A Study of Factors Causing Sleep State Misperception in Patients with Depression

Association of sleep-wake state discrepancy and depressive symptoms with restorative sleep in patients with depression

OBJECTIVE

One of the common symptoms of mood disorders is insomnia, and the recovery processes can be negatively impacted by a lack of restorative sleep. Although factors related to restorative sleep in healthy subjects have been investigated, evaluations of these factors in patients with depression have been rarely done. Patients with depression are known to have sleep-wake state discrepancy, which can further influence their restorative sleep beyond that associated with depressive symptoms. Thus, we investigated restorative sleep in depressed patients in our current study, and attempted to identify associated factors, with a particular focus on sleep-wake state discrepancy.

METHODS

In the 91 participants evaluated in this cross-sectional study, all subjects filled out questionnaires on their symptoms prior to undergoing polysomnography (PSG). Sleep duration and restorative sleep were evaluated on the morning after the PSG. The association between restorative sleep and various factors was then examined using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

A negative association with restorative sleep was found through multiple regression analysis for depressive symptoms (β = -0.055, p = 0.007), daytime sleepiness (β = -0.106, p = 0.020), and overestimation of wake after sleep onset (β = -0.006, p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

By subjectively and objectively assessing sleep, addressing depressive symptoms, and implementing appropriate sleep hygiene, clinicians could be able to improve restorative sleep in depressed patients.

Exploring the Psychological and Physiological Insights Through Digital Phenotyping by Analyzing the Discrepancies Between Subjective Insomnia Severity and Activity-Based Objective Sleep Measures: Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting millions worldwide, with significant impacts on daily functioning and quality of life. While traditionally assessed through subjective measures such as the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the advent of wearable technology has enabled continuous, objective sleep monitoring in natural environments. However, the relationship between subjective insomnia severity and objective sleep parameters remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to (1) explore the relationship between subjective insomnia severity, as measured by ISI scores, and activity-based objective sleep parameters obtained through wearable devices; (2) determine whether subjective perceptions of insomnia align with objective measures of sleep; and (3) identify key psychological and physiological factors contributing to the severity of subjective insomnia complaints.

METHODS

A total of 250 participants, including both individuals with and without insomnia aged 19-70 years, were recruited from March 2023 to November 2023. Participants were grouped based on ISI scores: no insomnia, mild, moderate, and severe insomnia. Data collection involved subjective assessments through self-reported questionnaires and objective measurements using wearable devices (Fitbit Inspire 3) that monitored sleep parameters, physical activity, and heart rate. The participants also used a smartphone app for ecological momentary assessment, recording daily alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, exercise, and stress. Statistical analyses were used to compare groups on subjective and objective measures.

RESULTS

Results indicated no significant differences in general sleep structure (eg, total sleep time, rapid eye movement sleep time, and light sleep time) among the insomnia groups (mild, moderate, and severe) as classified by ISI scores (all P>.05). Interestingly, the no insomnia group had longer total awake times and lower sleep quality compared with the insomnia groups. Among the insomnia groups, no significant differences were observed regarding sleep structure (all P>.05), suggesting similar sleep patterns regardless of subjective insomnia severity. There were significant differences among the insomnia groups in stress levels, dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, and symptoms of restless leg syndrome (all P≤.001), with higher severity associated with higher scores in these factors. Contrary to expectations, no significant differences were observed in caffeine intake (P=.42) and alcohol consumption (P=.07) between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrate a discrepancy between subjective perceptions of insomnia severity and activity-based objective sleep parameters, suggesting that factors beyond sleep duration and quality may contribute to subjective sleep complaints. Psychological factors, such as stress, dysfunctional sleep beliefs, and symptoms of restless legs syndrome, appear to play significant roles in the perception of insomnia severity. These results highlight the importance of considering both subjective and objective assessments in the evaluation and treatment of insomnia and suggest potential avenues for personalized treatment strategies that address both psychological and physiological aspects of sleep disturbances.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Research Information Service KCT0009175; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=26133.

Can Sleep Predict Conversion to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia? Results From the Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet Study

OBJECTIVE

Sleep disturbance is considered a risk factor for cognitive decline in elderly individuals. Our aim in the current study was to investigate whether baseline sleep parameters can predict the conversion from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment or dementia at follow-up. The Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet is a longitudinal population-based study designed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of cognitive decline and dementia in the older Greek population.

METHODS

A total of 955 cognitively normal older adults (aged ≥65 y) were drawn from the Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet study. A comprehensive neurological and neuropsychological assessment was conducted at baseline and a mean of 3.1 (SD = 0.85) years later, resulting in 160 individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and 34 with dementia at follow-up, whereas 761 remained cognitively normal.

RESULTS

Using Cox regression analyses, no sleep parameters increased the risk of conversion status adjusting for demographics and clinical factors. Napping, however, decreased this risk by 19.3% ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

As several previous studies have proposed, napping constitutes a protective factor against cognitive decline. Thus, clinicians should encourage their elderly patients to adopt this healthy habit.

Sleep misperception in women with myofascial temporomandibular disorder

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) were linked to poor sleep on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), whereas polysomnography revealed no major sleep disturbances, implying sleep state misperception. This study investigates sleep state misperception in TMD and control participants; correlates sleep state misperception with objective short sleep duration (SSD), depression symptoms, daytime sleepiness, and orofacial pain; and compares objective SSD between the groups.

METHODS

General linear models were used to compare second-night polysomnography total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency (SE), and wake after sleep onset with homologous PSQI-derived variables in 124 women with myofascial TMD and 46 age and body mass index matched controls. PSQI variables were regressed onto objective SSD, depression symptoms, daytime sleepiness, and pain. Lastly, objective SSD was related to TMD presence.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, TMD cases misperceived SE (P = .02); depression symptoms explained PSQI-derived SE (P = .002) and mediated the effect of pain (P < .001). PSQI variables were unrelated to respective polysomnography measures or objective SSD, except a significant self-reported-objective correlation in SE among controls only (P = .002). Objective SSD was more frequent in TMD cases (P = .02, odds ratio = 2.95), but it was unrelated to depression symptoms, daytime sleepiness, or prepolysomnography pain.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates misperception of SE among TMD cases, which was accounted for by depression symptoms. Objective SSD nearly tripled in TMD cases; however, it was unrelated to PSQI variables, depression, daytime sleepiness, or pain, suggesting that sleep state misperception and objective SSD are 2 independent sleep features in TMD.

CITATION

Chan C, Dubrovsky B, Bouchard M, Tartter VC, Raphael KG. Sleep misperception in women with myofascial temporomandibular disorder. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(1):55-64.

Multi-Night Home Assessment of Total Sleep Time Misperception in Obstructive Sleep Apnea with and Without Insomnia Symptoms

Total sleep time (TST) misperception has been reported in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, previous findings on predictors were inconsistent and predominantly relied on single-night polysomnography, which may alter patients' sleep perception. We leveraged advances in wearable sleep staging to investigate predictors of TST misperception in OSA over multiple nights in the home environment. The study included 141 patients with OSA, 75 without insomnia symptoms (OSA group), and 66 with insomnia symptoms (OSA-I group). Objective TST was measured using a previously validated wrist-worn photoplethysmography and accelerometry device. Self-reported TST was assessed using a digital sleep diary. TST misperception was quantified with the misperception index (MI), calculated as (objective - self-reported TST)/objective TST. MI values differed significantly between the OSA (median = -0.02, IQR = [-0.06, 0.02]) and the OSA-I group (0.05, [-0.02, 0.13], p < 0.001). Multilevel modeling revealed that the presence of insomnia symptoms (β = 0.070, p < 0.001) and lower daily reported sleep quality (β = -0.229, p < 0.001) were predictive of higher MI (TST underestimation), while a higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was predictive of lower MI (TST overestimation; β = -0.001, p = 0.006). Thus, insomnia symptoms and AHI are associated with TST misperception in OSA patients, but in opposite directions. This association extends over multiple nights in the home environment.

Experiences of adult patients living with depression-related insomnia: a qualitative systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on how adult patients experience living with depression-related insomnia, and their experiences related to pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions aimed at improving sleep.

INTRODUCTION

Insomnia affects 80% to 90% of patients with depression. The costs of insomnia are considerable for the individual and society alike. To understand the role and consequences of insomnia for an individual with depression and to optimize sleep interventions, an in-depth understanding of patients' experiences is needed. Therefore, this review addresses how adult patients experience living with depression-related insomnia, along with their experiences of pharmacological and non-pharmacological sleep interventions.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies focusing on adult patients aged 18 years and older with a diagnosis of depression who had experiences with insomnia and pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological sleep interventions were included. All studies with qualitative research findings from inpatient and outpatient populations were considered.

METHODS

The following databases were searched: MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (ProQuest), Cochrane CENTRAL, SveMed+, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses were searched for eligible dissertations and theses. The searches were conducted on May 3-5, 2022, and updated on June 13-19, 2023. Studies published in English, Danish, German, Norwegian, and Swedish were considered. Databases were searched from their inception to the search date. All studies were screened against the inclusion criteria, and critically and independently appraised by 2 reviewers for methodological quality. Findings were pooled using meta-aggregation, and a ConQual Summary of Findings was created.

RESULTS

Ten qualitative studies were included. The studies were conducted in 6 countries and counted a total of 176 participants. In all, 127 findings were extracted and aggregated into 11 categories. From the 11 categories, 3 synthesized findings were developed: i) Disruption of sleep challenges coping with everyday life by depleting both physical and mental resources; ii) Sleep is an escape and a protective factor against suicide; and iii) Choices, support, and personalized interventions from non-pharmacological approaches addressing depression-related insomnia are valued.

CONCLUSIONS

This review underlined the relationship between depression-related insomnia, its profound impact on individuals' lives, and the value of non-pharmacological sleep interventions to address these issues. Specifically, the review revealed the physical and emotional consequences of insomnia while emphasizing how wakefulness during night hours may exacerbate feelings of loneliness and vulnerability to negative thoughts and suicide. Moreover, it provides an overview of patients' experiences of non-pharmacological approaches to address depression-related insomnia and highlights their diverse treatment experiences and preferences.

SUPPLEMENTAL DIGITAL CONTENT

A Danish-language version of the abstract of this review is available as supplemental digital content: http://links.lww.com/SRX/A64 .

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021276048.

Association between sleep state misperception and bedtime behavior in patients with chronic insomnia

Previous studies on sleep state misperception have objectively evaluated sleep status in special environments using polysomnography. There is a paucity of data from studies that evaluated habitual sleep status in home environments. The present study aimed to investigate sleep state misperception in the home environment of patients with chronic insomnia using a lumbar-worn actigraphy to identify sleep habits associated with sleep state misperception severity. Thirty-one patients and 42 healthy volunteers were included in the insomnia and non-insomnia group, respectively. Participants recorded subjective assessments in sleep diaries, objective assessments with an actigraphy worn for 14 days, and self-assessments using questionnaires. Both groups had similar objective sleep ratings; however, insomnia group had significantly worse subjective ratings (total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, and sleep onset latency). A significant correlation was found between subjective and objective total sleep time scores in non-insomnia group but not in insomnia group. Insomnia group had earlier bedtimes, significantly longer bedtimes, and impaired daytime functioning (Sheehan Disability Scale score); additionally, they underestimated their total sleep time, particularly with earlier bedtimes and longer laying durations. Monitoring the sleep status and habits of individuals in home environments could be instrumental in identifying key points for targeted interventions on sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

Assessing the Real-World, Long-Term Impact of Lemborexant on Sleep Quality in a Home-Based Clinical Study

Purpose

Both subjective and objective evaluations are essential for the treatment of insomnia. Lemborexant has been shown to be effective in the long-term based solely on a subjective basis, and no long-term objective measures have been evaluated under natural sleep conditions. Small, lightweight sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor was used, instead of polysomnography, to objectively evaluate sleep at home 4 and 12 weeks after lemborexant treatment.

Patients and Methods

Adults and elderly subjects with insomnia disorder, per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, were enrolled in this open-label, single-arm, single-center trial. Objective and subjective measures of sleep were prospectively assessed. Sleep disturbance, excessive sleepiness, and depressive symptoms were assessed using questionnaires.

Results

A total of 45 subjects were screened, of which 33 were enrolled. Paired t-tests were conducted to evaluate changes in sleep variables and compared with the baseline; subjects showed significant improvements in objective sleep efficiency (SE) and subjective sleep parameters at weeks 4 and 12 following treatment with lemborexant. When baseline values were taken into account, a repeated-multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed statistically significant changes in the objective measures. Sleep disturbance, excessive sleepiness, and depressive symptoms improved after three months of lemborexant treatment.

Conclusion

Furthermore, lemborexant therapy improved nocturnal sleep, when measured objectively using sleep EEG monitoring at home, and improved daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms in older adults with insomnia disorder.

LPS and its relationship with subjective-objective discrepancies of sleep onset latency in patients with psychiatric disorders

Subjective-objective discrepancies in sleep onset latency (SOL), which is often observed among psychiatric patients, is attributed partly to the definition of sleep onset. Recently, instead of SOL, latency to persistent sleep (LPS), which is defined as the duration from turning out the light to the first consecutive minutes of non-wakefulness, has been utilized in pharmacological studies. This study aimed to determine the non-awake time in LPS that is most consistent with subjective sleep onset among patients with psychiatric disorders. We calculated the length of non-awake time in 30-s segments from lights-out to 0.5-60 min. The root mean square error was then calculated to determine the most appropriate length. The analysis of 149 patients with psychiatric disorders showed that the optimal non-awake time in LPS was 12 min. On the other hands, when comorbid with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the optimal length was 19.5 min. This study indicates that 12 min should be the best fit for the LPS non-awake time in patients with psychiatric disorders. When there is comorbidity with OSA, however, a longer duration should be considered. Measuring LPS minimizes discrepancies in SOL and provides important clinical information.

Comparison of Polysomnography, Single-Channel Electroencephalogram, Fitbit, and Sleep Logs in Patients With Psychiatric Disorders: Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbances are core symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Although various sleep measures have been developed to assess sleep patterns and quality of sleep, the concordance of these measures in patients with psychiatric disorders remains relatively elusive.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the degree of agreement among 3 sleep recording methods and the consistency between subjective and objective sleep measures, with a specific focus on recently developed devices in a population of individuals with psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

We analyzed 62 participants for this cross-sectional study, all having data for polysomnography (PSG), Zmachine, Fitbit, and sleep logs. Participants completed questionnaires on their symptoms and estimated sleep duration the morning after the overnight sleep assessment. The interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to evaluate the consistency between sleep parameters obtained from each instrument. Additionally, Bland-Altman plots were used to visually show differences and limits of agreement for sleep parameters measured by PSG, Zmachine, Fitbit, and sleep logs.

RESULTS

The findings indicated a moderate agreement between PSG and Zmachine data for total sleep time (ICC=0.46; P<.001), wake after sleep onset (ICC=0.39; P=.002), and sleep efficiency (ICC=0.40; P=.006). In contrast, Fitbit demonstrated notable disagreement with PSG (total sleep time: ICC=0.08; wake after sleep onset: ICC=0.18; sleep efficiency: ICC=0.10) and exhibited particularly large discrepancies from the sleep logs (total sleep time: ICC=-0.01; wake after sleep onset: ICC=0.05; sleep efficiency: ICC=-0.02). Furthermore, subjective and objective concordance among PSG, Zmachine, and sleep logs appeared to be influenced by the severity of the depressive symptoms and obstructive sleep apnea, while these associations were not observed between the Fitbit and other sleep instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results suggest that Fitbit accuracy is reduced in the presence of comorbid clinical symptoms. Although user-friendly, Fitbit has limitations that should be considered when assessing sleep in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Objective and subjective sleep in patients with non-seasonal major depressive disorder and eveningness - Results from a randomized controlled trial of bright light therapy

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This study examines the (dis)agreement between objective and subjective sleep and their prospective changes in a randomized controlled trial of bright light therapy (BLT) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and eveningness.

METHODS

A total of 93 adults were randomized to receive either 30-min daily of 10,000 lux BLT or 50lux placebo dim red light therapy (DRL group) for a total of 5 weeks. Actigraphic data were collected at the baseline and during the last week of treatment. (Dis)Concordance of diary and actigraphic sleep parameters were assessed by partial correlations and Bland-Altman plots, and the associations between these discrepancies to depression severity was assessed by linear regression models. Changes of sleep parameters were assessed by linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were found between subjective sleep timings and chronotype to actigraphic parameters. Discrepancies between diary- and actigraphic-measures were observed, and patients with more severe depressive symptoms were associated with a greater under-estimation of total sleep time (TST). A greater advance in the diary-based time to fall sleep and rise time were achieved in the BLT group as compared to the DRL group, while diary-based wake after sleep onset (WASO), TST and sleep efficiency (SE) comparably improved with time in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the actigraphic parameters after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found that depression severity influenced subjective report of sleep. BLT led to a greater advance in subjective sleep timings when compared to the placebo group.