0379 The Effect of White Noise on Individuals Complaining of Poor Quality Sleep in a High Noise Environment in New York City

Abstract

Results: The core body temperature during sleep in ACS was significantly lower than that in PH. DPG during sleep in ACS showed significantly higher value than that in PH. This indicated the heat dissipation due to the increase the skin blood flow and the skin vasodilator action of the ACS as in the previous study. In the subjective evaluation, ACS bath was significantly higher value in mood. The autonomic nervous activity (LF / HF) in ACS was stable low values compered with PH, but it did not reach a significant level (p = 0.06). Conclusion: In ACS bath, good quality sleep can be obtained by deep body temperature falling during sleep, but the relaxing effect was insufficient. Support (If Any): N/A. Introduction: Undisturbed sleep has been shown to be important for both health and quality of life. The WHO estimates that nearly 25% of the population suffers from disturbed sleep due to environmental noise. Sleep disturbance due to elevated noise levels is particularly problematic in large cities such as New York. The hypothesis of our study was that white noise would improve sleep quality in subjects complaining of sleep difficulty due to elevated noise levels. Methods: Eight subjects (5 women), ages 39-74, participated in this study. Mean BMI was 26.53 kg/m2. All participants were recruited from New York City based on complains of sleep disturbance due to high levels of environmental noise in their sleep location. The study was conducted using a within-subject, ABA design. Each phase lasted two-weeks, during which sleep quality was assessed. In the treatment phase, white noise was generated using a Marpac Dohm Classic. Sleep quality was measured subjectively using the Consensus Sleep Diary, and objectively using a Motionlogger Actigraph. Results: Paired sample t-tests were conducted to evaluate the hypothesis that white noise improves sleep quality in a high noise environment. Type I error was corrected for using a Holm's sequential Bonferroni. Significance was found on the variables WASO, as measured by actigraphy, t(7) =-2.78, p = 0.027, and number of awakenings during the night, as measured by sleep log t(7) = 3.09, p = 0.018. There was a trend toward significance on the variables total sleep time (actigraph) t(7) =-2.300, p = 0.055 and average time awake during the night (log) t(7) = 2.158, p = 0.068. Conclusion: Our data show that white noise significantly reduced both WASO and the number of awakenings from sleep in subjects complaining of difficulty sleeping due to high levels of environmental noise. This suggests that white noise may be an effective tool in helping to improve sleep quality in individuals sleeping in a high noise setting. Introduction: Exercise is often recommended as one of the most important sleep hygiene behaviors. In the last 10 years some studies have focused in the effects of exercise on chronic insomnia, as a non-pharmacological treatment with easy access and extensive health benefits. The propose of this study was to assess the effects of resistance exercise and stretching on mood and quality of life in patients with chronic insomnia. Methods: Three 4-month treatments were compared: resistance exercise (n=10), stretching (n=10) and control (n=8). Resistance exercise occurred at 50-60% 1-RM for 3 times per week from 5-6 pm. Each session included 4 exercises for the upper limbs: biceps, triceps, back, and pectorals; 4 exercises for the lower limbs: flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors; 1 trunk flexion exercise for the abdominal area; and 1 trunk extension exercise. Stretching was low-intensity, 3 times for week, from 5 to 6 p.m., involving the upper and lower limbs, with 8-10 types for each body region. Mood was evaluated by Profile of Mood States and quality of life by Medical Outcomes Study-SF-36. Results: Analysis of covariance (covariate control for baseline) revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) comparing stretching with the control treatment for changes (∆) in tension-anxiety (-6.8 ± 1.3 vs 0.9 ± 2.4, respectively). Physical and social functioning evaluated by SF-36 also improved after stretching compared with control (8.5 ± 5.6 vs-1.9 ± 1.9 and 29.0 ± 9.5 vs 5.9 ± 5.7, respectively) and mental health improved after resistance exercise and stretching compared with control (20.2 ± 7.3, 21.2 ± 8.2 vs-2.5 ± 4.9, respectively). Conclusion: Low intensity stretching reduced anxiety complaints and improved some aspects of quality of life in patients with chronic insomnia. No significant improvements were observed after resistance exercise, except mental health that improved significantly. Support (If Any): Research supported by CEPID/FAPESP (98/14303-3), AFIP and CEPE.