ABSTRACT
In this study, we investigated the potential of electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) measurements gathered from home-based devices to detect circadian-like patterns. We analyzed data from 43,284 individuals using the Withings Body Comp or Body Scan scales, which provide ESC measurements. Our results highlighted a circadian pattern of ESC values across different age groups and countries. Our findings suggest that home-based ESC measurements could be used to evaluate circadian rhythm disorders associated with neuropathies and contribute to a better understanding of their pathophysiology. However, further controlled studies are needed to confirm these results. This study highlights the potential of digital health devices to generate new scientific and medical knowledge.
ABSTRACT
The global covid-19 pandemic has imposed radical changes in daily lives. This study reflects upon sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (sleep-wake rhythm, psychiatric symptoms, and alcohol use behavior) during the full lockdown, comparing individuals who increased their alcohol use (iAU), those who maintained a stable use (sAU), and those who did not consume alcohol (AnoU). Participants were recruited via e-mails and they were required to complete an online survey that included questionnaires, during the last week of the full lockdown. The iAU group, compared to the sAU group, presented more disturbed sleep (PSQI; p < .001), more severe insomnia (ISI; p < .001), shorter sleep duration (p < .001), longer sleep latency (p < .001), and less regular sleep-wake schedules (p = .005). They also reported more anxiety (HAD-A; p = .009), more depressive symptoms (HAD-D: p = .006) and more psychotraumatic symptoms (PCL-5: p = .018). Moreover, the sAU group, compared to AnoU, showed better quality of sleep (PSQI; p = .002) and less severe anxiety symptoms (HAD-A; p = .014). Maintaining a stable use was also related to a better quality of life associated with bigger homes with more frequent outdoors living spaces and higher monthly incomes. Individuals who increased their alcohol consumption during the Covid-19 lockdown exhibited more sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances, as well as more (severe) psychiatric symptoms.
