Concordance of polysomnographic and actigraphic measurement of sleep and wake in older women with insomnia.

Study Objectives: The objective of this secondary analysis was to evaluate concurrent validity of actigraphy and polysomnography (PSG) in older women with insomnia.

Methods: Concurrent validity of actigraphy and PSG was examined through (1) comparison of sleep outcomes from each recording method; (2) calculation of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive values from epoch-by-epoch data; and (3) statistical and graphical exploration of the relationship between sleep disturbance severity and concordance of actigraphy and PSG. Subjects were 16 community-dwelling older women (mean age 69.

Sleep disturbances in persons living with HIV.

Up to 70% of persons living with HIV (PLWH) experience sleep disturbances. Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are common disorders seen in the primary care of PLWH. This paper reviews the current evidence and practice recommendations for treating these conditions.

A pilot study of sleep quality and rest-activity patterns in persons living with HIV.

As much as 73% of persons living with HIV (PLWH) experience sleep disturbances. It has been more than 10 years since the last study that objectively measured sleep behaviors in persons with HIV. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore sleep quality and rest-activity patterns in PLWH.

Yoga for osteoarthritis: nursing and research considerations.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. Current treatment guidelines recommend nonpharmacological approaches such as yoga for firstline treatment of OA. Yoga is a promising mind-body practice that includes physical postures, breathing practices, and meditative mental focus.

A pilot study of gentle yoga for sleep disturbance in women with osteoarthritis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a gentle yoga intervention for sleep disturbance in older women with osteoarthritis (OA) and to collect initial efficacy data on the intervention.

Methods: All participants completed an 8-week yoga program that included 75-min weekly classes and 20 min of nightly home practice. Participants were women with OA and symptoms consistent with insomnia.

Pharmacokinetics of valerenic acid after single and multiple doses of valerian in older women.

Insomnia is a commonly reported clinical problem with as many as 50% of older adults reporting difficulty in falling and/or remaining asleep. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a commonly used herb that has been advocated for promoting sleep. Valerenic acid is used as a marker for quantitative analysis of valerian products with evidence of pharmacological activity relevant to the hypnotic effects of valerian.

A feasibility study of valerian extract for sleep disturbance in person with arthritis.

Objectives: To present a pilot study of valerian to explore issues of feasibility and efficacy in studies of sedative herbs for arthritis-related sleep disturbance.

Methods: Fifteen persons with arthritis and mild sleep disturbance were randomized to receive 600 mg valerian (Valeriana officinalis, n = 7) or placebo (n = 8) for five nights.

Results: Protocol adherence (dosing and data collection) was high.

A randomized clinical trial of valerian fails to improve self-reported, polysomnographic, and actigraphic sleep in older women with insomnia.

Objective: To test the effects of nightly valerian (Valeriana officinalis) extract to improve sleep of older women with insomnia.

Methods: Participants in this phase 2 randomized, double-blind, crossover controlled trial were 16 older women (mean age=69.4+/-8.

A systematic review of valerian as a sleep aid: safe but not effective.

Valerian is an herb that is widely available in a variety of commercial preparations and is commonly used as a sleep aid. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of valerian concluded that evidence in support of the effectiveness of the herb was inconclusive. Therefore, in an effort to more closely examine this issue, a systematic review was conducted to examine the evidence on the efficacy of valerian as a sleep aid with specific attention to the type of preparations tested and the characteristics of the subjects studied.

Valerian use for sleep disturbances related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Complementary therapies are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for symptoms such as sleep disturbance. The herb valerian may be useful as a mild sleep aid in clinical populations, such as persons with rheumatoid arthritis. This article reviews valerian to inform healthcare providers of potential uses and safety considerations.

The role of complementary and alternative therapies in managing rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that is characterized by joint stiffness in the morning, symmetric joint swelling, and generalized fatigue. Given the limitations of medical treatment and the ongoing problems with symptom management, it is not at all surprising that many individuals with RA turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. This article provides a brief overview of what is known about CAM use in RA, presents information on a few of the most popular therapies, and recommends further resources for nurses who work with individuals with RA.