Background/Aim This study aimed to examine the relationship between loneliness and bedtime procrastination in young adults in Germany, offering critical insights into the development and maintenance of both conditions. Specifically, it sought to test a new model that connects these two psychological constructs. Materials and Methods A quantitative online survey was conducted with 500 young adults (Mage = 23.3, 83.6% female). Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, while bedtime procrastination was measured using the Bedtime Procrastination Scale. Results The results show a significant positive correlation between loneliness and bedtime procrastination in young adults. Sleep quality was also found to significantly correlate positively with loneliness as well as with bedtime procrastination. Conclusion The findings provide a crucial framework for understanding the relationship between the two psychological constructs of loneliness and bedtime procrastination. Implications for possible future interventions are discussed. Show less

Background/Aim Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder characterized by recurrent respiratory disturbances during sleep. Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity exhibit a substantial susceptibility to OSA (23%–86%). People with OSA have a high risk of several comorbidities like insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, depressed mood and hypertension. Thus, the objective was to comprehensively evaluate the risk of OSA among T2DM patients in India. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted across four cities in India involving 2,000 T2DM patients. The survey gathered data on patient demographics, clinical endpoints, and estimated the risk of OSA using an app which included the STOP BANG questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between OSA risk and key variables such as age, gender, BMI, and HbA1c. Result Overall, 63.9% of T2DM patients were identified as high risk and 27.3% were at intermediate risk for OSA development. Results of the multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that patients with high BMI ≥35 had significantly greater odds (OR: 5.70; p<0.00) of developing OSA; males had 2.75 times higher odds (p<0.00) and patients with HbA1c value >8% had higher odds (OR: 1.22; p<0.00) of developing OSA. Conclusion OSA risk and prevalence are significantly higher in T2DM patients than in the general population with a notable escalation in patients who are overweight/obese, older, and have prolonged diabetes duration. Early screening using digitalization with a highly sensitive, cost-efficient, and valid tool like STOP-BANG followed by appropriate intervention for OSA can not only reduce the eventual economic burden but can improve patient outcomes. Show less

Background/Aim Sleep disturbances are common and are associated with impaired daytime functioning, reduced quality of life, and increased health risks. Non-pharmacological neuromodulatory interventions have gained interest as alternatives to hypnotic medication. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been proposed as a non-invasive approach to improve sleep quality and recovery, but evidence from large, well-controlled trials remains limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMT) on sleep quality, sleep-related symptoms, daytime functioning, and well-being in adults with heterogeneous sleep complaints.  Materials and Methods In this remote, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 217 adults reporting non-restorative sleep, difficulties initiating sleep, or frequent nocturnal awakenings were assigned to active PMT using a PEMF device (Night Harmony Female/Male protocol) or a sham application for three weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score and self-rated sleep satisfaction, restfulness, and sleep initiation difficulties. Secondary outcomes included sleep diary measures, daytime functioning, well-being (WHO-5), symptom burden (MYMOP), and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle using ANCOVA with baseline values of the respective parameter as covariate.  Results Both groups showed significant improvements over time in global sleep quality and most secondary outcomes (p < 0.001). Between-group differences in PSQI global score were not significant (p = 0.314). However, active PMT resulted in significantly greater improvements in subjective sleep satisfaction (p = 0.02) and restfulness (p = 0.02), particularly among participants with moderate to severe baseline sleep disturbances (p < 0.001 for both). Sleep continuity measures improved similarly in both groups. No serious adverse events were reported.  Conclusions PMT produced modest but significant improvements in subjective restorative aspects of sleep beyond placebo effects and was well tolerated. Further studies using objective sleep measures and longer follow-up are warranted. Show less

Introduction Sleep quality is a fundamental determinant of human health and well-being. Modified Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood (ILIB), a non-invasive therapeutic modality, has emerged as a potential intervention for sleep-related disturbances. Proposed mechanisms include reduced blood viscosity and platelet aggregation, activation of superoxide dismutase, increased oxygen bioavailability, enhanced microcirculation, elevated serotonin levels, and decreased cortisol concentrations—physiological processes intricately involved in sleep regulation, mood modulation, and the stress response. Objective To evaluate the effects of Modified Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood (ILIB) on sleep quality in individuals with self-reported sleep disturbances. Methods A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with participants who reported poor sleep quality. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group received ILIB using a 660 nm red laser, while the control group received a placebo treatment (light emission with sub-therapeutic power, <1 mW). Both groups underwent the same treatment schedule. Sleep quality was assessed at baseline and after six treatment sessions using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results Participants in the ILIB group showed statistically significant improvements in the primary outcome of global sleep quality. PSQI scores decreased from 10.24 at baseline to 6.47 post-treatment. ESS scores showed a non-significant change from 10.44 to 10.12. These results suggest enhanced overall sleep quality and reduced sleep latency, although the observed reduction in daytime sleepiness did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Modified Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood appears to be a promising non-invasive approach for improving sleep quality. The clinical outcomes observed are comparable to those reported in both pharmacological and behavioral sleep interventions, particularly in terms of PSQI improvements. These preliminary findings support the need for further research to clarifyunderlying mechanisms, optimize treatment parameters (e.g., dosimetry and duration), and expand outcome assessments to include biomarkers and polysomnographic data. Show less