bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
0046 Chemogenetic activation of A2AR neurons in Nucleus Accumbens increases sleep, affecting cognition and behavior in mice
Authors: Grabau Natasha , LeKites Vander , Brousseau Emma , Kroeger Daniel
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Sleep influences various cognitive and physiologic processes; however, the mechanisms through which sleep affects these different functions are not fully understood. The Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) was recently identified as a sleep regulating center. We hypothesized that manipulation of sleep via chemogenetic activation of sleep active Adenosine-2A receptor (A2aR) neurons in the NAc core could induce restorative sleep and affect memory, anxiety and depression-like states in mice.

Methods

We transfected A2A neurons in NAc core of A2AR-Cre transgenic mice with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying the gene sequence for hM3Dq. Using Clozapine-N-Oxide (CNO) at varying concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.9, 2.7 mg/kg), we activated these neurons and analyzed EEG/EMG traces for rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, non-REM (NREM) sleep and wakefulness. Mice were then divided into three separate conditions: normal sleep, sleep deprivation or increased sleep for 4 hr. Following this sleep intervention mice underwent the following behavioral tests 1) Novel object recognition (NOR) test for memory, 2) the open field test (OFT) for anxiety and 3) the forced swim test (FST) for depression-like states.

Results

During the first 4 hours of chemogenetic activation of NAc A2AR neurons, we observed a 105% increase of NREM sleep at the highest dose of CNO when compared to saline ­treatment. REM sleep was increased similarly. Analysis of the behavioral tests revealed that mice in the increased sleep condition tended to perform better at the NOR test, suggesting increased memory performance. In the OFT, sleep deprived mice showed a significant increase in %time spent in the center zone and total distance travelled within the arena. They also spent significantly less time immobile. Sleep deprived mice also exhibited a trend towards spending more time swimming in the FST, indicating lower levels of depression-like states.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that chemogenetic activation of A2AR neurons in the NAc core strongly increases NREM and REM sleep, confirming the importance of these neurons in sleep/wake regulation. Moreover, we observed that increased sleep improves memory performance but does not significantly affect levels of anxiety or depression-like states. Instead, reduced sleep significantly decreases anxiety and tends to reduce depressive-like states.

Support (if any)
0055 Effect of acute sleep restriction on sleep physiology and emotional imagery memory in schizophrenia
Authors: Kam Korey , Ospina Luz , Fagan Samantha , Beck-Felts Katie , Messer Sylvie , Valencia Daphne , Balbuena Mayrelis , Aybar Vladimir , Mullins Anna , Parekh Ankit , Rapoport David , Ayappa Indu , Varga Andrew , Kimhy David
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Cognitive dysfunction in individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) represents a major determinant of poor functioning and may arise in part due to deficits in sleep quality that have been reported in in this population. In the current project, we investigate the effect of acute sleep restriction on a sleep-dependent emotional memory task.

Methods

Six individuals with medication-controlled SZ encoded consensus-rated emotionally valent and neutral pictures from the International Affective Picture System in the evening before 2 counterbalanced, polysomnographically-recorded nights containing either ad libitum sleep (~11pm to 7am) or sleep restriction (SR) to 4 hours between 3 and 7 am. Image recall occurred within 1 hour of wake time. We compared memory performance for negative emotional/neutral memory and PSG measures across the two sleep conditions with paired signed-rank tests.

Results

Mean age was 38 years and 50% were women. Acute sleep restriction resulted in reduced total sleep time (Adlib: median 372 min. (interquartile-range 53) vs SR: 209 (16) min., p=0.03), including reduction in duration of N1 (Ad lib: 44 min. (44) vs. SR: 29 min. (33), p=0.03), N2 (Ad lib: 158 min. (86) vs. SR: 60 min. (33), p=0.03) and REM sleep (Ad lib: 18 min. (5) vs. SR: 13 min. (13), p=0.03). We did not observe differences in N3 duration, sleep efficiency, and arousal index. Measures of breathing such as AHI4%, AHI3A, and SpO2 nadir were not significantly different between conditions. Compared to SR, the false alarm rate for emotional images was increased in ad lib sleep (n=6, p=0.03) with no difference in false alarm rate for neutral images (p=0.19). Correct rejection rate for emotional images was increased in SR compared to ad lib sleep (p=0.03) with no difference in neutral images (p=0.19). No other change was observed in accuracy of recall for emotional or neutral, miss rate for emotional or neutral and d-prime for emotional or neutral images.

Conclusion

In subjects with SZ, unrestricted sleep was associated with a greater false alarm rate for emotional, but not neutral scenes, suggesting a deficit in veridical memory or generalization of emotionally encoded information.

Support (if any)

R21MH126357, R01AG066870, R01AG056682, K24HL109156, AASMF Focus award/AARG-D
0062 Slow Oscillatory Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation During Restricted Nighttime Sleep Enhances Memory Consolidation
Authors: Riedy Samantha , Doty Tracy Jill , Balkin Thomas , Stekl Emily , Alger Sara , Hughes John
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Slow oscillatory transcranial direct current stimulation (SO-tDCS) during the first 30 min of nighttime sleep has been shown to improve memory consolidation of word pairs encoded immediately prior to sleep onset. We examined whether SO-tDCS administered during the second half of a restricted nighttime sleep opportunity likewise improves memory consolidation for previously encoded word pairs and mitigates subsequent performance deficits.

Methods

After three nights of baseline sleep in the laboratory, healthy subjects (ages 18-33, n=27, 17 females) were administered SO-tDCS (N=12) or SHAM (N=15) during the second hour of a 2h sleep period (between the hours of 23:00 and 03:00). Prior to this 2h sleep period, subjects were presented a series of 55 word-pairs. They were asked to recall 46 of the pairs immediately after learning (T0), and again at 20 min (T20) and 120 min (T120) post-awakening. Number of pairs recalled at T20 and T120 relative to T0 were analyzed with a mixed-effects ANOVA. Negative values indicate that subjects forgot pairs post-awakening relative to the initial learning recall.

Results

Subjects correctly recalled 35.0 ± 9.2 words (mean ± SD) at T0. Relative to T0, subjects in the SHAM condition correctly recalled significantly fewer words post-awakening than those in the SO-tDCS condition (SHAM: -0.8 ± 1.6 words; SO-tDCS: 0.3 ± 1.3 words; F=6.20, p=0.02), and fewer words at T20 than T120 (T20: -0.6 ± 1.5 words; T120: -0.1 ± 1.6 words; F=4.67, p=0.04). On average, subjects in the SHAM condition forgot words upon awakening relative to T0 (T20: -1.0 ± 1.4; T120: -0.6 ± 1.7 words), while those in the SO-tDCS condition forgot few to no words at T20 (0.0 ± 1.5 words) and actually recalled more words at T120 than T0 (0.6 ± 1.1 words).

Conclusion

Participants in the SHAM condition recalled fewer words after the restricted sleep period, whereas those in the SO-tDCS group increased recall following 2h of sleep. The present findings have important implications for the development of fatigue mitigation strategies during military operations, when sustaining performance in the face of insufficient sleep is critical.

Support (if any)

Department of Defense Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP)
0065 A Novel Automated Task for Spatial Learning in Rodents
Authors: Pettibone Ward , Marchal Paul , Roman-Ortiz Ciorana , Wikenheiser Andrew , Poe Gina
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Spatial learning in rodents is useful for addressing a variety of research questions. We set out to create a fully automated spatial learning task that required rodents to make a sequence of cued navigational decisions. We used this maze to investigate the impact of sleep on insight gain, a sudden rather than gradual acquisition of a skill or behavior.

Methods

We designed a circular four-quadrant elevated maze. Each quadrant had three choice points on a branched arm, consisting of a reward well and cue light. To discourage rats from backtracking, motorized doors were placed between quadrants. Rats were trained to follow the light for a water reward. Their position was tracked by custom MATLAB code processing live video from a ceiling-mounted camera; the code also controlled all components of the maze, calculated and presented novel routes through the maze, analyzed results in real time, and maintained records of each rat across sessions. After an average of five days rats reached criterion in pretraining (following lights in pseudorandom positions) and were taught a hidden rule: the direction cued on the second quadrant was the correct direction on the fourth (uncued) quadrant. Rats completed one session each in the morning and afternoon, separated by 3h of sleep opportunity or sleep disruption, achieved by gentle handling. This was repeated after a night of sleep opportunity or sleep disruption for a total of four sessions.

Results

Rats quickly learned and consistently chose the correct well, remaining motivated for 96 consecutive trials. Rats were said to have gained insight if they demonstrated significant learning of the hidden rule. Although no animals have yet met this criterion, there was a trend of sleep-disrupted rats performing worse, suggesting that sleep plays an important role in consolidating the spatial rules of the task.

Conclusion

The versatility of this maze can accommodate many tasks not limited to insight gain specifically. Delivering rewards consistently at multiple distinct locations is a valuable technique for investigating spatial learning, navigation, and decision making, making this maze a powerful tool for investigating interventions for disease models that implicate the hippocampus or striatum.

Support (if any)
0068 Effect of Duchenne muscular dystrophy on sleep-dependent consolidation of episodic memory: Pilot
Authors: Cadle Chelsea , Busch Tyler , Waldrop Megan , Simon Katharine , Paul Grace , Malerba Paola
Published: May 2023

Introduction

About 50% of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) exhibit learning and memory deficits. Sleep issues are also common in DMD, and their potential relevance to cognitive deficits is unexplored. In this pilot study, we investigate the effect of DMD on sleep-dependent consolidation of episodic memory, with a focus on the role of sleep-brain dynamics.

Methods

We studied boys aged 6–15 years who were typically developing (TD) or had DMD. First, we compared memory performance in an episodic memory task during a day of wake versus a night of sleep within subjects (Phase 1, n = 13), including a one-week sleep diary, and parent-rated, memory, and cognitive assessments. In Phase 2, we measured memory improvement in the same task across a night with polysomnography (24 head electrodes). Sleep was scored with AASM criteria. Slow oscillations (SO) (0.5-1.5 Hz) and spindles (10-16Hz) were detected algorithmically, assessing density, amplitude, and coordination.

Results

In Phase 1, data confirmed sleep-specific gains in memory performance when task difficulty was adjusted to our extended age range (mean accuracy change: 7% sleep, 0% wake). The DMD participant in Phase 1 exhibited worse immediate recall compared to TD peers (independent samples t-test; t(9) = -4.38, p =.02) and worse parent-rated sleep habits (t(9) = 4.01, p = .03 on Children Sleep Health Questionnaire). Phase 2 showed a physiological range of SOs and spindles density, amplitude, and duration in both groups, with potential differences in overall sleep quality.

Conclusion

This pilot study established the feasibility of a sleep-memory experiment including polysomnography in controls and DMD patients in the context of a pediatric research hospital. Data suggests the need for adaptive recruitment approaches for the DMD population in expanding the study. Sleep EEG analysis suggests the potential for subtle differences in DMD sleep brain dynamics that need to be investigated in a larger sample size.

Support (if any)

Center for Clinical and Translational Science voucher support to MW and Neurodevelopmental Research Affinity Group Pilot Award to PM
0071 Individual Differences in Sleep Duration and Creative Thinking on the Remote Associates Test
Authors: Diaz Jose , Nelson Steve , Scullin Michael
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Short sleep has been shown to affect attention, processing speed, and memory. Creative cognition, including convergent thinking (e.g., identifying remote connections), has received less attention in the sleep literature. In four studies, we examined individual differences in sleep duration relative to performance on a convergent thinking task in which participants view three words (sore-should-sweat) and have to identify a target word that connects them (cold). Based on the literature on sleep deprivation and attention/memory, we hypothesized that short sleepers would show lower convergent thinking performance. By contrast, based on the view that convergent thinking is reflective of fluid intelligence—a higher-order cognitive construct that is resilient to sleep deprivation—short sleep should be unrelated to convergent thinking performance.

Methods

Participants were 551 adults aged 18-30 who were recruited across four experiments. Each experiment compared performance on a traditional 3-item compound Remote Associates Test to performance on a modified approach that provided additional semantic information (4-item Remote-Associates Test). After each experiment, participants were asked to indicate the duration of their previous night of sleep.

Results

Participants performed 27% better on the 4-item version, relative to the traditional 3-item Remote Associates Test (p<.001). There were no statistically significant associations between sleep duration and performance accuracy on the 3-item or 4-item compound Remote Associates Tests (rs<.10, ps > .05). This pattern was observed within each experiment, as well as when the data were collapsed across experiments. In addition, there were no significant associations when comparing extreme sleep durations (< 5 hours to ≥8 hours; all ps > .05).

Conclusion

Individual differences in recent sleep duration were not related to individual differences in convergent thinking abilities. These findings are consistent with the view of convergent thinking as a marker of fluid intelligence. Experimental work is needed to determine whether convergent thinking is fully resistant to sleep deprivation and to examine generalizability to other creative processes (e.g., divergent thinking, imagination).

Support (if any)

National Science Foundation (1920730)
0072 Intentionally awakening from sleep and its therapeutic potential to reduce nightmares
Authors: Sandell Cameron , Paller Ken , Mallett Remington
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Many people suffer from recurring nightmares that induce fear in their dreams and incur lasting psychological effects. One possible solution to alleviate these nightmares might be to wake up directly from them. Though we typically think of sleep as an “off” state where the sleeper is unable to make decisions, one exception is lucid dreaming. In lucid dreams, the dreamer is aware of the dream and can perform deliberate actions while dreaming. With such control over the dream, it might allow nightmare sufferers to end the nightmare as it is occurring. To date, claims of deliberate awakening from dreams only exist as subjective reports and the actual success rate of such attempts is still unknown. To address this gap in knowledge, the current study tested whether individuals asked to intentionally wake themselves up during sleep (more specifically, a lucid dream) would do so at higher rates than those asked to perform a control task.

Methods

Participants were asked to either try and wake up from their next lucid dream or clench their fists during their next lucid dream. Both groups completed a survey about their experience upon awakening, including two questions surrounding the impact of the dream task on their awakening.

Results

Relative to participants who clenched their fists while dreaming, participants who attempted to wake up from the dream by closing their eyes reported that the task woke them up more frequently (p < .05) and that they woke up sooner after executing the task (p < .05). Furthermore, a higher level of lucidity while dreaming was correlated with an earlier wake-up time (p < .05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that indeed – contrary to traditional thought – people are able to wake up from sleep intentionally. This new finding might allow individuals to reduce the amount of time they spend in fear during their dreams, which would in turn reduce the psychological and physiological effects of the nightmare. Future research exploring the most effective method of waking up from sleep intentionally could provide new approaches to relieving nightmare-related stress and increasing healthy sleep.

Support (if any)
0074 Investigating the Impacts of Pharmacological Slow-Wave Sleep Enhancement on Cognition in an Alzheimer's Disease Model
Authors: Jin Michelle , Teng Sasa , Whye Alicia , Chen Xinyue , Alvarado Nicole , Peng Yueqing , Denny Christine
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating and irreversible neurodegenerative disease associated with major disruptions to sleep. Recent works point to a strong bidirectional relationship between loss of slow-wave sleep (SWS), the deepest sleep stage, and the pathological and cognitive features of AD. Here, we investigate the impacts of chronic pharmacological SWS enhancement with gaboxadol, a delta GABAA receptor agonist, on cognitive performance the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD. Currently, we are assessing the impacts of this intervention on Abeta plaque burden.

Methods

Using electroencephalography (EEG), we first assessed if gaboxadol is capable of stimulating SWS sleep in 6-month-old AD mice. Next, 6-month-old control (CTRL) or AD mice received gaboxadol 5x/week for 4 weeks at the start of the light cycle. Groups underwent subsequent testing in the open field (OF), Y-maze, and contextual fear conditioning (CFC) assays (n = 8-9 mice per group). Data were analyzed using two- or three-way ANOVAs, with repeated measures when appropriate.

Results

Our EEG studies demonstrate that gaboxadol (6 mg/kg) significantly enhances SWS/NREM from baseline (p < 0.0308). Gaboxadol did not impact gross locomotor behavior assessed by distance travelled in the in the OF. However, rearing was decreased in AD mice compared to CTRL mice (p < 0.0128). In the Y-maze, gaboxadol significantly increased time spent in the novel arm in CTRL (p < 0.0386) but not AD mice. We did not find significant effects of gaboxadol on memory recall in the CFC assay.

Conclusion

Chronic pharmacological stimulation of SWS using gaboxadol does not show robust cognition-enhancing effects in APP/PS1 mice, but may be cognitively enhancing in CTRL mice. It is possible that longer treatment duration is necessary to rescue cognitive deficits in AD mice.

Support (if any)

NIA: 5R21AG064774-02 T32 GM7367-46
0084 Napping in the morning is associated with risk of Alzheimer’s Dementia in older adults
Authors: Gao Chenlu , Zheng Xi , Yu Lei , Buchman Aron , Bennett David , Leng Yue , Gao Lei , Hu Kun , Li Peng
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Recent evidence suggests that older adults with more frequent and longer daytime naps have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). We aim to further elucidate whether the timing of daytime napping impacts AD risk.

Methods

Data were from 1,203 participants in the Rush Memory and Aging Project (mean age at actigraphy=80.85±7.30; 77% female). Each participant wore an accelerometer (Actical) for up to 14 (mean 9.57±1.17) days and have been followed for up to 17 (mean 6.92±4.12) years with annual clinical assessment to determine AD status. We used a validated algorithm to identify daytime nap episodes between 9am-7pm and determined the timing of naps based on the midpoint of each nap. We computed the proportion of naps within each 2-h window for each participant, i.e., morning (9-11am), noon (11am-1pm), early afternoon (1-3pm), late afternoon (3-5pm), and early evening (5-7pm). Cox proportional hazards models were performed to examine the associations of napping timing with risk of AD, with adjustment for age, sex, education years, and nighttime sleep duration.

Results

Among all participants, 357 (30%) developed AD during the follow-up (mean time to AD: 6.34±3.98 years). Taking all naps in the morning, compared to taking all naps at other times, is associated with a 1.9-fold increased AD risk (HR [95%CI]=1.93[1.002-3.58], p=0.04). This association was only observed in women (HR=2.22[1.08-4.38], p=0.03) but not in men (HR=1.01[0.18-4.38], p=0.99). Moreover, the association between naps in the morning and AD risk was attenuated when additionally adjusted for total nap duration and frequency, BMI, and intradaily variability in rhythms (HR=1.71[0.85-3.43], p=0.13). The proportions of naps during other times of the day were not associated with AD risk (noon: HR=1.02[0.44-2.23]; early afternoon: HR=1.28[0.72-2.22]; late afternoon: HR=0.62[0.33-1.15]; early evening: HR=0.62[0.30-1.25]; ps>0.05).

Conclusion

More naps in the morning were associated with an elevated risk of developing AD in older adults. A higher propensity of napping in the morning may be an indicator of disturbances in sleep-wake regulation. Future studies are warranted to test whether interventions to consolidate nap timing or limit napping in the morning can improve neurocognitive outcomes.

Support (if any)

Alzheimer’s Association (AARFD-22-928372), NIA (R01AG17917), NIH (RF1AG064312), BrightFocus Foundation (A2020886S).
0094 Effects of Rocking-induced Sleep Enhancement on Wild Type (WT) and APPxPS1 Knock-in (KI) Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Mice
Authors: Subramoniam Anjana , Iradukunda Diane , Wang Jun , Duncan Marilyn , Murphy Michael , Bachstetter Adam , Sunderam Sridhar , O’Hara Bruce
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Passive rhythmic movement–rocking – is found to enhance sleep, particularly in infants and young wild type (WT) mice. Rocking can potentially enhance sleep at all ages, with the added benefit of being non-invasive, easy to translate for human use, and with negligible side effects. Furthermore, sleep enhancement tools should be especially valuable to patients with sleep disturbances, a pervasive feature of age-related dementia including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, rocking has not been explored widely as a means of sleep enhancement. Therefore, our study explores the impact of rocking on sleep architecture in both WT and APP/PS1 KI mice (a model of human AD).

Methods

Male C57BL/6J (WT; n=3) and APPxPS1 KI (AD; n=4) mice (10-12 months old) were kept under a 12h:12h light/dark cycle with access to food and water ad libitum. A reciprocating platform was used to laterally rock individually housed mice at 1 Hz, a rate previously shown to enhance sleep in younger mice, for nine hours during the light period. The experimental protocol consisted of a baseline day, rocking day, and a post-rocking day, with the mice being rocked only during the rocking day for nine hours.EEG/EMG signals were recorded on baseline, rocking, and post-rocking days. Vigilance states (wake, NREM, REM) were scored in 4-second epochs from the EEG/EMG data using standard criteria. Mean bout duration (MBD) and time spent in each vigilance state were estimated and compared for both AD and WT mice.

Results

In repeated tests (>6 trials per mouse), we observed a significant increase in the NREM (p< 0.001) and decrease in REM (p< 0.05) sleep percent on the rocking versus the non-rocking days in AD but not in WT mice. Additionally, NREM MBD (p< 0.05) significantly increased, and REM MBD (p< 0.05) decreased on rocking versus non-rocking days, only in AD mice.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that rocking can be a potential tool for sleep enhancement in AD mouse models; investigations on a larger sample are in progress. Future studies will focus on the impact of rocking on cognitive impairment and AD neuropathology, which are linked to sleep disruption.

Support (if any)

National Institute on Aging (NIA) Grant No:5R01AG068215-02
0107 Rest-activity rhythmicity across the lifespan: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Wallace Danielle , Johnson Dayna , Redline Susan , Sofer Tamar , Kossowsky Joe
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Non-parametric metrics of interdaily stability (IS), relative amplitude (RA), and intradaily variability (IV) characterize between- and within-day rest-activity rhythms. Prior research has reported differences in these metrics by age and race/ethnicity, but these differences have not been widely assessed in children and adolescents. Therefore, we investigated associations of these metrics with sociodemographic factors across the lifespan, including children, in a US-representative cross-sectional study.

Methods

Rest-activity metrics were derived from actigraphy data (wrist-worn GT3X+ ActiGraph devices) measured over one week in the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Pregnant participants and participants with < 4 days of valid data were excluded; missing activity data were imputed and pooled using Rubin’s rule. Population-weighted linear and ordinal logistic regression (quartiles) models were fit to examine the associations of age, gender, smoking, body mass index (BMI), income-to-poverty ratio, and self-reported race/ethnicity with rhythmicity measures. Stratified analyses by age groups were conducted.

Results

There were n=12,526 participants aged 3-80 years. In adjusted analyses, IS and RA (higher: stronger rhythms) decreased with age and were lower among men, whereas IV (higher: weaker rhythm, greater fragmentation) increased with age (p< 0.05). Higher income-to-poverty ratio associated with higher RA (1-unit OR=1.11, 95%CI:1.06,1.16) and IV (1-unit OR=1.10, 95%CI:1.07,1.13). Greater BMI associated with lower RA and IS and higher IV (p< 0.05). Smoking associated with decreased values for all metrics. Compared to the non-Hispanic White group, the Asian, non-Hispanic Black, and Other/Multiracial groups were more likely to have lower RA, lower IS, and higher IV (p< 0.05). Compared to the non-Hispanic White group, the Mexican American (OR=0.83, 95%CI:0.72,0.95) and Other Hispanic (OR=0.83, 95%CI:0.73,0.94) groups were less likely to have higher IV. Analyses stratified by age (≤18, >18 years) resulted in similar patterns among the Asian, non-Hispanic Black, and Other/Multiracial groups (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

Rest-activity rhythms differ by age, gender, BMI, income, smoking, and race/ethnicity, representing possible windows for public health intervention and sleep health promotion. Differences in rest-activity measures by race/ethnicity begin in childhood, are evident in early adolescence, and persist throughout adulthood. Future analyses will evaluate the contribution of environmental factors to these differences.

Support (if any)

NIH-NHLBI T32HL007901, R35HL135818
0108 Sleep Health of Adolescents in the Department of Juvenile Justice: A Qualitative Analysis of Night Staff Interviews
Authors: Nogales Josephina Munoz , Leask Lo , Adornetti Julianna , Jaffie Sara , Crowley Stephanie , Wolfson Amy , Carlucci Marianna
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Limited research exists regarding the sleep environment and sleep health of youth in juvenile justice facilities. We examined the perspectives of facility night staff on the sleep-living environment and conditions of detained youth using semi-structured interviews.

Methods

In collaboration with Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) we conducted virtual semi-structured interviews (45 minutes) with superintendents, medical staff, and night staff at all state facilities. We present the data reported by night staff (n=10) here, each representing a different facility. Interview questions focused on facility structure, protocols, and youth healthcare. Inductive qualitative analyses examined high frequency themes with the aim of understanding the sleep environment, sleep patterns, and overall youth wellbeing. After transcription of each interview, coder 1 examined each transcript to identify high frequency themes; coder 2 reviewed these first codes. Few disagreements occurred; in those cases, a third coder helped reach consensus. Theme frequency is expressed as a percentage of the total number of transcriptions (e.g., 4 interviews out of 10=40%).

Results

Major themes reported by night staff include environmental disruptions, ability to personalize sleep areas, youth well-being, and sleep challenges. Environmental disruptions included moderate noise levels (40%); youth temperature complaints (50%); and youth lighting complaints (60%). More specifically, 50% reported youth reported night lighting complaints (including blue light) within the dorms. While 40% described room personalization is allowed, 40% stated it is also limited. For instance, while youth are allowed to display family pictures, they are not allowed to display any gang-related material as it could cause altercations between youth. Complaints of trouble sleeping is addressed in 50% of facilities by utilizing a weeklong sleeping log (e.g., staff report number of times youth are awake during the night during their safety checks). Seventy percent of staff reported that work affects their sleep and psychological wellbeing and 60% shared that they sleep 3 - 6 hours/night.

Conclusion

Assessment and modifications of the sleep-living environment in juvenile justice facilities are needed. Ongoing countermeasures in the Maryland system include noise buffering panels, light modifications, and sleep-health staff trainings.

Support (if any)

Kolvenbach grant, Loyola University Maryland and Maryland Department of Juvenile Services’ supportive collaboration.
0114 Interplay of School and Free Days on the Association of Circadian Misalignment with Heart Rate Variability in Adolescents
Authors: Morales-Ghinaglia Natasha , He Fan , Calhoun Susan , Liao Jason , Vgontzas Alexandros , Bixler Edward , Liao Duanping , Fernandez-Mendoza Julio
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The circadian timing system, which governs the sleep-wake cycle, is involved in cardiometabolic and autonomic regulation. Heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM), is known to predict cardiovascular morbidity. Therefore, circadian misalignment of the sleep-wake cycle, which is highly prevalent in adolescents and may express differently if youth are in school or free-days, is likely to impact CAM. We examined whether deviations in the circadian timing of sleep are associated with blunted HRV in adolescents as a function of being entrained to school or not.

Methods

We studied 337 population-based randomly-selected adolescents from the Penn State Child Cohort (median 16 years; 47% female; 21% racial/ethnic minority) who had at least 3-night at-home actigraphy (ACT), in-lab 9-h polysomnography (PSG) and 24-h Holter-monitoring heart rate variability (HRV) data. ACT-measured sleep midpoint (SM) was calculated as the midpoint of the sleep period for weekdays (5-nights) and weekends (2-nights), whereas ACT-measured sleep regularity (SR) was calculated as the intra-individual standard deviation of the SM across 5- and 7-nights. Frequency and time-domain HRV indices were primary outcomes. Linear regression models were stratified by “in school” and “on break” to test SM and SR as predictors of HRV indices while accounting for sex, race/ethnicity, age, BMI percentile, ACT-sleep duration, ACT-sleep variability, and PSG-apnea/hypopnea index.

Results

Lower SR on schooldays was associated with lower nighttime Log-HF, Log-LF and SDNN, yet higher HR (all p< 0.01); e.g., each standard deviation increase in SR on schooldays (i.e., 45m higher) was associated with -7.15ms (2.57) in nighttime SDNN (p=0.006). A later SM on free weekends was associated with lower nighttime Log-HF, Log-LF, SDNN and RMSSD, yet higher HR and LF-HF ratio (all p< 0.03); e.g., each standard deviation increase in SM on free weekends (i.e., 1.5h later) was associated with -7.33ms (2.85) in nighttime RMSSD (p=0.011).

Conclusion

A delayed and an irregular sleep midpoint during breaks and during schooldays, respectively, were associated with impaired CAM in adolescents. These data suggest that not only circadian misalignment contributes to adverse cardiovascular outcomes but its distinct metrics require measurement under different entrainment conditions in adolescents.

Support (if any)

NIH (R01HL136587,R01MH118308,UL1TR000127), American Heart Association (23PRE1011962).
0118 Association between TNF-α G308A Polymorphism (rs1800629) and Insomnia Vulnerability in Fertile Age Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Hung Ching-Sui , Wei Shyh-Yuh , Lin Chen-Li , Tu Cheng-Hao , Liu Yu-Huei , Ho Ying-Jui , Yang Chien-Ming , Hsieh Jen-Chuen
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Higher tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene expression has been revealed in the peripheral blood monocytes across the menstrual cycle in patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) than in the unaffected control. Sleep quality is affected by environmental factors, endocrine function abnormalities and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TNF-α G308A polymorphism (rs1800629) on the self-reported sleep, health, menstrual pain severity as well as peri-ovulatory serum TNF-α level in women with and without PDM.

Methods

Sleep, psychological and physiological characteristics and menstrual pain severity were collected with questionnaires and sleep/menstrual diary within a menstrual cycle from a cohort of 43 PDM women and 42 healthy controls (aged 20-30 years, right-handed, non-smoking and non-shift workers without psychiatric, sleep and neurological comorbidity). Chi-square tests were used to check if the genotype proportions of the investigated gene fitted the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and to evaluate if the genotypic and allelic distribution is associated with PDM. Chi-square tests or analysis of variance were used to examine the effects of genotype, group and/or genotype x group interaction with the sleep, mind and the body health variables.

Results

Neither allele frequencies nor genotypes of TNF-α G-308A gene could serve as an independent risk factor of PDM in the Taiwanese population. Circulating serum TNF-α did not correspond with the -308 TNF-α promoter polymorphism, either, which might be due to a multifactorial control process. The TNF-α 308 A allele carriers (28.6%) which was less common than the G allele carriers (71.4%), showed lower Beck depression score, lower bodily pain and better physical health and higher subjective sleep quality. Furthermore, in G allele carriers, the PDM group showed higher insomnia severity and lower sleep duration than that of the control group.

Conclusion

Present results suggested that TNF-alpha polymorphism conferred no prediction to PDM risk and peri-ovulatory serum TNF-α level. However, our findings were evident that the A allele at the TNFα 308 locus, as compared to the more common G allele, was associated to better health and better sleep, with an indication of a genetic underpinning to their better resistance from the risk of PDM.

Support (if any)
0127 Effects of pre-sleep alcohol consumption on sleep and heart rate (HR)
Authors: Rosenzweig Rebecca , McCullar Katie , McGeary John , Carskadon Mary
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity is relatively low, parasympathetic NS (PNS) relatively high, and heart rate (HR) is slow in NREM sleep. In tonic REM sleep, PNS activity remains high, but phasic REM sleep is associated with brief alterations of SNS/PNS balance along with irregular and phasic changes in HR. Alcohol elevates SNS activity, producing an overall increased HR during sleep. We propose to examine HR in NREM N2, N3, and REM sleep to determine whether the alcohol-related HR increase is present in these states.

Methods

27 healthy adults [(mean ± SD) 32.8 ± 12.4 y, 13 women] completed the study. Participants kept a consistent 8-9hr sleep schedule at home followed by 2 nonconsecutive in-lab nights with order of alcohol vs. mixer counterbalanced. Alcohol condition included vodka + mixer (dose adjusted by sex/height/weight/age) to target peak breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 0.08 ± 0.02 g%; a non-alcohol mixer beverage was provided on the other night. Drinking occurred over 45 minutes ending one hour before lights out. Sleep recordings included EEG, EOG, EMG and HR from modified lead-I or II EKG placement. Sleep was scored in 30-sec epochs and matched to mean HR values.

Results

A statistically significant increase in HR following alcohol was found for N2 (t=5.24, p< 0.000; alcohol HR=67.22 ± 5.29, mixer HR=61.68 ± 5.00); N3 (t=3.43, p=0.002; alcohol HR=68.81 ± 4.32, mixer HR=62.26 ± 4.54); and REM sleep (t=4.54, p< 0.000; alcohol HR=70.00 ± 11.27, mixer HR=64.70 ± 6.53)

Conclusion

Overall, alcohol significantly increased HR in N2, N3, and REM sleep. We plan to examine whether this effect persists across three consecutive nights of pre-sleep alcohol and may vary with time of night.

Support (if any)

This study was funded under grant R01AA025593
0131 Sleep Deprivation Alters Two Physiological Systems' Responses to Repeated Stressors Differentially
Authors: Lundholm Kirsie , Delane Sara , James Stephen , Honn Kimberly , Hansen Devon , Van Dongen Hans , Satterfield Brieann
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axes activate in response to stressors. Real-world exposure to stressors often co-occurs with total sleep deprivation (TSD). The SAM response to a single stressor appears unchanged by TSD, but salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) has shown that TSD blunts the SAM response to repeated stressor exposure. Using salivary cortisol concentration (SCC), we investigated the HPA response to repeated stressors under well-rested and TSD conditions.

Methods

N=10 healthy adults (ages 28.3±5.78; 5f) completed a 4-day/3-night in-laboratory study with 38h TSD preceded and followed by 10h sleep opportunities. On day 2 (well-rested) and day 3 (TSD), participants completed two stressor sessions in a high-fidelity shooting simulator, separated by 30min. Acting as police officers, civilian participants verbally interacted with emergency response scenarios and decided whether to use (simulated) deadly force. Seven saliva samples were collected each day: pre-stressor, and 0min, 15min, and 30min after each session. Samples were assayed for SCC and normalized against each day’s pre-stressor sample.

Results

Mixed-effects ANOVA showed a significant effect of sample time (F[5,99]=19.85, p< 0.001), with SCC peaking 15min after the first stressor session and steadily declining thereafter. The SCC peak was significantly blunted during TSD compared to well-rested (t[99]=2.84, p=0.006). Correlations with previously reported, simultaneously assessed sAA concentrations, which peaked right after the first stressor session, were not significant (p>0.2). Additionally, whereas sAA showed a second peak after the second stressor session when participants were well-rested, no second peak was found in SCC.

Conclusion

The SCC response after one stressor session with simulated emergency response scenarios was blunted during TSD, unlike the sAA response. However, while sAA peaked twice in response to repeated stressor exposure when participants were well-rested (though not during TSD), SCC continued to decline after the first stressor exposure, potentially indicating a HPA refractory mechanism or habituation. Also, over participants there was no significant relationship between the magnitude of the stressor response between SCC and sAA. Taken together, our results suggest fundamentally distinct SAM and HPA axis responsivity to repeated acute stressors, with differential impact of TSD.

Support (if any)

ONR N00014-13-1-0302, PRMRP W81XWH-20-1-0442.
0158 Preliminary Study of the Links Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Actigraphy-Measured Sleep Characteristics in Young Adults
Authors: Zucker Anna , Schwager Laura , Hart Thomas , Flores Mark , Moon Chooza , Thomas Emily , Jenkins Nathaniel
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are highly stressful events during the first 18 years of life that have been linked with adverse adult health outcomes. Sleep is an important behavioral risk factor for a myriad of health outcomes that have been linked to ACE exposure. A growing body of evidence indicates that ACEs are associated with low self-reported sleep durations, but these findings should be verified using objectively measured sleep characteristics. The purpose of this study was to examine associations of ACE exposure with actigraphy-measured sleep duration, timing, and variability.

Methods

Methods: In twenty-four young adults (20F/4M; mean±SD, age=24±5 y), we assessed ACE exposure using the 10-item ACE scale and measured sleep characteristics over a ≥6 day period using a wrist-worn actigraphy device. Participants with 0–1 ACEs were characterized as low-ACE (ACE-low, n=10) and participants with 2+ ACEs were characterized as moderate-high-ACE exposure (ACE-mh, n=14). Independent samples t-tests and Hedges’ g effect sizes were used to compare total sleep duration, bed-time, get-up time, time-in-bed, sleep onset latency and the standard deviation of bed time and total sleep duration between groups.

Results

Time-in-bed was greater in ACE-mh than in ACE-low (mean±SE difference=-60±25 min; p=0.027; g=-0.95), yet there was no difference in total sleep duration (-9±10 min; p=0.46; g=-0.37). This discrepancy was accompanied by a non-significant, but large-effect size difference between ACE-mh and ACE-low (-15±7 min; p=0.051; g=-0.83) in sleep onset latency. There were no differences between groups in either bed-time (p=0.34; g=0.39) or get-up time (p=0.35; g=-1.2), nor in either bed-time (p=0.84; g=-0.08) or total sleep duration (p=0.36; g=-0.37) variability.

Conclusion

In contrast to prior evidence based on self-report, our initial evidence indicates that ACE exposure is not linked with shorter sleep durations or higher sleep variability when measured using actigraphy. Instead, ACE exposure is linked to greater time in bed and greater sleep onset latencies, suggesting that individuals exposed to ACEs may have less efficient sleep.

Support (if any)

Support: Research reported in this publication was supported in part by the NCATS of the NIH (UL1TR002537) and by the Injury Prevention Research Center through the CDC (R49 CE003095).
0162 The neural bases of emotion dysregulation in rotating shift workers
Authors: Lee Kyung Hwa , Lee Ha Young , Jeon Jeong Eun , Lee Mi Hyun , Lee Jooyoung , Shin Jiyoon , Seo Min Cheol , Lee Yu Jin , Kim Seog Ju
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Shift work is known to be associated with sleep disturbance and circadian misalignment and may contribute to alterations in the brain implicated in emotion dysregulation. In this study, we examined 1) neural correlates of emotion dysregulation, including emotional reactivity and regulation in shift workers and 2) relationships between neural correlates of emotion dysregulation, sleep disturbance, and circadian misalignment.

Methods

Fifty-six rotating shift workers (SW, 42 females, 30.80 ± 6.94 years old) who had non-standard shift schedules and 52 healthy controls (HC, 36 females, 31.69 ± 7.86 years old) who did not work as shift schedules participated in this study. Both SW and HC completed self-reported measures of sleep and mood problems, and wrote sleep diary and wore actigraphy to assess sleep quality and circadian rhythms. They also underwent one night polysomnography and were scanned while they were performing the emotion regulation task. We analyzed group differences in mood, sleep, circadian rhythms, and neural bases of emotional reactivity and regulation, and examined relationships between these variables.

Results

SW showed significant differences in actigraphy-estimated sleep (i.e., lower sleep efficiency) and circadian rhythms (e.g., greater motor activity [M10] and lower interdaily stability) compared to HC. SW also exhibited increased anterior insula (AI) activation in response to negative pictures, but reduced activation in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dMPFC) and AI-dMPFC functional connectivity during emotion regulation compared to HC. AI activation and AI-dMPFC functional connectivity were significantly associated with sleep disturbance (i.e., sleep diary-estimated sleep onset latency) and circadian misalignment (e.g., M10 and interdaily stability). Furthermore, a mediation analysis revealed that shift work was associated with increased motor activity during the most active 10-hour period, which then contributed to increased AI activation in response to negative pictures.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that shift work may contribute to sleep disturbance and circadian misalignment, and neural alterations associated with emotional reactivity and regulation. Furthermore, the mediation result suggests that increased motor activity along with misaligned circadian rhythm may serve as a pathway, through shift work contributes to heightened emotional reactivity to negative information.

Support (if any)

National Research Foundation (No. 2022R1A2C2008417, NRF-2022R1A2C1008209) and Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (No. 20009210).