Factores predictores de la calidad del sueño en pacientes con migraña crónica / Predictive factors of sleep quality in patients with chronic migraine

Introducción: Uno de los factores contribuyentes en la cronificación de la migraña son los trastornos del sueño que pueden actuar como un factor precipitante y/o perpetuador en estos sujetos. El objetivo primario de este estudio fue identificar los factores predictores relacionados con la calidad del sueño en pacientes con migraña crónica (MC) y el objetivo secundario fue identificar si existían diferencias en variables psicológicas y de discapacidad entre los pacientes con MC que presentaban menor o mayor calidad del sueño. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, transversal, formado por 50 participantes con MC. Se registraron una serie de variables demográficas, psicológicas y de discapacidad mediante cuestionarios de autorregistro. Resultados: Se observaron correlaciones directas, moderadas-fuertes, entre las diferentes variables de discapacidad y psicológicas analizadas (p < 0,05). En la regresión, se estableció como variable criterio la calidad del sueño y las variables predictores fueron los síntomas depresivos, la discapacidad relacionada con la cefalea y el catastrofismo ante el dolor que, en conjunto, explican el 33% de la varianza. En cuanto a la comparación de los grupos de mayor y menor afectación del sueño, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la variable de síntomas depresivos (p = 0,016) y catastrofismo ante el dolor (p = 0,036). Conclusiones: Los factores predictores de la calidad del sueño en pacientes con MC fueron los síntomas depresivos, la discapacidad relacionada con la cefalea y, en menor medida, el catastrofismo ante el dolor. Los sujetos con peor calidad de sueño presentaron mayores niveles de catastrofismo ante el dolor y síntomas depresivos. (AU)

Introduction: One of the factors contributing to transformation of migraine are sleep disorders, which can act as a trigger and/or perpetuating factor in these patients. This study's primary objective was to identify predictive factors related to sleep quality in patients with chronic migraine (CM); the secondary objective was to identify any differences in psychological variables and disability between patients with CM with better or poorer sleep quality. Methods: A total of 50 patients with CM were included in an observational, cross-sectional study. We recorded data on demographic, psychological, and disability variables using self-administered questionnaires. Results: A direct, moderate-to-strong correlation was observed between the different disability and psychological variables analysed (P < .05). Regression analysis identified depressive symptoms, headache-related disability, and pain catastrophising as predictors of sleep quality; together, these factors explain 33% of the variance. Statistically significant differences were found between patients with better and poorer sleep quality for depressive symptoms (P = .016) and pain catastrophising (P = .036). Conclusions: The predictive factors for sleep quality in patients with CM were depressive symptoms, headache-related disability, and pain catastrophising. Patients with poorer sleep quality had higher levels of pain catastrophising and depressive symptoms. (AU)

Parent survey of sleep problems among children with CHARGE syndrome.

Sleep problems are common among children, especially those with developmental disabilities, visual impairments, and behavioral problems. Past research has indicated a particularly high prevalence of clinically-relevant sleep problems for children with CHARGE syndrome, who often possess all three of these qualities. To gather additional information regarding the nature of these sleep problems and how they are most commonly treated amongst parents, an explorative survey was conducted with 30 parents of children with CHARGE syndrome with comorbid sleep problems using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, as well as demographic and sleep questionnaires developed for use in this study. Our findings indicated that problems of sleep initiation and maintenance were most commonly reported, consistent with previous research. Parents most often reported the following factors suspected of contributing to sleep problems: self-regulation difficulties, teeth grinding, hormonal imbalance, problem behaviors, and anxiety. The most commonly administered treatments were reported to be the use of positive bedtime routines, melatonin treatment, the use of a weighted blanket, and prescription medications, respectively. While parents reported overall that they felt all three of these intervention strategies were slightly effective at improving their child's sleep problem, the use of positive bedtime routines and melatonin treatment were perceived as more effective by parents. These results aid professionals in the selection of future research and intervention strategies to recommend for parents of children with CHARGE syndrome.

Association between physical activity and Nocturnal Leg Cramps in patients over 60 years old: a case-control study.

Nocturnal Legs Cramps are a frequent disorder, which have a negative impact on quality of life, particularly among patients over 60 years old. Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption have been shown to be associated with Nocturnal Leg Cramps. This study aimed to explore the association between nocturnal leg cramps and a sedentary lifestyle among elderly patients. A case-control study was conducted with a Bayesian approach for sensitivity analysis. Patients over 60 years old consulting their family doctor were recruited in the Alsace region, France. Cases were matched with controls free from cramps for age, sex, medical history and medications known to trigger cramps. The level of physical activity was assessed using the Dijon Physical Activity Score (DPAS). We performed univariate and multivariate analyses adjusting for alcohol consumption. 272 participants were matched into 136 pairs. 11% of all were sedentary persons. Adjusting for alcohol consumption, we observed an association between Nocturnal Leg Cramps and a sedentary lifestyle OR = 9.84 (95% credibility interval [1.74; 101.9]; posterior probability 99.68%). Our findings represent an additional argument to promote physical activity to patients over 60 years old. They also highlight the need to develop and evaluate physical activity interventions in the treatment of Nocturnal Legs Cramps.

Sleep-related rhythmic movements and rhythmic movement disorder beyond early childhood.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep-related rhythmic movements (SRRMs) are common in young children and become less prevalent with increasing age. When SRRMs significantly interfere with sleep and/or affect daytime functioning, potentially resulting in injury, rhythmic movement disorder (SRRMD) is diagnosed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess clinical comorbidities, types of SRRMs, sleep stage/wakefulness distribution during night, and age-dependence of these parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In sum, 45 patients (age range 1-26 years, mean age 10.56 ± 6.4 years, 29 men) were clinically examined for SRRMs or SRRMD. Nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) was recorded in 38 patients. To evaluate clinical and sleep comorbidity, the cohort of 38 patients was divided according to age into four groups: (1) younger than 5 years (N = 7), (2) 5-9 years (N = 12), (3) 10-14 years (N = 11), and (4) ≥ 15 years (N = 8). RESULTS: A clear relationship between perinatal risk factors and developmental disorders (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD, specific learning disability) was found which extended population prevalence at least five times. A total of 62 recordings were evaluated in 38 patients; SRRMs were found in PSG in 31 of 38 patients (82%). No age-dependent correlation between type of SRRMs and sleep stage/wakefulness distribution during the night was observed. However, when all recordings were correlated together, rolling stereotypes occurred more frequently in REM sleep, and rocking stereotypes in superficial NREM sleep. CONCLUSION: Developmental disorders and perinatal risk factors were connected with SRRMs and SRRMD in children and young adults. Rolling movements were significantly associated with REM stage and rocking stereotypes with superficial NREM sleep, independent of age.

Quality of life and contact with healthcare systems among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: results from the NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis (NORPAPP).

Psoriasis (skin psoriasis, PsO) is a chronic inflammatory condition. In about one-third of cases, the joints are affected (psoriatic arthritis, PsA). Both conditions, especially PsA, profoundly impact patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). To describe the impact of psoriasis on HRQoL and patients' contact with the healthcare system in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, the NORdic PAtient survey of Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis (NORPAPP) asked 22,050 adults randomly selected in Sweden, Denmark and Norway if they had psoriasis. 1264 individuals who reported physician-diagnosed PsO/PsA were invited to the full survey; 1221 responded (74.6% diagnosed with PsO alone; 25.4% with PsA ± PsO). Respondents with PsA most frequently consulted a rheumatologist; however, 14.3% had never seen a rheumatologist. Respondents with PsO alone most frequently consulted a general practitioner and 10.7% had never seen a dermatologist (although those with severe symptoms visited dermatologists more often). Negative impacts on HRQoL were reported by 38.1% of respondents with PsO [mostly limitations on clothing (22.6%), sleep disorders (16%), and depression/anxiety (16%)] and by 73% of respondents with PsA [mostly limitations on clothing (41.8%), sports/leisure (44.0%), or daily routine (45.1%) and sleeping disorders]. Absence from work/education was more common with PsA ± PsO (51.9%) than PsO alone (15.1%). In this survey in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, the impact of psoriasis on the respondents' HRQoL was profound and was greater for PsA than for PsO, as was sickness absence. Sleeping disorders and depression were common and should not be overlooked.

Effect of maternal smoking in pregnancy and childhood on child and adolescent sleep outcomes to 21 years: a birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The effects of prenatal maternal smoking have been studied extensively, however little research has examined the effects of prenatal exposure to maternal smoking on offspring sleep, particularly over several developmental periods. We examined the effects of prenatal maternal smoking and postnatal smoking from birth to 14 years, on offspring sleep at 6 months, 5, 14 and 21 years. METHODS: This was a prospective, community-based birth cohort study involving 7223 women who delivered a singleton child in Brisbane, Australia between 1981 and 1983. Women were recruited at the first antenatal visit. Offspring sleep problems were reported by mothers at 6 months, 5 and 14 years, and by youth at 14 and 21 years. 3738 mothers prospectively reported their smoking status from pregnancy to 14 years postpartum. Youth snoring was reported by mothers at 14 years and by youth at 21 years. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Prenatal maternal smoking was independently associated with an increased risk of offspring adolescent parasomnias including walking and talking in sleep and nightmares, and an increased likelihood of being in the highest quintile for maternal and youth reported sleep problems at 14 years. Maternal postnatal smoking was associated with increased likelihood of offspring snoring at 14 years. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to maternal prenatal smoking has different effects on offspring sleep compared to exposure to postnatal smoking. Prenatal smoking exposure may be associated with changes in neurodevelopment whereas postnatal smoking is more likely to affect the respiratory system. These findings highlight the long lasting and potentially serious clinical effects of exposure to pre and postnatal maternal smoking on offspring, the mechanisms by which warrant further investigation.

Objectively confirmed prevalence of sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in pre-school children.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) (ie, sleep-related repetitive movements involving large muscle groups) can impair sleep quality, cause local injury, and disturb household members. Previous parental reports indicate prevalence rates in children under three years of age between 5.5 and 67%. We studied the prevalence of RMD with objective home videosomnography. METHODS: Parents of 707 children having their one-year routine health check (357 male), 740 children having their two-year health check (395 male), and 17 children of unknown age (nine male), were asked if their child showed sleep-related rhythmic movements. If telephone interview confirmed likely RMD, parents completed a standardised clinical questionnaire and three nights of home videosomnography. RESULTS: At the one-year health check, 31/707 possible cases of RMD were identified [maximal prevalence: 4.38%; 95% CI (2.81, 5.89)] compared to 11/740 at the two-year check [maximal prevalence: 1.49%, 95% CI (0.61, 2.36)]. Of 42 possible cases, nine had resolved; 14 were uncontactable, or did not wish to participate, and four did not complete the study protocol. In four of 10 remaining one-year olds and four of five remaining two-year olds parental report was objectively confirmed by videosomnography. Minimal prevalence based on objective observation was therefore 0.28% [95% CI (0.08, 1.30)] at one-year check and 0.41% [95% CI (0.08, 1.24)] at two-year check. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of RMD in a large population of infants and toddlers was lower than previously reported (maximum prevalence 2.87%, minimum prevalence 0.34%). It is important to confirm parental report using objective measures.

Sleep talking: A viable access to mental processes during sleep.

Sleep talking is one of the most common altered nocturnal behaviours in the whole population. It does not represent a pathological condition and consists in the unaware production of vocalisations during sleep. Although in the last few decades we have experienced a remarkable increase in knowledge about cognitive processes and behavioural manifestations during sleep, the literature regarding sleep talking remains dated and fragmentary. We first provide an overview of historical and recent findings regarding sleep talking, and we then discuss the phenomenon in the context of mental activity during sleep. It is shown that verbal utterances, reflecting the ongoing dream content, may represent the unique possibility to access the dreamlike mental experience directly. Furthermore, we discuss such phenomena within a cognitive theoretical framework, considering both the atypical activation of psycholinguistic circuits during sleep and the implications of verbal 'replay' of recent learning in memory consolidation. Despite current knowledge on such a common experience being far from complete, an in-depth analysis of sleep talking episodes could offer interesting opportunities to address fundamental questions on dreaming or information processing during sleep. Further systematic polysomnographic and neuroimaging investigations are expected to shed new light on the manifestation of the phenomenon and related aspects.

Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Nocturnal Leg Cramps in Patients Over 60 Years Old: A Case-Control Study.

PURPOSE: Nocturnal leg cramps are a specific kind of cramps affecting almost one-half of patients aged 60 years and older. They reduce patients' quality of sleep and have a negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between nocturnal leg cramps and the consumption of alcoholic beverages in patients aged 60 years and older attending general practices. METHODS: Case-control study with a Bayesian approach for sensitivity analysis. Participants were voluntary ambulatory patients aged 60 years and older consulting their family doctor. They were recruited in 67 general practices across the Alsace region. Cases (patients having cramps), were matched with controls (patients free from cramps) for age, sex, medical history, and medications known to trigger cramps. Alcohol consumption was assessed through a standardized food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: We found an association between the global consumption of alcoholic beverages and nocturnal leg cramps (OR = 6.5, 95% credibility interval, 1.68-38.05; posterior probability 99.82%). CONCLUSION: We identified an association between alcohol consumption and nocturnal leg cramps among patients aged 60 years and older attending general practices. These findings have implications for the prevention of cramps.

Nocturnal leg cramps: Prevalence and associations with demographics, sleep disturbance symptoms, medical conditions, and cardiometabolic risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) are common and poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of NLC and associations with cardiometabolic, sleep, and behavioral risk factors in the US population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional epidemiology. PARTICIPANTS: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 waves. MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S): NLC were assessed with, "In the past month, how often did you have leg cramps while trying to sleep?" Responses were categorized as None, Mild, or Moderate-Severe. Demographics, medical history, sleep disturbances, and cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluated using the 2005-2006 dataset. Variables that demonstrated significant relationships to NLC after adjusting for age, sex, education, and BMI were assessed in the 2007-2008 dataset. Variables that were still significant were entered into a forward stepwise regression model combining both waves, to determine which variables best explained the variance in NLC. RESULTS: Prevalence was 24-25% reporting mild and 6% reporting moderate-severe NLC. NLC increased with age, lower education, unemployment, shorter sleep duration, all assessed sleep symptoms (nocturnal "leg jerks", snoring, snorting/gasping, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, non-restorative sleep, sleepiness, use of sleep medications), higher BMI, smoking, medical history (hypertension, heart failure, angina, stroke, arthritis, respiratory disease, and cancer), depression symptoms, and biomarkers (CRP, HbA1c, calcium, cadmium, red blood cells). Stepwise analysis showed that moderate-severe nocturnal leg cramps were associated with (in decreasing order of partial R2): leg jerks, poor overall health, arthritis, difficulty falling asleep, age, nonrestorative sleep, red blood cell count, lower education, angina, and difficulty maintaining sleep. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Based on this first large, representative study, NLC occurring >5x per month are reported by 6% of the adult US population. Sleep disturbance symptoms and health conditions are associated with higher frequency of NLC, suggesting that NLC is a marker, and possibly contributor, to poor sleep and general health.

A review of nocturnal leg cramps in older people.

Nocturnal leg cramps are common and troublesome, especially in later life, and have a significant impact on quality of life, particularly sleep quality. This article reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the diagnosis, frequency, pathophysiology and management of cramps. Recent evidence suggests that diuretic and long-acting beta-agonist therapy predispose to leg cramps. There is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of prophylactic stretching exercises in preventing cramps. Quinine remains the only medication proven to reduce the frequency and intensity of leg cramps. However, the degree of benefit from quinine is modest and the risks include rare but serious immune-mediated reactions and, especially in older people, dose-related side effects. Quinine treatment should be restricted to those with severe symptoms, should be subject to regular review and requires discussion of the risks and benefits with patients.

Valor diagnóstico de la poligrafía respiratoria en pacientes con baja probabilidad de síndrome de apneas e hipopneas durante el sueño / Diagnostic value of respiratory polygraphy in patients with low probability of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Introducción y objetivo: La polisomnografía (PSG) es el método estándar para el diagnóstico del síndrome de apneas e hipopneas del sueño (SAHS). Es una técnica cara, compleja y de poca disponibilidad, por lo que la poligrafía respiratoria (PR) es de uso habitual. La PR no está validada en casos de baja probabilidad; sin embargo, la normativa vigente contempla el tratamiento conservador en caso de PR negativa. Nos hemos propuesto estudiar la prevalencia y gravedad del SAHS mediante PSG, en una muestra de pacientes con baja probabilidad y PR negativa. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo y analítico de pacientes con baja probabilidad de SAHS y PR negativa a los que se les realizó posteriormente una PSG. Se registraron datos antropométricos, clínicos y características del sueño. Resultados: Ochenta y dos pacientes fueron incluidos. En el registro de la PSG se observó un incremento de hipopneas (137,8 ± 70,1 frente a 51,2 ± 38,4 [p < 0,05]) y del índice de apneas e hipopneas (27,8 ± 15,6 frente a 11,7 ± 7,1 [p < 0,05]), así como un aumento del 17% en la prevalencia de SAHS, de un 35% de casos graves y una disminución de un 41% de los casos leves. Conclusión: De acuerdo con los resultados de este estudio, la PR subestima de forma estadísticamente significativa la prevalencia y gravedad del SAHS en pacientes con baja probabilidad. Es necesario un adecuado proceso de estratificación de riesgo para la correcta indicación de pruebas diagnósticas, y recomendable realizar una PSG cuando se ha realizado una PR con resultado negativo en estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction and objective: Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard technic for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). It is an expensive, complex and not always available technic, meaning that respiratory polygraphy (RP) has become usual. Although RP is not validated in low probability patients, Spanish guidelines recommend conservative treatment in patients with negative RP. We intended to study the prevalence and severity of OSAS through PSG in a sample of patients with low probability and negative RP. Material and methods:Retrospective, observational, descriptive and analytic study of low probability OSAS patients with negative RP in whom a PSG was performed. Anthropometric, clinical and sleep data were collected. Results: Eighty-two patients were included. After PSG, a greater number of hypopneas (137.8 ± 70.1 vs. 51.2 ± 38.4 [P < .05]) and apnea hypopnea index (27.8 ± 15.6 vs. 11.7 ± 7.1 [P < .05]) was observed, as well as an increment in OSAS prevalence of 17%, which was 35% in severe OSAS. In mild OSAS, there was a decrement of 41%. Conclusion: According with the results of this study, RP significantly underestimates the prevalence and severity of OSAS in low probability patients. While it is necessary to adequately stratify the OSAS probability in order to correctly indicate diagnosis tests, we recommend performing a PSG in low probability patients with negative RP (AU)

Factores asociados a la somnolencia diurna en adultos mayores chilenos / Dietary factors associated with daytime somnolence in healthy elderly of Chile

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de somnolencia leve y excesiva y qué factores están asociados a la presencia de somnolencia diurna en adultos mayores. Métodos. Participaron 1.780 adultos mayores de 60 años, autónomos, de ambos sexos, de los cuales completaron toda la información 1.704 (70,9 ± 7,9 años; 62% mujeres). A cada uno de ellos se les realizó la encuesta de somnolencia de Epworth (ESE), el cuestionario de calidad de sueño de Pittsburg, además de solicitar información sobre consumo de tabaco, horario de cena, y una evaluación antropométrica. Una puntuación en ESE > 10 se consideró somnolencia y puntuaciones >15 somnolencia excesiva o severa. Resultados. Entre los menores de 80 años un 5,3% presentaron un ESE >15 y un 26,2% un ESE >10. En mayores de 80 años la prevalencia de somnolencia fue del 6,3% para ESE >15 y del 32,5% para ESE >10. En el modelo ajustado los factores asociados a incremento del riesgo de somnolencia (ESE > 10) fueron la edad mayor de 80 años (OR = 1,58; IC 95% = 1,14-2,19), y cenar después de las 21 horas (OR = 1,3; IC 95% = 1,01-1,68). Por el contrario, solo la edad mayor de 80 años se asociaba de manera independiente a somnolencia severa (OR = 1,81; IC 95% = 1,01-3,29). Conclusiones. Cenar después de las 21 horas y una edad por encima de los 80 años se asocian con mayor probabilidad de somnolencia diurna. En cambio solo la edad mayor de 80 años se asocia a somnolencia diurna severa (AU)

Aim. To determine the prevalence of mild and excessive somnolence and the associated factors with the presence of daytime sleepiness in the elderly. Methods. A total of 1780 independent individuals 60 years and olderof both sexes (70.9 ± 7.9 years old; females 62%), were included, of which 1704 of them completed all the information. All of them were assessed using an Epworth sleepiness scale (ESE), an Pittsburgh sleep quality index, plus information of cigarettes smoking, dinner time, and an anthropometric evaluation. An ESE score > 10 was considered drowsiness and scores > 15 excessive or severe drowsiness. Results. Among the population under 80 years, 5.3% showed ESE score > 15 and 26.2% an ESE score > 10. For over 80 years, the prevalence of sleepiness was 6.3% for an ESE score > 15 and 32.5% for an ESE score > 10. In the adjusted model, the factors associated with increased risk of sleepiness (ESE > 10) were age older than 80 years (OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.14 to 2.19) and dinner after 21 hours (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.68). By contrast, only age older than 80 years was independently associated with severe sleepiness (OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.01 to 3.29). Conclusions. Meals after 21 hours and age above 80 years are associated with increased likelihood of daytime sleepiness. Instead, only older than 80 years is associated with severe daytime sleepiness (AU)

Sexsomnia: sleep sex research and its legal implications.

"Sleep sex," also known as sexsomnia, is a sleep disorder characterized by sexual behaviors committed while asleep. There has recently been increased interest in sexsomnia due to controversies arising in legal trials that have been widely publicized in the social and public media. This article attempts to marshal the current information about sexsomnia from the forensic literature and provides an overview of sexsomnia including common features, precipitating factors, prevalence rates, diagnostic procedures, and treatment. As sexsomnia represents a condition in which sexual acts are committed without awareness or intention, this paper also reviews the development of sexsomnia as a legal defense and summarizes Canadian case law on the topic. It provides an overview of the hurdles presented to defense attorneys attempting to utilize the defense and examines popular public notions surrounding the legitimacy of sexsomnia and the possibility of malingering. We conclude that sexsomnia is a legitimate sleep disorder for which case law now exists to support its use in legal defenses based on automatism. The question of whether it is an example of "sane" or "insane" automatism remains to be determined by the courts. Regardless of whether or not sexsomnia is determined to be a mental disorder by the courts, it is now a recognized and well-described sleep disorder that can be safely treated and managed by knowledgeable clinicians.

Seasonal effects on the occurrence of nocturnal leg cramps: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It has been anecdotally reported that nocturnal leg cramps in pregnant women are worse in summer. We analyzed population-level data to determine whether the symptom burden of nocturnal leg cramps is seasonal in the general population. METHODS: We examined time-series data for 2 independent measures of the symptom burden of leg cramps: (a) new quinine prescriptions (reflecting new or escalating treatment of leg cramps) from December 2001 to October 2007 among adults aged 50 years and older, which were obtained from linked health care databases that contain the prescribing information for the 4.2 million residents of British Columbia, Canada; and (b) the Internet search volume from February 2004 to March 2012 for the term "leg cramps" (reflecting public interest), which we obtained from Google Trends data and geographically limited to the United States and Australia. We assessed seasonality by determining how well a least-squares sinusoidal model predicted variability in the outcomes. RESULTS: New quinine prescriptions and Internet searches related to leg cramps were both seasonal, with highs in mid-summer and lows in mid-winter, and a peak-to-peak variability that was about two-thirds of the mean. Seasonality accounted for 88% of the observed monthly variability in new quinine prescriptions (p < 0.001) and 70% of the observed variability in Internet searches related to leg cramps (p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: New quinine prescriptions and Internet searches related to leg cramps were seasonal and roughly doubled between the winter lows and summer highs. Why a disorder of peripheral motor neurons displays such strong seasonality warrants exploration.

The usefulness of monitoring sleep talking for the diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy bodies.

BACKGROUND: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common type of neurodegenerative dementia. It is frequently difficult to differentiate DLB from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other types of dementia. This study examined the usefulness of monitoring sleep talking for the diagnosis of DLB. METHODS: A total of 317 patients with dementia were selected from a consecutive series at the Dementia Clinic of Kumamoto University Hospital. Diagnostic categories consisted of probable DLB (n = 55), probable AD (n = 191), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) (n = 16), vascular dementia (VaD) (n = 18), and other/unspecified dementia (n = 37). We evaluated sleep talking in all dementia patients and normal elderly subjects (n = 32) using an originally designed sleep talking questionnaire. RESULTS: Sleep talking occurred most frequently in the DLB group (61.8%), followed by the VaD group (33.3%), other/unspecified dementia group (27.0%), AD group (18.8%), FTLD group (12.5%), and normal elderly subjects group (6.3%). The prevalence of sleep talking in the DLB group was significantly higher than in other groups, except in the VaD group. The sleep talking yielded high specificity (81.2%) and some sensitivity (61.8%) for the differential diagnosis of DLB from AD. Furthermore, loud sleep talking may improve the specificity (96.9%). For the differentiation of DLB from all other dementia types, the specificity of sleep talking and loud sleep talking was also high (79.4% and 95.8% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Assessing sleep talking, especially the volume of sleep talking, may be useful in the clinical discrimination of DLB from not only AD but also from all other types of dementia.

Factors associated with night-time calf muscle cramps: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Although highly prevalent and painful, night-time calf muscle cramping is poorly understood, and no treatment has shown consistent efficacy or safety. METHODS: One hundred sixty adults were recruited from New South Wales, Australia, including 80 who had night-time calf cramping at least once per week and 80 age- and gender-matched adults who did not. Participants were assessed using reliable tests of lower limb strength, flexibility, morphometrics, circulation, and sensation, and were questioned about health and lifestyle factors, diet, medications, exercise, symptomatology, sleeping habits, and footwear. RESULTS: Conditional logistic regression identified 3 factors independently associated with night-time calf muscle cramps: muscle twitching (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.6-15.5, P = 0.01); lower limb tingling (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.3, P = 0.003); and foot dorsiflexion weakness (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, P = 0.002), which represented other measures of lower limb weakness in the model. CONCLUSIONS: Night-time calf muscle cramps were associated with markers of neurological dysfunction and potential musculoskeletal therapeutic targets.