Sofia Tsoli1, Spyros Vasdekis2, Xanthi Tigani1, Artemios Artemiadis1, George Chrousos3, Christina Darviri4. 1. The Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. 2. Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece. 3. The Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. 4. The Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: cdarviri@med.uoa.gr.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Chronic insomnia (CI) is a common sleep disorder linked to stress and various ubiquitous stress-related disorders (e.g. cardiovascular and mental diseases). Previous experimental studies exploring the effects of stress management in CI have confirmed that reducing stress, especially through cognitive methods, could ameliorate symptoms and repercussions of CI. In this 16-week experimental pilot study, we primarily examined the feasibility of a novel method, dubbed Pythagorean Self-Awareness Intervention (PSAI) in 30 CI patients. DESIGN: This is a pilot experimental study. SETTING: Attikon General Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Athens. INTERVENTIONS: PSAI for a period of 8 weeks (8-16 weeks). MAIN OUTCOMES: Feasibility data and efficacy measures for sleep quality, cognitive function, perceived stress and hair cortisol. RESULTS: All eligible patient gave their consent to participate and there were no drop-outs or adverse effects. 43.3%, 30% and 26.7% of patients showed high (PSAI twice per day), moderate (at least three times per week) and low (less than three times per week) compliance, respectively. Morning lack of time and evening tiredness were the main reasons for missing home sessions. Significant improvements in sleep quality, cognitive function, hair cortisol and perceived stress were also recorded especially in patients with higher compliance. CONCLUSIONS: PSAI is a feasible and possibly efficacious stress management method. Future randomized-controlled studies should explore its efficacy in CI.
OBJECTIVES:Chronic insomnia (CI) is a common sleep disorder linked to stress and various ubiquitous stress-related disorders (e.g. cardiovascular and mental diseases). Previous experimental studies exploring the effects of stress management in CI have confirmed that reducing stress, especially through cognitive methods, could ameliorate symptoms and repercussions of CI. In this 16-week experimental pilot study, we primarily examined the feasibility of a novel method, dubbed Pythagorean Self-Awareness Intervention (PSAI) in 30 CI patients. DESIGN: This is a pilot experimental study. SETTING: Attikon General Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Athens. INTERVENTIONS: PSAI for a period of 8 weeks (8-16 weeks). MAIN OUTCOMES: Feasibility data and efficacy measures for sleep quality, cognitive function, perceived stress and hair cortisol. RESULTS: All eligible patient gave their consent to participate and there were no drop-outs or adverse effects. 43.3%, 30% and 26.7% of patients showed high (PSAI twice per day), moderate (at least three times per week) and low (less than three times per week) compliance, respectively. Morning lack of time and evening tiredness were the main reasons for missing home sessions. Significant improvements in sleep quality, cognitive function, hair cortisol and perceived stress were also recorded especially in patients with higher compliance. CONCLUSIONS: PSAI is a feasible and possibly efficacious stress management method. Future randomized-controlled studies should explore its efficacy in CI.
Authors: Despina S Kalogiratou; Flora Bacopoulou; Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein; Xanthi Tigani; Orsalia Gerakini; Dimitrios Vlachakis; George P Chrousos; Christina Darviri Journal: J Mol Biochem Date: 2020-12-30
Authors: Eleni S Zigkiri; Nicolas C Nicolaides; Flora Bacopoulou; Dimitris Simos; Dimitrios Vlachakis; George P Chrousos; Christina Darviri Journal: J Mol Biochem Date: 2020-12-30
Authors: Maria Charalampopoulou; Flora Bacopoulou; Konstantinos N Syrigos; Evaggelos Filopoulos; George P Chrousos; Christina Darviri Journal: Breast Date: 2019-12-20 Impact factor: 4.380