Frontiers in Neurology (Feb 2020)

Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in Survivors of Acute Respiratory Failure

  • Pei-Lin Yang,
  • Teresa M. Ward,
  • Robert L. Burr,
  • Vishesh K. Kapur,
  • Susan M. McCurry,
  • Michael V. Vitiello,
  • Catherine L. Hough,
  • Elizabeth C. Parsons,
  • Elizabeth C. Parsons

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00094
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Background: Little is known about sleep and circadian rhythms in survivors of acute respiratory failure (ARF) after hospital discharge.Objectives: To examine sleep and rest-activity circadian rhythms in ARF survivors 3 months after hospital discharge, and to compare them with a community-dwelling population.Methods: Sleep diary, actigraphy data, and insomnia symptoms were collected in a pilot study of 14 ARF survivors. Rest-activity circadian rhythms were assessed with wrist actigraphy and sleep diary for 9 days, and were analyzed by cosinor and non-parametric circadian rhythm analysis.Results: All participants had remarkable actigraphic sleep fragmentation, 71.5% had subclinical or clinical insomnia symptoms. Compared to community-dwelling adults, this cohort had less stable rest-activity circadian rhythms (p < 0.001), and weaker circadian strength (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Insomnia and circadian disruption were common in ARF survivors. Sleep improvement and circadian rhythm regularity may be a promising approach to improve quality of life and daytime function after ARF.

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