = 0.077).

Conclusions

After adjusting for important covariates, total days of MICU delirium were significantly associated with increased post-discharge sleep disturbance. Delirium incidence showed a trend toward association with increased functional disability in the year following discharge.

Unhealthy behaviour modification, psychological distress, and 1-year survival in cardiac rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is considered the recommended secondary prevention treatment for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), in terms of health behaviours and, secondarily, better cardiac outcomes promotion. However, the role of psychiatric and psychosomatic distress on the efficacy of CR is unclear. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of CR on unhealthy behaviour modification and cardiac course, considering the moderating role of depression, anxiety, and psychosomatic syndromes.

DESIGN

A longitudinal design between and within groups was employed. The assessment was repeated four times: at admission to CR (T1), at discharge (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 months following CR completion (T4).

METHOD

One hundred and eight patients undergoing CR versus 85 patients with CVD not referred to CR, underwent psychiatric, psychosomatic, and health behaviour assessment. The assessment included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (depression and anxiety), the interview based on Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research, GOSPEL Study questionnaire (health behaviours), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale.

RESULTS

Cardiac rehabilitation was associated with maintenance of physical activity, improvement of behavioural aspects related to food consumption, stress management, and sleep quality. On the contrary, CR was not associated with weight loss, healthy diet, and medication adherence. Depression and psychosomatic syndromes seem to moderate the modification of specific health-related behaviours (physical activity, behavioural aspects of food consumption, stress management, and pharmacological adherence).

CONCLUSION

In CR settings, an integrated assessment including both psychiatric and psychosomatic syndromes is needed to address psychological factors associated with unhealthy behaviour modification. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is considered a class 1A treatment recommendation and the most cost-effective model of secondary prevention to reduce cardiovascular events. There is evidence about the association between psychological distress and both unhealthy behaviour and cardiac course. Depression and psychosomatic distress, such as type A behaviour and demoralization, are frequently associated with CVD course. However, the role of psychiatric and psychosomatic distress in CR is not well known. What does this study add? CR exerted a protective effect on physical activity and a positive effect on eating behaviour, stress management, and quality of sleep. CR did not show any particular effect on smoking, overweight/obesity, dietary habits, medication adherence, and patients' 1-year survival. Findings from this study suggest the importance to consider specific psychological and psychosomatic aspects in affecting lifestyle.

Effect of sleep problems on depressive disorders 1 year after developing acute coronary syndrome: The K-DEPACS study

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the effects of sleep disturbance evaluated within 2 weeks after patients developed acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on depressive disorders at the 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

A total of 1152 patients were recruited consecutively within 2 weeks after a confirmed ACS episode, and 828 were followed 1 year later. Sleep disturbances were evaluated at baseline using the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), which subjectively assesses four sleep factors. At both examinations, depressive disorders were diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Baseline covariates included sociodemographic data, characteristics of depression, cardiovascular risk factors, and current cardiac status.

RESULTS

Almost all aspects of the sleep disturbance and the increase in their worst state evaluated by the LSEQ within 2 weeks of ACS predicted both incident and persistent depressive disorders at the 1-year follow-up independent of covariates related to sleep problems.

LIMITATION

Data on sleep disturbance were obtained only by subjective reports.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple evaluation of sleep disturbance in patients who recently developed ACS in a hospital setting could help predict depression at the chronic phase.

Serum of obstructive sleep apnea patients impairs human coronary endothelial cell migration

INTRODUCTION

Endothelial cell migration and proliferation play an important role in the growth and development of new blood vessels and endothelium healing. This process occurs in response to injury, inflammation and immune reactions. Dysfunction of the endothelium may play a significant role in development and progression of cardiovascular disease related to sleep-disordered breathing. The aim of our study was to evaluate the chemo-attractant activity of serum from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and normal subjects on coronary artery endothelial cell migration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied 12 severe OSA patients, free of other co-morbidities and on no treatment, along with 12 age-, body mass index, and gender matched healthy controls. Blood was collected at three time points: at 21:00 before sleep, at 6:00 after waking from sleep, and at 11:00 (after 5 h of normal daytime activity). Serum chemo-attractant activity for human coronary endothelial cells was assessed using a colorimetric cell migration assay kit.

RESULTS

In healthy subjects, serum chemo-attractant activity peaked in the morning after waking from sleep (p = 0.02). This early morning increase was blunted in severe OSA subjects, in whom chemo-attractant activity was weaker than in normal controls (p = 0.02), and did not change significantly at the different time-points (p < 0.001 vs. controls).

CONCLUSIONS

Chemo-attractant activity of the serum from OSA patients is lower compared to serum from healthy subjects, especially in the morning. Altered chemo-attractant serum activity may conceivably contribute to the impairment of endothelial function in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

Comparing the Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage, Foot Bath and Their Combination on Quality of Sleep in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Introduction: Many patients in coronary care unit (CCU) suffer from decreased sleep quality caused by environmental and mental factors. This study compared the efficacy of foot reflexology massage, foot bath, and a combination of them on the quality of sleep of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was implemented on ACS patients in Iran. Random sampling was used to divide the patients into four groups of 35 subjects. The groups were foot reflexology massage, foot bath, a combination of the two and the control group. Sleep quality was measured using the Veran Snyder-Halpern questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13.

Results: The mean age of the four groups was 61.22 (11.67) years. The mean sleep disturbance in intervention groups (foot reflexology massage and foot bath groups) during the second and third nights was significantly less than before intervention. The results also showed a greater reduction in sleep disturbance in the combined group than in the other groups when compared to the control group.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the intervention of foot bath and massage are effective in reducing sleep disorders and there was a synergistic effect when used in combination. This complementary care method can be recommended to be implemented by CCU nurses.

Low-dose Dexmedetomidine Improves Sleep Quality Pattern in Elderly Patients after Noncardiac Surgery in the Intensive Care Unit

Background

Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery often develop sleep disturbances. The authors tested the hypothesis that low-dose dexmedetomidine infusion could improve sleep architecture in nonmechanically ventilated elderly patients in the ICU after surgery.

Methods

This was a pilot, randomized controlled trial. Seventy-six patients age 65 yr or older who were admitted to the ICU after noncardiac surgery and did not require mechanical ventilation were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine (continuous infusion at a rate of 0.1 μg kg−1 h−1; n = 38) or placebo (n = 38) for 15 h, i.e., from 5:00 pm on the day of surgery until 8:00 am on the first day after surgery. Polysomnogram was monitored during the period of study-drug infusion. The primary endpoint was the percentage of stage 2 non–rapid eye movement (stage N2) sleep.

Results

Complete polysomnogram recordings were obtained in 61 patients (30 in the placebo group and 31 in the dexmedetomidine group). Dexmedetomidine infusion increased the percentage of stage N2 sleep from median 15.8% (interquartile range, 1.3 to 62.8) with placebo to 43.5% (16.6 to 80.2) with dexmedetomidine (difference, 14.7%; 95% CI, 0.0 to 31.9; P = 0.048); it also prolonged the total sleep time, decreased the percentage of stage N1 sleep, increased the sleep efficiency, and improved the subjective sleep quality. Dexmedetomidine increased the incidence of hypotension without significant intervention.

Conclusions

In nonmechanically ventilated elderly patients who were admitted to the ICU after noncardiac surgery, the prophylactic low-dose dexmedetomidine infusion may improve overall sleep quality.

Whole-body strength training with Huber Motion Lab and traditional strength training in cardiac rehabilitation: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Isometric strengthening has been rarely studied in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), mainly because of possible potential side effects and lack of appropriate and reliable devices.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare 2 different modes of resistance training, an isometric mode with the Huber Motion Lab (HML) and traditional strength training (TST), in CHD patients undergoing a cardiac rehabilitation program.

DESIGN

We randomly assigned 50 patients to HML or TST. Patients underwent complete blinded evaluation before and after the rehabilitation program, including testing for cardiopulmonary exercise, maximal isometric voluntary contraction, endothelial function and body composition.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of training (16 sessions), the groups did not differ in body composition, anthropometric characteristics, or endothelial function. With HML, peak power output (P=0.035), maximal heart rate (P<0.01) and gain of force measured in the chest press position (P<0.02) were greater after versus before training.

CONCLUSION

Both protocols appeared to be well tolerated, safe and feasible for these CHD patients. A training protocol involving 6s phases of isometric contractions with 10s of passive recovery on an HML device could be safely implemented in rehabilitation programs for patients with CHD and improve functional outcomes.

Effect of White Noise on Sleep in Patients Admitted to a Coronary Care

Introduction: Sleep disorders are a common problem in patients in the critical care unit. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of white noise on the quality of sleep in patients admitted to the CCU.

Methods: The present study was single-blind, quasi-experimental study. A total of 60 patients were selected using the purposive sampling method. Quality of sleep was measured with PSQI on the first day in admission, then after three nights of admission without any intervention for control group and for the experimental group quality of sleep measured by white noise with intensity of 50-60 dB then Quality of sleep was measured with PSQI. Data were analyzed by SPSS 13 software.

Results: The average total sleep time in the control group before the study reached from 7.08 (0.8) to 4.75 (0.66) hours after three nights of hospitalization, while in the experimental group, no significant changes were seen in the average sleep hours (6.69 ± 0.84 vs. 6.92 ± 0.89, P = 0.15).The average minutes of sleep in the control group before the study reached from 12.66 (7.51) to 25.83 (11.75) minutes after a three- night stay, while in the experimental group, no significant changes were observed in the average sleep duration (12.16 ± 7.50 vs. 11 ±6. 07, P = 0.16).

Conclusion: The use of white noise is recommended as a method for masking environmental noises, improving sleep, and maintaining sleep in the coronary care unit.

A preliminary study on the relationships between diurnal melatonin secretion profile and sleep variables in patients emergently admitted to the coronary care unit

To clarify the significance of melatonin secretion under intensive care conditions, we investigated melatonin secretion profiles and sleep parameters of 23 patients just after admission to the coronary care unit (CCU) and 19 age-matched controls. Sleep parameters were evaluated by actigraphy, and melatonin secretion was assessed by measuring the urinary 6-sulphatoxy melatonin (6-SMT). 6-SMT secretion was lower and nocturnal sleep parameters were less satisfactory in the subjects than those in the controls, and there were positive correlations between these variables, particularly in the subject patients. The lowered melatonin secretion might be involved in the mechanism of insomnia in CCU patients.

Effect of acupressure with valerian oil 2.5% on the quality and quantity of sleep in patients with acute coronary syndrome in a cardiac intensive care unit

The purpose of this three-group double-blind clinical trial study was to investigate the effect of acupressure (指壓 zhǐ yā) with valerian (纈草 xié cǎo) oil 2.5% on the quality and quantity of sleep in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a coronary intensive care unit (CCU). This study was conducted on 90 patients with ACS in Mazandaran Heart Center (Sari, Iran) during 2013. The patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Patients in the acupressure with valerian oil 2.5% group (i.e., valerian acupressure group) received bilateral acupoint (穴位 xué wèi) massage with two drops of valerian oil for 2 minutes for three nights; including every point this treatment lasted in total 18 minutes. Patients in the acupressure group received massage at the same points with the same technique but without valerian oil. Patients in the control group received massage at points that were 1–1.5 cm from the main points using the same technique and for the same length of time. The quality and quantity of the patients' sleep was measured by the St. Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire (SMHSQ). After the intervention, there was a significant difference between sleep quality and sleep quantity in the patients in the valerian acupressure group and the acupressure group, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Patients that received acupressure with valerian oil experienced improved sleep quality; however, this difference was not statistically significant in comparison to the acupressure only group. Acupressure at the ear spirit gate (神門 shén mén), hand Shenmen, glabella (印堂 yìn táng), Wind Pool (風池 fēng chí), and Gushing Spring (湧泉 yǒng quán) acupoints can have therapeutic effects and may improve the quality and quantity of sleep in patients with ACS. Using these techniques in combination with herbal medicines such valerian oil can have a greater impact on improving sleep and reducing waking during the night.

Very early screening for sleep-disordered breathing in acute coronary syndrome in patients without acute heart failure

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is frequently associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Screening of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has not been previously evaluated in ACS within 72 h in intensive care settings and its management could potentially enhance patients' prognosis. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of SDB screening at the early phase of ACS.

METHODS

All consecutive patients admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) for ACS without acute heart failure underwent one overnight-attended polysomnography (PSG) within 72 h after admission. A telemonitoring (TM) system was set up to remotely monitor the signals and repair faulty sensors. The 27 recordings were analyzed as respiratory polygraphy (RP) and as PSG, and the results were compared.

RESULTS

The TM system allowed successful intervention in 48% of recordings, resulting in excellent quality PSG for 89% of cases. The prevalence of SDB [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15/h] was 82% and mainly consisted of central SDB and periodic breathing, except three patients with OSA. Compared with PSG, RP underestimated AHI, probably due to the poor sleep efficiency, reduction of slow-wave sleep, and alteration of rapid eye movement sleep.

CONCLUSION

An early SDB screening by remote-attended PSG is feasible in ACS patients shortly after admission to CCU. The TM enhanced the quality of PSG. A high prevalence of central SDB was noticed, for which the etiology remains unknown. Further large-scale studies are needed to determine whether central SDB is an incidental finding in early ACS and whether the presence and severity of SDB have a prognostic impact.

Association of acute coronary syndrome-induced posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms with self-reported sleep

BACKGROUND

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are associated with recurrent ACS events and mortality. Poor sleep may be a mechanism, but the association between PTSD and sleep after ACS is unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aims to estimate the association between ACS-induced PTSD symptoms and self-reported sleep.

METHODS

ACS-induced PTSD symptoms were assessed 1-month post-ACS in 188 adults using the Impact of Events Scale-Revised. Sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Linear and logistic regression models were used to determine whether PTSD symptoms were associated with self-reported sleep, independent of sociodemographic and clinical covariates.

RESULTS

In adjusted models, ACS-induced PTSD symptoms were associated with worse overall sleep (β = 0.22, p = 0.003) and greater impairment in six of seven components of sleep (all p values <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ACS-induced PTSD symptoms may be associated with poor sleep, which may explain why PTSD confers increased cardiovascular risk after ACS.

Development and Validation of Sleep Disturbance Questionnaire in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background and Objectives. Severe sleep disturbance is a common problem among patients in cardiac care units (CCUs). There are questionnaires to measure sleep disturbances. Therefore, the present study seeks to design a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess sleep disturbance in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) hospitalized in CCUs. Materials and Methods. In the present methodological research, items of the questionnaire were extracted through a systematic review. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires was assessed by face validity, content validity, construct validity, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and test-retest methods. Results. Factor analysis provided a questionnaire of 23 items on 5 dimensions of sleep disturbance in coronary patients: “sleep onset and continuity disorder,” “disorder in daytime functioning,” “sleep disturbance caused by environmental factors,” “sleep disturbance as a result of cardiac diseases,” and “respiratory disorders during sleep.” Furthermore, test-retest analysis showed a reliability correlation coefficient of r = 0.766 and α Cronbach's reliability (α = 0.855). Conclusion. Sleep disturbance questionnaire for patients with ACS hospitalized in coronary care unit (CCU) was identified in 5 dimensions and assessed for validity and reliability. To control and improve the sleep quality of CCU hospitalized patients, we need to identify and remove predisposing factors.

Epidemiological and Pathogenic Relationship between Sleep Apnea and Ischemic Heart Disease

Obstructive sleep apnea is recognized as having high prevalence and causing remarkable cardiovascular risk. Coronary artery disease has been associated with obstructive sleep apnea in many reports. The pathophysiology of coronary artery disease in obstructive sleep apnea patients probably includes the activation of multiple mechanisms, as the sympathetic activity, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and systemic hypertension. Moreover, chronic intermittent hypoxia and oxidative stress have an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary disease and are also fundamental to the development of atherosclerosis and other comorbidities present in coronary artery diseases such as lipid metabolic disorders. Interestingly, the prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease has been associated with obstructive sleep apnea and the severity of sleep disordered breathing may have a direct relationship with the morbidity and mortality of patients with coronary diseases. Nevertheless, treatment with CPAP may have important effects, and recent reports have described the benefits of obstructive sleep apnea treatment on the recurrence of acute heart ischaemic events in patients with coronary artery disease.

Serum EPO and VEGF levels in patients with sleep-disordered breathing and acute myocardial infarction

Background

A high level of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) may be associated with a smaller infarct size determined by the release of necrosis markers. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, protective effects of SDB have also been described. The potential role of increased levels of EPO and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is suggested in this process. The study aimed to explore the EPO and VEGF serum levels in SDB and non-SDB patients during the acute phase of myocardial infarction.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients undergoing successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention in the acute myocardial infarction have been examined for the levels of EPO, VEGF, and troponin I (Tn). In the following, patients had an overnight polysomnography to determine breathing disturbances during sleep.

Results

Both on admission day (day 1) and day 3 of hospitalization, EPO levels showed statistically significant differences in both SDB-positive and SDB-negative patient groups (p = 0.003 and p = 0.018, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in VEGF levels. No correlation was found between the EPO and Tn levels.

Conclusions

SDB patients tend to have higher levels of EPO during acute myocardial infarction. No statistically significant differences in VEGF levels were observed.

[Quality of sleep in patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit]

INTRODUCTION

Trouble sleeping is common in the elderly population and is attributed to changes that aging brings in the sleep architecture and circadian rhythm. The prevalence of insomnia shows a marked increase with advancing age, in a proportion of 14 to 32% among those over 65 years. If we add these physiological changes of sleep with those found in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the problem worsens. The prevalence of these disorders in these units is from 22 - 61%. Sleep deprivation may contribute to worsening of the patients. The main objective is to describe the quality of sleep of patients admitted to the Coronary ICU of the Hospital Miguel Servet and the environmental factors that contribute to these disorders.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 75 conscious and oriented patients in the Coronary ICU Hospital Miguel Servet were included. Data was collected between February 17 and April 30, 2011. The subjects were asked to state if they had slept well by means of a survey and to score the environmental factors that may have bothered them.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Most patients said they had slept well (66.7%). Noise was the environmental factor that bothered them most. In analyzing the different noises, patients identified hearing people talking as being the most annoying.

CONCLUSION

Changes must be implemented in the unit that would favor restful sleep.

Effect of eye mask on sleep quality in patients with acute coronary syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Sleep is one of the basic human needs and sleep deprivation causes nu-merous adverse effects on the human body and mind. Due to reduced sleep quality in patients with acute coronary syndrome, this study was carried out to determine the effect of eye mask on sleep quality in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

METHODS

In this two-group controlled clinical trial, sixty patients with acute coronary syndrome in the coronary care units of Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran in 2010 were selected by purposeful sampling method and randomly allocated to two groups of case and control. In the case group, in the second night stay, the intervention of eye mask was done per night and by using the Petersburg's sleep quality index; sleep quality was evaluated during and at the end of hospitalization. Then data were analyzed by paired t-test, independent t-test, Spearman and Pearson's correlation coefficient and SPSS software version 19.

RESULTS

Total sleep quality score of the case group was significantly decreased after intervention (4.86 ± 1.88) from before intervention (10.46 ± 4.09) (p < 0.000). In addi-tion, total score of sleep quality after intervention in the case group (4.86 ± 1.88) was significant different from the control group (8.43 ± 1.97) (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Using eye mask, as an economical and uncomplicated method, can improve sleep quality in patients with acute coronary syndrome in the coronary care units and can be used as an alternative method of treatment instead of drug therapy.

Pain-related diseases and sleep disorders

Pain and sleep share mutual relations under the influence of cognitive and neuroendocrine changes. Sleep is an important homeostatic feature and, when impaired, contributes to the development or worsening of pain-related diseases. The aim of the present review is to provide a panoramic view for the generalist physician on sleep disorders that occur in pain-related diseases within the field of Internal Medicine, such as rheumatic diseases, acute coronary syndrome, digestive diseases, cancer, and headache.

Sleep quality of hospitalized patients in surgical units

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the sleep quality of the patients hospitalized in surgical units and the factors that influence it.

METHOD

The research was a randomized descriptive study. It was conducted in the surgical clinics of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Health Services Research Hospital. A total of 411 patients participated in the study. The research data were gathered by means of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Questionnaire aimed at capturing personal information about the participant patients and the factors influencing their sleep.

RESULTS

The sleep quality score of the patients "during the last week" (8.090 ± 3.504) was higher than their score in the "preadmission" period (4.229 ± 2.726) (p= .000). The sleep quality scores of "the patients with previous hospitalization and operation experience" (p= .000), "those who had undergone a major surgical procedure" (p= .000), "those who had been hospitalized for a week" (p= .022), and "those undergoing medical intervention during sleeping hours" (p= .000) "during the last week" were high. Patients who had a chronic illness history and whose operations were postponed had poor quality of sleep in both the hospitalization and preadmission period (p= .000).

CONCLUSIONS

It could be suggested that the patients in preoperative and postoperative periods cannot get adequate rest due to low sleep-quality levels.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurses can prepare an environment aiding sleep as a way to increase surgical patients' sleep quality in hospital.

Sleep disordered breathing in patients with acute coronary syndromes

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Although the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is high in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), there is little knowledge about the persistence of OSAHS in ACS patients after the acute event. We aimed to assess the prevalence and time course of OSAHS in patients with ACS during and after the acute cardiac event.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients with first-ever ACS, underwent attended overnight polysomnography (PSG) in our sleep center on the third day after the acute event. In patients with an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 10/h, we performed a follow up PSG 1 and 6 months later.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (54%) had an AHI > 10/h. There was a significant decrease in AHI 1 month after the acute event (13.9 vs. 19.7, p = 0.001), confirming the diagnosis of OSAHS in 22 of 28 patients (79%). At 6-month follow-up, the AHI had decreased further (7.5 vs. 19.7, p < 0.05), and at that time only 6 of the 28 patients (21%) were diagnosed as having OSAHS. Twelve of the 16 current smokers stopped smoking after the acute event.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated a high prevalence of OSAHS in ACS patients, which did not persist 6 months later, indicating that, to some degree, OSAHS may be transient and related with the acute phase of the underlying disease or the reduction in the deleterious smoking habit.

Medical comorbidity of sleep disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recently published literature indicates that sleep disorders present with medical comorbidities quite frequently. The coexistence of a sleep disorder with a medical disorder has a substantial impact for both the patient and the health system.

RECENT FINDINGS

Insomnia and hypersomnia are highly comorbid with medical conditions, such as chronic pain and diabetes, as well as with various cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and neurological disorders. Restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movement syndrome have been associated with iron deficiency, kidney disease, diabetes, and neurological, autoimmune, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. Rapid eye movement behaviour disorder has been described as an early manifestation of serious central nervous system diseases; thus, close neurological monitoring of patients referring with this complaint is indicated.

SUMMARY

Identification and management of any sleep disorder in medical patients is important for optimizing the course and prognosis. Of equal importance is the search for undetected medical disorder in patients presenting with sleep disorders.

Assessment of sleep patterns, energy expenditure and circadian rhythms of skin temperature in patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

There is no simple and practical way to monitor sleep patterns in patients in acute care units. We designed this study to assess sleep patterns, energy expenditure and circadian rhythms of patients' skin temperature in the coronary care unit (CCU) utilizing a new portable device.

MATERIAL/METHODS

The SenseWear Armband (SWA) was used to record sleep duration, distribution over 24 hr, energy expenditure and the circadian rhythms of skin temperature in 46 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) for the first 24 hr in the CCU and upon transfer to the ward. An advanced analysis was used to extract and compare data associated with the above variables in the two settings.

RESULTS

Patients in the CCU had a reduced night's sleep duration (5.6 ± 2.2 hr) with more frequent and significantly shorter night sessions (p=0.015) than patients in the ward. Energy expenditure and METs (metabolic equivalents of a task) were significantly lower in the CCU than in the ward. However, the midline-estimating statistic of rhythm (MESOR) and acrophase for skin temperature did not exhibit any significant difference between the two settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ACS have sleep fragmentation and shorter nocturnal sleep duration in the CCU compared to the ward. On the other hand, there was no difference in the circadian rhythms of skin temperature between patients in the CCU and the general wards.

Paradoxical sleep insomnia and decreased cholinergic neurons after myocardial infarction in rats

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is followed, within a few hours, by neuronal loss in the central nervous system (CNS), including the limbic system, the hypothalamus, and the brainstem. Sleep before and after MI was investigated in the first experiment. In a parallel experiment, 2 weeks after MI, we quantified brainstem cholinergic neurons known to control paradoxical sleep (PS).

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Data were obtained from 28 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 350-375 g and maintained under a 12-12 light-dark cycle in 2 experiments on 16 and 12 rats, respectively. The 16 animals in the first experiment were implanted with chronic electroencephalographic (EEG) and electromyographic (EMG) electrodes. A week after surgery, these animals were habituated for 2 days to the recording equipment, and baseline sleep was charted for 24 h. The next morning, MI was induced in 8 rats by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery for 40 min. The remaining 8 rats served as sham-operated controls. Sleep was recorded again 2 weeks after MI. The number of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-positive neurons was counted in the second, parallel experiment on 6 MI and 6 sham rats. Compared to the sham controls, MI rats displayed longer latency to sleep onset, shorter latency to paradoxical sleep (PS), and curtailed PS duration. The number of ChAT-positive neurons in the pedunculopontine tegmentum (PPT) area of MI rats was significantly decreased compared to the sham controls, while the number of laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT) cholinergic neurons was not different.

CONCLUSION

Acute MI is accompanied, within 2 weeks, by PS-specific insomnia that can be explained, at least partly, by a specific loss of cholinergic neurons in an area known to control PS.