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Brain Sciences
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Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People
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Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2020) | Viewed by 28907

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Luigi De Gennaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Roma, Roma, Italy
Interests: sleep; local sleep; aging; homeostasis; cortico-hippocampal networks; Alzheimer's disease; sleep onset; dreaming
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Maurizio Gorgoni

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: sleep; EEG; dreaming; memory; sleepiness; healthy and pathological aging; neurodevelopmental disorders; sleep disorders; neural plasticity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are entering an era of a steep increase in the absolute and relative number of older people. This represents a major challenge for health care, which has to sustain the ability of staying healthy at any age (including keeping both high cognitive and high physical functioning, and avoiding or at least minimizing disease and disability).

Among the targets that may be of interest, sleeping does not come out easily as a main factor, but its abnormalities lead to many consequences, such as sleepiness, cognitive impairment, and several cardiovascular events, thus spreading disabilities all over the body. In that view, it seems of major importance to correlate the brain structure to different sleep pathologies such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or periodic limb movement disorder.

In that view, the exploration of the links between these clinical dysfunctions and brain structure appears to be of utmost importance to the promotion of successful aging.

Dr. Sebastien Celle
Former Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • brain
  • MRI
  • grey matter
  • sleep
  • insomnia
  • obstructive sleep apnea
  • restless legs syndrome
  • periodic limb movement disorder

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

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7 pages, 255 KiB  
Editorial
Sleep in the Aging Brain
by Maurizio Gorgoni and Luigi De Gennaro
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(2), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11020229 - 12 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2260
Abstract
We have entered an era of a steep increase in the absolute and relative number of older people. This well-come phenomenon represents a major challenge for health care. However, maturational changes in sleep associated with aging do not easily appear as main factors, [...] Read more.
We have entered an era of a steep increase in the absolute and relative number of older people. This well-come phenomenon represents a major challenge for health care. However, maturational changes in sleep associated with aging do not easily appear as main factors, even though sleep alterations in the aging process lead to many detrimental consequences. In this editorial paper, we summarize the present knowledge about the main aging-related sleep modifications and their relevance for health problems and cognitive decline. Then, we present the papers published in the Special Issue “Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People)

Research

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17 pages, 1064 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Sleep Quality, Vigilance, and Sleepiness on Driving-Related Cognitive Abilities: A Comparison between Young and Older Adults
by Chiara Bartolacci, Serena Scarpelli, Aurora D’Atri, Maurizio Gorgoni, Ludovica Annarumma, Chiara Cloos, Anna Maria Giannini and Luigi De Gennaro
Brain Sci. 2020, 10(6), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060327 - 28 May 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5127
Abstract
Background: Driving performance is strongly vulnerable to drowsiness and vigilance fluctuations. Excessive sleepiness may alter concentration, alertness, and reaction times. As people age, sleep undergoes some changes, becoming fragmented and less deep. However, the effects of these modifications on daily life have [...] Read more.
Background: Driving performance is strongly vulnerable to drowsiness and vigilance fluctuations. Excessive sleepiness may alter concentration, alertness, and reaction times. As people age, sleep undergoes some changes, becoming fragmented and less deep. However, the effects of these modifications on daily life have not been sufficiently investigated. Recently, the assessment of sleepiness became mandatory in Europe for people at risk who need the driving license release. Moreover, considering the expectation that people around the world are rapidly aging, it is necessary to investigate the relationships between senescence sleep changes, vigilance levels, and driving-related cognitive skills. Method: 80 healthy subjects (40 young adults and 40 elders) participated in the study. Sleep quality, sleepiness, and vigilance levels were assessed through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Driving-related cognitive abilities were assessed through Vienna Test System TRAFFIC, investigating selective attention, tachistoscopic perception, and risk assumption. Results: 2 × 2 between-subject ANOVAs showed less habitual sleep efficiency and worse performances in PVT in the older group. Unexpectedly, younger subjects show higher self-rated sleepiness. Moreover, older adults have lower performance in attention and perception tests, but they appear to be more cautious in situations involving traffic. Finally, the multiple regressions show age to be the only robust predictor of cognitive driving-related abilities. Conclusions: This is the first study that investigates the relationships among sleepiness/vigilance and specific driving-related cognitive skills on a sufficiently large sample. Nevertheless, the study should be considered preliminary and does not allow us to understand how specific changes in sleep architecture impact performances in the elders’ everyday life and, specifically, on driving skills. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People)
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8 pages, 297 KiB  
Article
Morning Headache as an Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Related Symptom among Sleep Clinic Patients—A Cross-Section Analysis
by Jakub Spałka, Konrad Kędzia, Wojciech Kuczyński, Aleksandra Kudrycka, Aleksandra Małolepsza, Piotr Białasiewicz and Łukasz Mokros
Brain Sci. 2020, 10(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10010057 - 19 Jan 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6229
Abstract
Morning headache is considered to be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Despite not being as common as excessive daytime sleepiness or unrefreshing sleep, it can similarly impair everyday activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence [...] Read more.
Morning headache is considered to be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Despite not being as common as excessive daytime sleepiness or unrefreshing sleep, it can similarly impair everyday activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of and factors associated with morning headaches (MH) among patients referred for polysomnography due to suspected OSAS. This is a retrospective study on 1131 patients who underwent polysomnography between 2013 and 2015. Morning headaches (MH) were reported in 29% of them. In a logistic regression model, a rise in the n probability of MH was associated with female sex (odds ratio, OR, 1.38, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.08–1.75), history of hypertension (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06–1.46), complaint on unrefreshing sleep (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.19–1.70), choking at night (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05–1.49), and fall in total sleep time (OR 0.872 per each hour, 95% CI 0.76–0.99). The risk between MH and apnea–hypopnea index, blood oxygen saturation parameters or arousal index was found to be statistically insignificant. There is a lack of evidence that MH is associated with the severity of OSAS or nocturnal hypoxemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People)
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12 pages, 1253 KiB  
Article
Midday Napping and Successful Aging in Older People Living in the Mediterranean Region: The Epidemiological Mediterranean Islands Study (MEDIS)
by Alexandra Foscolou, Nathan M. D’Cunha, Nenad Naumovski, Stefanos Tyrovolas, Loukianos Rallidis, Antonia-Leda Matalas, Evangelos Polychronopoulos, Labros S. Sidossis and Demosthenes Panagiotakos
Brain Sci. 2020, 10(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10010014 - 26 Dec 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5338
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between midday napping, sleeping hours, and successful aging among 2564 older (65+ years) individuals living in the insular Mediterranean region. Anthropometric, clinical, and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle parameters were derived [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between midday napping, sleeping hours, and successful aging among 2564 older (65+ years) individuals living in the insular Mediterranean region. Anthropometric, clinical, and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle parameters were derived through standard procedures, while successful aging was evaluated using the validated Successful Aging Index (SAI; range 0–10). Of the 2564 participants, 74% reported midday napping. The SAI score was 2.9/10 for non-midday nappers vs. 3.5/10 for midday nappers (p = 0.001). Midday nappers were more likely to be physically active (p = 0.01) and to have higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.02) compared to non-midday nappers. In a fully adjusted model, midday nappers had 6.7% higher SAI score compared to the rest (p < 0.001), and the effect of midday napping was more prominent among males and participants 80+ years of age. Further analysis indicated a significant U-shaped trend between sleeping hours/day and SAI score (p < 0.001), with 8–9 h total of sleep/day, midday napping included, proposed as optimal in achieving the best SAI score. Midday napping seems to be a beneficial habit that should be promoted and encouraged in older people. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People)
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14 pages, 248 KiB  
Article
Insomnia Symptoms among African-American Older Adults in Economically Disadvantaged Areas of South Los Angeles
by Mohsen Bazargan, Nadia Mian, Sharon Cobb, Roberto Vargas and Shervin Assari
Brain Sci. 2019, 9(11), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci9110306 - 2 Nov 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3242
Abstract
Background. Although psychosocial and health factors impact insomnia symptoms, less is known about these effects in economically disadvantaged African-American older adults. Aims. This study investigated social and health determinants of insomnia symptoms among economically disadvantaged African-American older adults. Methods. This survey enrolled 398 [...] Read more.
Background. Although psychosocial and health factors impact insomnia symptoms, less is known about these effects in economically disadvantaged African-American older adults. Aims. This study investigated social and health determinants of insomnia symptoms among economically disadvantaged African-American older adults. Methods. This survey enrolled 398 African-American older adults (age ≥ 65 years) from economically disadvantaged areas of South Los Angeles. Gender, age, educational attainment, financial difficulty, number of chronic diseases, self-rated health, pain intensity, and depression were covariates. Total insomnia, insomnia symptoms, and insomnia impact were our outcomes. Linear regression was applied for data analysis. Results. Based on linear regression, higher financial difficulty (B = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.35–0.61), smoking status (B = 1.64, 95% CI = 0.13–3.16), higher pain intensity (B = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.11–0.67), higher number of chronic diseases (B = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.05–0.64), and more depressive symptoms (B = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.12–0.57) were associated with a higher frequency of insomnia symptoms. Based on a logistic regression model, lower age (B = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.91–1.00) and high financial difficulty (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.08–1.24), pain (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.14–3.80), chronic disease (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.07–1.51) and depression (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.22–4.65) were associated with higher odds of possible clinical insomnia. We also found specific predictors for insomnia symptoms and insomnia impact. Conclusions. Among African-American older adults in economically disadvantaged areas of South Los Angeles, insomnia symptoms co-occur with other economic, physical, and mental health challenges such as financial difficulty, smoking, multimorbidity, pain, and depression. There is a need to address sleep as a component of care of economically disadvantaged African-American older adults who have multiple social and health challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People)

Review

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17 pages, 351 KiB  
Review
Boosting Slow Oscillations during Sleep to Improve Memory Function in Elderly People: A Review of the Literature
by Federico Salfi, Aurora D’Atri, Daniela Tempesta, Luigi De Gennaro and Michele Ferrara
Brain Sci. 2020, 10(5), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10050300 - 15 May 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5701
Abstract
Sleep represents a crucial time window for the consolidation of memory traces. In this view, some brain rhythms play a pivotal role, first of all the sleep slow waves. In particular, the neocortical slow oscillations (SOs), in coordination with the hippocampal ripples and [...] Read more.
Sleep represents a crucial time window for the consolidation of memory traces. In this view, some brain rhythms play a pivotal role, first of all the sleep slow waves. In particular, the neocortical slow oscillations (SOs), in coordination with the hippocampal ripples and the thalamocortical spindles, support the long-term storage of the declarative memories. The aging brain is characterized by a disruption of this complex system with outcomes on the related cognitive functions. In recent years, the advancement of the comprehension of the sleep-dependent memory consolidation mechanisms has encouraged the development of techniques of SO enhancement during sleep to induce cognitive benefits. In this review, we focused on the studies reporting on the application of acoustic or electric stimulation procedures in order to improve sleep-dependent memory consolidation in older subjects. Although the current literature is limited and presents inconsistencies, there is promising evidence supporting the perspective to non-invasively manipulate the sleeping brain electrophysiology to improve cognition in the elderly, also shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the sleep-memory relations during healthy and pathological aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disturbances of Sleep Among Older People)
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