Sleep quality in heroin addicts under methadone maintenance treatment

Sleep Health Among Adults in Outpatient Opioid Use Disorder Treatment: A Systematic Review

The current systematic review synthesized available original research on objective and self-reported sleep health dimensions among adults aged 18 to 50 years in outpatient treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). A comprehensive search was conducted using multiple electronic databases followed by screening 2,738 records published in English from the inception of each database to September 14, 2021. Quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (version 2001). Fifty nine studies-50 descriptive (21 longitudinal, 18 cross-sectional, and 11 case control), seven interventional (five non-randomized), and two mixed/multi method designs-were included, comprising 18,195 adults with mean ages ranging from 23 to 49 years (mean age = 37.5 [SD = 5.9] years; 54.4% female) with OUD and 604 comparison participants without OUD. Studies were predominantly observational with various designs with self-report and objective measures with participants at various points in treatment. More work is needed to understand the multidimensional depth of sleep health in adults with OUD. Optimizing sleep health in adults with OUD may improve their addiction trajectory and should be a priority in practice and research. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(1), 19-26.].

Metabotropic glutamate receptor function and regulation of sleep-wake cycles

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are the most abundant family of G-protein coupled receptors and are widely expressed throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Alterations in glutamate homeostasis, including dysregulations in mGlu receptor function, have been indicated as key contributors to multiple CNS disorders. Fluctuations in mGlu receptor expression and function also occur across diurnal sleep-wake cycles. Sleep disturbances including insomnia are frequently comorbid with neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative conditions. These often precede behavioral symptoms and/or correlate with symptom severity and relapse. Chronic sleep disturbances may also be a consequence of primary symptom progression and can exacerbate neurodegeneration in disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus, there is a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbances and CNS disorders; disrupted sleep may serve as both a cause and a consequence of the disorder. Importantly, comorbid sleep disturbances are rarely a direct target of primary pharmacological treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders even though improving sleep can positively impact other symptom clusters. This chapter details known roles of mGlu receptor subtypes in both sleep-wake regulation and CNS disorders focusing on schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, AD, and substance use disorder (cocaine and opioid). In this chapter, preclinical electrophysiological, genetic, and pharmacological studies are described, and, when possible, human genetic, imaging, and post-mortem studies are also discussed. In addition to reviewing the important relationships between sleep, mGlu receptors, and CNS disorders, this chapter highlights the development of selective mGlu receptor ligands that hold promise for improving both primary symptoms and sleep disturbances.

The association between sleep and suicidality in the presence and absence of depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional study in rural China

This study aimed to explore the association between sleep and suicidality in the presence and absence of depressive symptoms in the rural Chinese population. The research involved a cross-sectional survey conducted in Liuyang, China, between November 2010 and August 2011. A total of 2052 participants were surveyed (987 males and 1065 females). To investigate the mediating effect of depressive symptoms in the correlation between sleep quality and suicidality. The association between sleep quality and suicidality in the absence of depressive symptoms was also explored. Suicide risk was measured using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview subscale. The visual analog scale was used to assess sleep quality. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2, avoiding the overlap in sleep and suicidality assessments, were used for detecting depressive symptoms in participants. Depressive symptoms partially mediated the association between sleep quality and suicidality among rural adults. Furthermore, some participants did not exhibit depressive symptoms in this study yet still exhibited a risk for suicidality, with poor sleep quality contributing significantly to their suicidality even after adjusting for cofounders. Poor sleep quality significantly increases the likelihood of suicidality in the presence and absence of depressive symptoms in the rural Chinese population. Poor sleep quality could correlate with increased suicide risk independently of depressive symptoms.

Comparison of psychiatric disorders in addicted patients treated with buprenorphine, methadone, and opium tincture in Iran

Background

The aim of this study was to comparing the complications (depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and sexual dysfunction) of buprenorphine, methadone and opium tincture as an alternative drug treatment in patients referred to the National Center for Addiction Studies of Tehran during 2020–2021. This cross-sectional study was concocted on 197 patients referred to the National Center for Addiction Studies of Tehran who were treated with one of the alternative treatments of opioids buprenorphine (n = 24), methadone (n = 116), and opium tincture (n = 57) during 2020–2021. Three questionnaires were used to assess the side effects of drugs including Anxiety and Depression Hospital Scales (HADS), AIS (Athens insomnia scale) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Data were analyzed using Stata 14.0. The multinomial logistic regression model was used in order to compare complications in the three groups and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated.

Results

The mean age in the buprenorphine, methadone and opium tincture groups were 46.80 ± 9.90, 48.31 ± 13.33 and 55.30 ± 10.34 years, respectively. The numbers of men were 17 (70.80), 90 (77.60), and 50 (78.70); respectively. Multinomial logistic regression model showed OR = 0.73 (95% CI 0.61–0.88) for anxiety in the methadone group in compared to buprenorphine. Likewise, OR = 1.22 (95% CI 1.001–1.48) and OR = 1.34 (95% CI 1.10–1.63) was observed for sleep disorder in the methadone and opium tincture groups in compared to buprenorphine; respectively.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbance in buprenorphine group is less than opium tincture and methadone. Also, anxiety in the methadone group was lower than the buprenorphine, however, there was no significant difference between the three groups in term of sexual function and depression. In addition to control measures for sleep disorders in receiving methadone and buprenorphine, the cohort studies with a higher sample size are recommended.

Worsening sleep quality across the lifespan and persistent sleep disturbances in persons with opioid use disorder

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) may experience worsening sleep quality over time, and a subset of individuals may have sleep disturbances that precede opioid use and do not resolve following abstinence. The purpose of the present study was to (1) collect retrospective reports of sleep across the lifespan and (2) identify characteristics associated with persistent sleep disturbance and changes in sleep quality in persons with OUD.

METHODS

Adults with OUD (n = 154) completed a cross-sectional study assessing current and past sleep disturbance, opioid use history, and chronic pain. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine changes in retrospectively reported sleep quality, and whether changes varied by screening positive for insomnia and/or chronic pain. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify additional correlates of persistent sleep disturbance.

RESULTS

Participants reported that their sleep quality declined over their lifespan. Changes in reported sleep over time varied based on whether the individual screened positive for co-occurring insomnia and/or chronic pain. In regression analyses, female sex (β = 0.16, P = .042), a greater number of treatment episodes (β = 0.20, P = .024), and positive screens for chronic pain (β = 0.19, P = .018) and insomnia (β=0.22, P = .013) were associated with self-reported persistent sleep disturbance. Only a portion of participants who screened positive for sleep disorders had received a formal diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

OUD treatment providers should routinely screen for co-occurring sleep disturbance and chronic pain. Interventions that treat co-occurring OUD, sleep disturbance, and chronic pain are needed.

CITATION

Ellis JD, Mayo JL, Gamaldo CE, Finan PH, Huhn AS. Worsening sleep quality across the lifespan and persistent sleep disturbances in persons with opioid use disorder. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(2):587-595.

Poor Sleep Quality and Other Risk Factors for Unemployment Among Patients on Opioid Agonist Treatment

Purpose:

Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) face high rates of unemployment, putting them at higher risk of treatment nonadherence and poor outcomes, including overdose death. The objective of this study was to investigate sleep quality and its association with other biopsychosocial risk factors for unemployment in patients receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for OUD.

Methods:

Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants from 3 OAT programs for OUD completed questionnaires to measure sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]); pain disability; catastrophic thinking; injustice experience; quality of life; and self-assessed disability. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to test for associations between sleep quality and other study variables.

Results:

Thirty-eight participants completed the study, with mean age 45.6 ± 10.9 years, 27 (71.1%) males, and 16 (42.1%) reporting a high school diploma/equivalent certification as the highest level of academic attainment. Poor sleep quality (defined as PSQI > 5) was identified in 29 participants (76.3%) and was positively correlated with pain disability (r = 0.657, P < .01), self-assessed disability (r = 0.640, P < .001), symptom catastrophizing (r = 0.499, P < .001), and injustice experience (r = 0.642, P < .001), and negatively correlated with quality of life (r = −0.623, P < .001).

Conclusions:

There was a high prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with OUD on OAT and this was associated with multiple known risk factors for unemployment. These findings warrant the consideration of regular screening for sleep problems and the inclusion of sleep-related interventions to improve sleep quality, decrease the unemployment rate, and enhance the recovery process for individuals with OUD undergoing OAT.

Reregulation of cortisol levels and sleep in patients with prescription opioid use disorder during long-term residential treatment

OBJECTIVE

Research has demonstrated that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and sleep patterns are dysregulated in patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD). It is unclear whether and/or when cortisol and sleep might re-regulate over time, and, whether re-regulation is associated with abstinence following discharge from residential treatment. The current study evaluated changes in sleep and basal cortisol levels in prescription OUD patients in residential treatment, and the association between these measures and treatment outcome following discharge.

METHOD

As part of a larger study, 55 participants with prescription OUD provided two days of salivary cortisol samples and 12 consecutive nights of sleep actigraphy between days 19-30 of residential treatment (Time Point 1; TP1). Thirteen of the original 55 participants remained in residence and repeated the measures between days 60-72 (Time Point 2; TP2). Thirty-seven healthy controls (HC) provided baseline measures (TP1) of salivary cortisol and sleep. Treatment outcome data, abstinence vs relapse, were established at 120 days following discharge.

RESULTS

Prescription OUD patients had higher cortisol levels and lower total sleep time (TST) than HC at TP1. At TP2, TST and cortisol levels no longer differed from HCs in the subgroup of patients who remained abstinent following discharge after TP2. Individuals whose cortisol and TST did not change from TP1 to TP2 were more likely to relapse following discharge from residential treatment.

CONCLUSION

Re-regulation of TST and cortisol levels while in residential treatment was associated with better treatment outcome following discharge for prescription OUD patients.

A review of sleep disturbance in adults prescribed medications for opioid use disorder: potential treatment targets for a highly prevalent, chronic problem

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance in individuals prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is common, though the nature and progression of such concerns are difficult to discern due to differing terminology and assessment type between studies. Accurately identifying and treating sleep problems in this growing population has the potential to improve comorbidity and other MOUD outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of sleep in individuals stabilized on MOUD. Specifically, the following aspects of sleep were reviewed: 1) prevalence of clinically significant sleep disturbance; 2) sleep disturbance compared to findings in those not prescribed MOUD; 3) correlates of sleep disturbance; 4) self-reported sleep compared to objective measures.

METHOD

Studies were identified using 6 large databases and included if they contained at least one measure of sleep during MOUD treatment as usual. Studies were excluded if they were case studies, not available in English, or participants were in withdrawal or detoxification.

RESULTS

Forty-two studies were included and categorized by type of sleep assessment: validated self-report questionnaire; provider-assessed; polysomnography; multi-method. Correlates were included if they were statistically significant (generally p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This review indicates there is a high prevalence of chronic self-reported sleep disturbance (eg, insomnia symptoms) in this population and suggests quantitative sleep parameters (eg, total sleep time) and respiratory problems during sleep are worse than in the general population. These sleep problems are correlated with psychiatric comorbidity and other substance use. Other correlates (eg, sociodemographic factors) require further study to draw definitive conclusions.

Assessment of Subjective Sleep Problems in Men With Opioid Dependence Maintained on Buprenorphine

OBJECTIVES

To assess the rates of sleep disturbances in male patients with opioid dependence maintained on buprenorphine and to assess the factors associated with sleep disturbances in this population.

METHODS

Observational, cross-sectional study. Male patients with opioid dependence aged 18 years and older, and started on buprenorphine at least 6 months before were screened. Those with history of comorbid psychiatric illnesses (except sleep disorders), on any other substance in high-risk category (based on WHO-Alcohol Smoking Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST)), or on any other psychotropic medications (in addition to OAT with buprenorphine) were excluded. Sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleep-50, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Each participant was interviewed in a single session lasting 60 minutes.

RESULTS

One hundred six participants were included. Their mean age was 41.1 (SD 14.3) years. The participants had been on OAT with buprenorphine for a median duration of 60 months (IQR 17-120), with excellent adherence rate in past 1 month. The mean current dose of buprenorphine was 10.2 (SD 3.8) mg per day. The mean subjective total sleep time was 403.5 minutes (SD 94.8) and the median sleep latency was 35 minutes (IQR 18.8-62.5). The mean PSQI score was 6.6 (SD 3.4). Nearly 63% (n = 67) participants had PSQI scores more than 5 (PSQI > 5) suggesting sleep problems. Sociodemographic, substance use, and treatment variables were compared between participants who scored more than 5 and those who scored less than 5 on PSQI. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial proportion of male patients with opioid dependence maintained on buprenorphine have sleep problems. The sleep problems in buprenorphine-maintained patients seem to be independent of substance use and treatment-related attributes.

People who use drugs in rehabilitation, from chaos to discipline: Advantages and pitfalls: A qualitative study

Evidence-based models emphasizing on lifestyle behaviours for the treatment of drug use is still in its infancy. The development of multicomponent effective drug use intervention programs as part of health promotion is crucial to decrease risk of relapse. This study aims at exploring the lifestyle practices including dietary intake, physical activity and sleep of people who use drugs undergoing residential rehabilitation treatment in Lebanon with its perceived benefits and pitfalls. A purposive sample of 18 males and 9 females at different stages of recovery from drug use in rehabilitation centers participated in the qualitative discussions. The six phases thematic analysis revealed three themes: chaotic lifestyle, structuredlifestyle, benefits and pitfalls, and suggestions for making rehabilitation a better experience. Participants discussed their chaotic lifestyle during addiction with poor food intake, disrupted sleep and low physical activity moving to a more disciplined routine enforcing normality in lifestyle practices with social and professionlprofessional support. The early phases of treatment were marked with increased food intake and weight gain perceived as a health indicator and the sole divergent from drugs, moving towards more structured meals and efforts to lose weight in later stages. Lack of variety of Physical activity programs taking into consideration the motivational differences among the participants was also highlighted. Measures for improving rehabilitation services in terms of promoting healthy eating behaviours and environmental control were thoroughly addressed. These findings shed the light on the challenges faced in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in rehabilitation centers and the necessities of addressing them to improve the overall rehabilitation experience, prevent relapse and inform the development of future targeted intervention programs tackling all aspects of behavioural changes.

Improvement in Cognitive Performance after One Year of Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Individuals with substance use disorders are known to suffer from stress, poor sleep, and cognitive impairment. We investigated whether individuals with opioid use disorder would improve cognitive performance following a year of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a standardized computerized cognitive battery were administered at admission (T0) to 29 patients, and repeatedly following one year of MMT (T1) by 19 patients. Admission measures did not differ between those who studied once or twice. Patients who perceived very high stress levels (PSS ≥24) at T0 (11, 37.9%) had lower computerized global cognitive scores (67.6±16.2 vs. 90.9±12.5 p≤0.0005). At T1, PSS and PSQI scores improved significantly among 11 patients with no substance abuse, but worsened among 8 with substance abuse (PSS p(interaction)=0.009, p(groups)=0.005, PSQI p(interaction)=0.01, p(groups)=0.04). Global cognitive score improved at T1 for the entire sample (81.8±20.1 to 89.2±13.8, p=0.05). Differentiation by high stress at T0 or by substance abuse at T1 subgroups showed that improvement was observed by those with very low cognitive scores at T0. Patients with poor cognition may improve following one year of MMT, due to stress and substance abuse reduction. Interventions for stress reduction are recommended.

Sleeping Patterns in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: Effects of Opioid Maintenance Treatment and Detoxification

The aim of the study was to explore whether abstinent patients on recent opioid detoxification or on opioid maintenance treatment suffer from sleeping problems. 199 patients on opioid maintenance treatment (methadone, diacetylmorphine and buprenorphine) or recent opioid detoxification were included in this exploratory cross-sectional study. We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Regensburger Insomnia Scale (RIS) in order to assess potential sleeping problems. There was a significant effect of the condition "opioid maintenance" or "recent opioid detoxification" on the total score of PSQI and RIS. All opioid maintenance drugs used by the study population were associated with more sleeping problems compared to the detoxification group when calculated with RIS values. Recently abstinent patients (opioid detoxification) displayed significantly fewer sleep disturbances than opioid-maintained patients. Since sleeping problems can seriously impair treatment success and quality of life, screening for sleep disturbances and their subsequent treatment is of pronounced relevance.

Multimodal assessment of sleep in men and women during treatment for opioid use disorder

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance is common in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving medication for addiction treatment. Differences between patients on the two primary agonist medications-methadone and buprenorphine-are not well understood.

METHODS

In patients receiving either methadone or buprenorphine treatment for OUD, we examined sleep continuity and architecture using ambulatory monitoring to gather both an objective measure (daily sleep EEG; M = 5.76 days, SD = 1.46) and a subjective measure (daily sleep diary; M = 54.10 days, SD = 25.10) of sleep.

RESULTS

Patients treated with buprenorphine versus methadone did not differ on any measure of sleep continuity or architecture. Women had longer EEG-derived total sleep time than men (d = -0.68, 95 % CI -1.32 to -0.09), along with lower %N2 (d = 0.94, 95 % CI 0.34-1.64) and greater %N3 (d = -0.94, 95 % CI -1.61 to -0.32). Self-reported sleep differed from EEG-derived estimates: wake after sleep onset was greater by EEG than by diary (d = 2.58, 95 % CI 1.74-3.63), and total sleep time and sleep efficiency were lower by EEG than by diary (d for sleep time = 2.93, 95 % CI 2.06-4.14; d for efficiency = 1.69, 95 % CI 0.98-2.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with buprenorphine or methadone did not substantively differ in ambulatory measures of sleep. With both medications, there was a discrepancy between objective and subjective sleep measures. Further confirmatory evidence would inform the development of sleep-related recommendations for OUD patients undergoing agonist treatment.

Factors Associated with Sleep Disorders among Methadone-Maintained Drug Users in Vietnam

Sleep quality among heroin-dependent patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is not fully investigated in Vietnam. This study explored the prevalence of poor sleep quality in methadone-maintained patients and associated factors. This cross-sectional included 395 MMT patients at three clinics in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was employed to measure patients’ sleep quality. Sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, psychological, and social support characteristics were collected. Multivariate Logistic and Generalized Linear Regression models were applied to identify associated factors. Among 395 patients, 26.6% had poor sleep quality according to the PSQI scale. People having jobs were less likely to have poor sleep quality and lower PSQI scores compared to unemployed patients. Those having spouses had lower PSQI scores than single patients. High depression, anxiety, and stress scores were associated with poor sleep quality and high PSQI scores. A longer duration of MMT increased the likelihood of experiencing poor sleep quality. Patients smoking tobacco daily or concurrently using drugs had lower PSQI scores than those that did not. This study highlights a moderate prevalence of poor sleep quality among Vietnamese MMT patients. Regular evaluation, appropriate psychological management, and social support, as well as the provision of employment opportunities, potentially improve the sleep quality of methadone-maintained patients.

Sleep reductions associated with illicit opioid use and clinic-hour changes during opioid agonist treatment for opioid dependence: Measurement by electronic diary and actigraphy

Sleep problems are commonly reported during opioid agonist treatment (OAT) for opioid use disorders. Inpatient studies have found both sleep disturbances and improved sleep during OAT. Illicit opioids can also disrupt sleep, but it is unclear how they affect sleep in outpatients receiving OAT. Therefore, we used electronic diary entries and actigraphy to measure sleep duration and timing in opioid-dependent participants (n = 37) treated with methadone (n = 15) or buprenorphine (n = 22). For 16 weeks, participants were assigned to attend our clinic under different operating hours in a crossover design: Early hours (07:00-09:00) vs. Late hours (12:00-13:00) for 4 weeks each in randomized order, followed for all participants by our Standard clinic hours (07:00-11:30) for 8 weeks. Throughout, participants made daily electronic diary self-reports of their sleep upon waking; they also wore a wrist actigraph for 6 nights in each of the three clinic-hour conditions. Drug use was assessed by thrice-weekly urinalysis. In linear mixed models controlling for other sleep-relevant factors, sleep duration and timing differed by drug use and by clinic hours. Compared to when non-using, participants slept less, went to bed later, and woke later when using illicit opioids and/or both illicit opioids and cocaine. Participants slept less and woke earlier when assigned to the Early hours. These findings highlight the role OAT clinic schedules can play in structuring the sleep/wake cycles of OAT patients and clarify some of the circumstances under which OAT patients experience sleep disruption in daily life.

Sleep quality and video game playing: Effect of intensity of video game playing and mental health

The aim of this study was to explore sleep quality in a video game population and to prospect the role of different factors such as sociodemographic data, video game duration, intensity of video game playing, and mental and physical health. Two hundred and seventeen participants (24.40 ± 6.98 years old) completed an online questionnaire composed of sociodemographic informations, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS SF-36), video game play time per week, and intensity of video game playing as defined by Décamps (AIE-Q). We carried out hierarchical cluster analysis on the 7 dimensions of PSQI to determine sleep quality profiles. Two profiles were found: (1) « High sleep quality profile » for 132 (60.83%) participants, and (2) « Low sleep quality profile » for 85 (39.17%) participants. These two profiles were differently associated with video game duration per week, intensity of video game playing, and mental health. Sleep quality was positively related to mental health and negatively with intensity of video game playing. Intensity of video game playing was a more salient factor to predict poor sleep quality than video game duration.

Does exercise improve sleep quality in individuals with mental illness? A systematic review and meta-analysis

People living with mental illness often experience poor sleep quality compared to the general population. Poor sleep quality exacerbates symptoms of mental illness and contributes to increased physical comorbidities. Exercise has been shown to be an effective non-pharmacological treatment for managing poor sleep in the general population. Little is known regarding the efficacy of targeted exercise interventions for improving sleep quality amongst individuals with a mental illness. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the impact of exercise on sleep quality in people with mental illness. Major electronic databases were searched from inception until June 2018 for exercise-based RCTs that included either subjective and/or objective measures of sleep quality in people with severe mental illness (SMI). Eight RCT's were included in the meta-analysis, involving use of a range of exercise modalities in people with SMI diagnoses. Overall, exercise had a large statistically significant effect on sleep quality (hedges g = 0.73, 95% CI; (0.18, 1.28), p-value = 0.01; N = 8, n = 1,329, I² = 91.15%). The beneficial effect of exercise on sleep quality outlined in this study highlights the important role exercise has in improving health outcomes for people living with mental illness. Further research is required to determine the efficacy of exercise on sleep in people experiencing a psychiatric illness and to explore the effects of exercise intervention elements such as modality, frequency, intensity and delivery settings.

Insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness in women and men receiving methadone and buprenorphine maintenance treatment

Background: Insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) are reported to be common in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) but much less is known about these symptoms in buprenorphine maintenance treatment (BMT) and in women compared with men. Methods: Cross sectional study of recipients of BMT (n = 113, 47 women), MMT (n = 184, 94 women), people using opioids nonmedically (nonopioid agonist treatment, non-OAT: n = 87, 31 women) and a reference group with no opioid use (RG; n = 105, 53 women) in Australia. Measures included Athens Insomnia Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and other substance use. Results: Insomnia (Athens Insomnia Scale, total ≥10) was highly prevalent among all people who use opioids (BMT 46.0-68.1%; MMT 55.4-69.6%; non-OAT 58.6-80.5%), did not differ significantly among these groups, and was significantly associated with anxiety and depression. EDS (Epworth score >10) was found in 14.2% of BMT, 22.8% of MMT, 35.6% of non-OAT groups, and 11.4% of the RG, and was significantly associated with depression overall. Fewer people had Epworth score >15 indicating more severe EDS (BMT 4.4%, MMT 6.0%; non-OAT 13.8%; RG 1.9%). Insomnia and EDS did not differ by sex or by opioid dose, nor were they significantly associated with other drug use, housing stress or social security status. Conclusions: Insomnia was common in people receiving OAT and using opioids non-medically, and associated with anxiety and depression. Clinicians should consider the possibility of daytime sleepiness in people receiving BMT and MMT, and in people using opioids nonmedically.

Sleep in lonely heroin-dependent patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment: longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration, lower sleep efficiency, and poorer sleep quality

Given the socially isolated status of Chinese heroin-dependent patients (HDPs) and the significant association between loneliness and sleep problem in the general population, the impact of loneliness on sleep of HDPs is potentially substantial. The study aimed to test whether loneliness is associated with poor sleep in terms of quantity and quality in a consecutive sample of Chinese HDPs receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). The study participants were 603 HDPs of three MMT clinics in Wuhan, China. Data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected by a standardized self-administered questionnaire. Sleep outcomes included sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and sleep quality. We measured depressive symptoms, loneliness, and sleep quality by using Zung’s Self-rating Depression Scale, the single-item self-report of loneliness, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to examine whether loneliness is independently associated with sleep measures. After controlling for the confounding effects of potential socio-demographic and clinical variables, loneliness was significantly associated with longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration, lower sleep efficiency, and poorer sleep quality. Loneliness may exacerbate sleep disturbance in Chinese HDPs of MMT clinics. Psychosocial interventions aimed at reducing loneliness in MMT clinics would improve the sleep of HDPs.

Sleep disturbance and its associations with severity of dependence, depression and quality of life among heroin-dependent patients: a cross-sectional descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance is common and may adversely affect treatment outcome, mental health, and quality of life in heroin-dependent patients. Previous studies have focused upon patients receiving treatment. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to explore the 1-month prevalence of sleep disturbance and its associations with socio-demographic, substance-related characteristics, severity of dependence, severity of depression, and quality of life among heroin-dependent patients before entering treatment program.

METHODS

The sample (n = 514) comprised individuals with heroin dependence attending the methadone maintenance treatment program and the therapeutic community at a psychiatric center in Nantou, Taiwan between 2008 and 2014. Sleep quality was measured using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a global score greater than 5 indicating sleep disturbance. Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Severity of Dependence Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF were also approached. T-test, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were performed to measure associations between variables and sleep disturbance.

RESULTS

The 1-month prevalence of sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5) was 76.3% among 514 subjects with heroin dependence. Heroin users with sleep disturbance had significantly more life events in the previous year, higher rate of unemployment, greater cigarette consumption, more substance related criminal convictions, longer length of heroin use, higher rate of injectors, greater severity of dependence, greater severity of depression, and lower quality of life compared to those without sleep disturbance. Severity of dependence, severity of depression, and physical health domain of quality of life remained significantly associated with sleep disturbance after adjusting for other variables.

CONCLUSION

Heroin-dependent patients had a high 1-month prevalence of sleep disturbance, and this was associated with greater severity of dependence, greater severity of depression, and poorer physical health-related quality of life. Early assessments and interventions for sleep disturbance among patients with heroin dependence are recommended.

Sleep abnormalities associated with alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opiate use: a comprehensive review

Sleep abnormalities are associated with acute and chronic use of addictive substances. Although sleep complaints associated with use and abstinence from addictive substances are widely recognized, familiarity with the underlying sleep abnormalities is often lacking, despite evidence that these sleep abnormalities may be recalcitrant and impede good outcomes. Substantial research has now characterized the abnormalities associated with acute and chronic use of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opiates. This review summarizes this research and discusses the clinical implications of sleep abnormalities in the treatment of substance use disorders.

A prospective, longitudinal study of sleep disturbance and comorbidity in opiate dependence (the ANRS Methaville study)

RATIONALE/OBJECTIVES

Sleep disturbance is frequent in opioid-dependent patients. To date, no data are available about the impact of methadone maintenance treatment on sleep disturbance. Using 1-year follow-up data from the Methaville trial, we investigated the impact of methadone initiation and other correlates on sleep disturbance in opioid-dependent patients.

METHODS

Sleep disturbance severity was evaluated using two items from different scales (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for depression and Opiate Treatment Index). We assessed the effect of methadone and other correlates on sleep disturbance severity during follow-up (months 0, 6, and 12) using a mixed multinomial logistic regression model.

RESULTS

We included 173 patients who had 1-year follow-up data on sleep disturbance, corresponding to 445 visits. At enrolment, 60.5 % reported medium to severe sleep disturbance. This proportion remained stable during methadone treatment: 54.0 % at month 6 and 55.4 % at month 12. The final multivariate model indicated that younger patients (odds ratio (OR) [95 % CI] 0.95 [0.90-1.00]), patients with pain (OR [95 % CI] 2.45 [1.13-5.32]), patients with high or very high nicotine dependence (OR [95 % CI] 5.89 [2.41-14.39]), and patients at suicidal risk (2.50 [1.13-5.52]) had a higher risk of severe sleep disturbance. Because of collinearity between suicidal risk and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, ADHD was not associated with sleep disturbance in the final model. Receiving methadone treatment had no significant effect on sleep disturbance.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disturbance is frequent among opioid-dependent patients. It can be regarded as an important signal of more complex psychiatric comorbidities such as suicidal risk and ADHD. However, sleep disturbance should not be considered an obstacle to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) initiation or continuation.

The AC/AG Diplotype for the 118A>G and IVS2 + 691G>C Polymorphisms of OPRM1 Gene is Associated with Sleep Quality Among Opioid-Dependent Patients on Methadone Maintenance Therapy

Introduction

Methadone is a full agonist of the opioid receptor mu 1 which is encoded by the OPRM1 gene. Sleep disorders were frequently reported by opioid-dependent patients during methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). It is possible, therefore, that genetic polymorphisms in OPRM1 influence sleep quality among patients on MMT. This study investigated the association of OPRM1 polymorphisms with sleep quality among opioid-dependent patients on MMT.

Methods

The sleep quality of 165 male opioid-dependent patients receiving MMT was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). DNA was extracted from whole blood and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping.

Results

Patients with IVS2 + 691 CC genotype had higher PSQI scores [mean (SD) = 5.73 (2.89)] compared to those without the IVS2 + 691 CC genotype (IVS2 + 691 GG/GC genotype) [4.92 (2.31)], but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.081). Patients with combined 118 AA genotype and IVS2 + 691 GC genotype (AC/AG diplotype) had significantly lower PSQI scores [mean (SD) = 4.25 (2.27)] compared to those without the diplotype [5.68 (2.77)] (p = 0.018).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that the AC/AG diplotype for the 118A>G and IVS2 + 691G>C polymorphisms of OPRM1 gene is associated with better sleep quality among males with opioid dependence on MMT.

Sleep Quality and Sexual Function in Patients Under Methadone Maintenance Treatment

BACKGROUND

Methadone maintenance has remained the main modality of treatment for opioid dependent subjects. Side effects of methadone treatment may be potential obstacles to its continuation. Sleep quality and sexual function are two culture-based concerns, directly related to patients' compliance with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program.

OBJECTIVES

This research was conducted to examine the frequency of sleep disparity and sexual dysfunction in patients under MMT referring to MMT clinics of Kerman, Iran.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 198 adult subjects under MMT for more than 6 months were enrolled. Measurement tool consisted of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX), the 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12), and a demographic questionnaire. The questionnaires were self-completed, except where individuals were illiterate.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD age of the subjects was 41.2 ± 7.9 years and 93.4% of them were male. More than half of them used heroin. Prevalence of poor sleeping and sexual dysfunction in patients under MMT were 67.7% and 18.2%, respectively. There was no association between sleep quality or sexual dysfunction and demographics or methadone dose. However, a significant correlation was observed between mental health and sleep quality (r =0.16, P = 0.033), and sexual function (r = 0.18, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep quality showed a poorer profile than sexual function. Therefore, more emphasis should be laid on treatment of sleep disparity during follow up of MMT patients comparing to their sexual function. Patients should be reassured that probable sexual dysfunctions should not be regarded as a consequence of MMT.

The Effect of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Insomnia due to Methadone Maintenance Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance is a common complaint of patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). There are limited studies about the effect of different treatments on insomnia due to MMT. In this study, we evaluated the effect of cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBTI) on sleep disorders in patients undergoing MMT.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with insomnia due to MMT (aged 18-60 years) participated in this randomized double-blind clinical trial. The intervention group received CBTI from a clinical psychologist for 8 weeks, whereas the control group received behavioral placebo therapy (BPT). The duration of individual sessions was 45 minutes, which was conducted once a week. The primary outcome was sleep disturbance assessed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were assigned to each group. Two groups were matched according to demographic characteristics (age, marital status, education, and daily methadone doses). Although PSQI score was significantly reduced during weeks 5 and 8 after both interventions, there was a significant difference in intervention versus time interaction (P<0.02). The effects of CBTI versus placebo were significantly different (P<0.001). The time course was also significant (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that CBTI is more effective than BPT in overall sleep quality. We recommend further studies, with a larger sample, on CBTI in patients undergoing MMT.

Relationship between cold pressor pain-sensitivity and sleep quality in opioid-dependent males on methadone treatment

Aim. Poor sleep quality due to pain has been reported among opioid-dependent male patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) but objective pain data are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the rate of pain-sensitivity using cold pressor test (CPT) and the relationship between pain-sensitivity and sleep quality in this population.

Methods. A total of 168 male participants were included into the study. Objective pain-tolerance was evaluated at 0 h and at 24 h after the first CPT. Malay version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the subjective opiate withdrawal scale (SOWS) questionnaires were administered to evaluate the quality of sleep and withdrawal symptoms, respectively.

Results. The mean age of study participants was 37.22 (SD 6.20) years old. Mean daily methadone dose was 76.64 (SD 37.63) mg/day, mean global PSQI score was 5.47 (SD 2.74) and mean averaged SOWS score was 5.43 (SD 6.91). The averaged pain-tolerance time ranged from 7 to 300 s with a mean time of 32.16 (SE 2.72) s, slightly below the cut-off score of 37.53 s. More specifically, 78.6% (n = 132) of participants were identified as pain-sensitive (averaged pain-tolerance time ≤37.53 s), and 36 (21.4%) participants were pain-tolerant (averaged pain-tolerance time >37.53 s). The pain-sensitive group reported poorer sleep quality with mean (SD) PSQI of 5.78 (2.80) compared with the pain-tolerant group with mean (SD) PSQI of 4.31 (2.18) (p = 0.005). With analysis of covariance, pain-sensitive group was found to have higher global PSQI scores (adjusted mean 5.76, 95% CI 5.29; 6.22) than pain-tolerant participants (adjusted mean 4.42, 95% CI 3.52; 5.32) (p = 0.010).

Conclusions. Majority of opioid-dependent male patients on methadone treatment are pain-sensitive with CPT. Poor sleep quality is associated with cold pressor pain-sensitivity. Pain and sleep complaints in this male population should not be overlooked.

Sleeping problems in Chinese illicit drug dependent subjects

BACKGROUND

Illicit drug use/dependence has been recognized as a major problem. Clinical studies demonstrate that poor sleep quality is associated with increased frequency of drug use and relapse. However, few studies have addressed the issue of sleep quality among illicit drug dependent subjects.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study explored sleep quality in drug dependent subjects in China. We studied 2178 illicit drug dependent subjects from drug rehabilitation centres in Changsha and 2236 non-drug-using subjects, all of whom completed the self-report Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

RESULTS

We found that the prevalence of sleep disturbance was much higher in drug users (68.5%, PSQI >5; specifically, 80.24% in heroin users, 54.16% in methamphetamine users and 81.98% in ketamine users with PSQI >5) than non-users (26.4%, PSQI >5). Drug users had approximately twice the sleep latency than nondrug users (37.7 minutes V.S 18.4 minutes). Although drug users and non-users reported similar sleep duration (about 7.4 hours), drug users showed poorer subjective sleep quality and habitual sleep efficiency. They reported more sleep disturbance and need for sleep medications, more daytime dysfunction and poorer subjective sleep quality compared with nondrug users. The total PSQI score positively correlated with the duration of drug use (rp = 0.164, p < 0.001). We also found a link between sleep problems and cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and duration of drug use.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor sleep quality is common among illicit drug dependent subjects. Long-term substance users had more sleep problems. Future research aiming at quantifying the benefits of treatment interventions should not neglect the influence of sleep problems. Gaining more insight into the impact of sleep quality on the addiction treatment could also help to target future intervention measures more effectively.

Effect of non-alcoholic beer on Subjective Sleep Quality in a university stressed population

Sleep deprivation affects the homeostasis of the physiological functions in the human organism. Beer is the only beverage that contains hops, a plant which has a sedative effect. Our objective is to determine the improvement of subjective sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The sample was conducted among a population of 30 university students. The study took place during a period of 3 weeks, the first 7 days were used for the Control, and during the following 14 days the students ingested beer (were asked to drink non-alcoholic beer) while having dinner. The results revealed that Subjective Sleep Quality improved in the case of those students who drank one beer during dinner compared to the Control, this is corroborated by the fact that Sleep Latency decreased (p < 0.05) compared to their Control. The overall rating Global Score of Quality of Sleep also improved significantly (p < 0.05). These results confirm that the consumption of non-alcoholic beer at dinner time helps to improve the quality of sleep at night.

Sleep disturbances and pain among individuals with prescription opioid dependence

BACKGROUND

Poor sleep quality has been observed in individuals with substance use disorders and is often a trigger for relapse. To date, little research has investigated sleep quality among individuals with prescription opioid (PO) dependence. The present study aimed to address this gap in the literature by examining subjective and objective sleep disturbances among PO dependent individuals.

METHODS

Subjects were 68 non-treatment seeking individuals (33 PO dependent, 35 healthy controls). Subjective sleep was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Subjects were admitted for an overnight inpatient hospital stay during which objective sleep data was collected using an actigraphy device. Self-report pain was measured with the Brief Pain Inventory.

RESULTS

Significant group differences in subjective sleep quality were revealed in the PSQI (p<0.01) and ISI (p<0.01). Poor sleep quality (i.e., PSQI total score>5) was identified in 80.6% of the PO group, as compared to 8.8% of the control group (p<.001). Significant group differences in sleep quality were identified in five of six actigraphy variables: total time asleep, sleep efficiency, latency of onset of sleep, total time awake and time mobile. Furthermore, significant associations between pain severity and sleep quality were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate high rates of sleep impairment and poor sleep quality among PO dependent individuals. Pain severity was significantly correlated with sleep quality. Although preliminary, the findings highlight the importance of assessing and treating sleep disturbances, as well as pain, among patients with PO dependence.