The impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (OVS) should not be ignored. Increased upper airway resistance, systemic inflammatory response, and increased sympathetic nerve activity contributed to the adverse clinical outcomes in overlapping patients. Compared with COPD or OSA alone, those with OVS have more severe daytime hypoxemia and hypercapnia, leading to increased frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations. Consequently, patients with OVS experience increased rates of hospitalization and all-cause mortality, alongside a markedly elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as a treatment can improve oxygenation and lung function in patients with OVS and reduce the risk of COPD exacerbation and cardiovascular death. However, individual differences in treatment effectiveness suggest the need for individualized treatment regiments and compliance monitoring. In addition, the current research evidence on OVS is insufficient, and more large-sample, multicenter studies are needed to evaluate disease prognosis in patients with different phenotypes and establish uniform evaluation and treatment guidelines to optimize the clinical management of patients with OVS.
Background: Sexual dreams represent a largely underexplored domain of human experience, particularly concerning their prevalence, frequency, and potential relationship with mental health conditions. Understanding this interplay may provide insights into the psychological and physiological effects of dream content.
Aims: To investigate the prevalence, frequency, and impact of sexual dreams among individuals with and without mental health diagnoses and to evaluate the associations between sexual dream frequency, post-dream symptoms, and mental health status.
Materials & Methods: The SLEEP Study surveyed 301 female-identifying adults in the United States using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the frequency and content of sexual dreams, as well as post-dream symptoms such as anxiety, increased heart rate, and muscle tension. Logistic regression and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine relationships between sexual dream frequency, mental health diagnoses, and post-dream symptoms.
Results: 99.67% of participants reported experiencing sexual dreams, with 45.2% identifying them as frequent. A significant association was observed between frequent sexual dreams and mental health diagnoses (OR = 1.83, p = 0.018). While post-dream symptoms such as anxiety and physical tension were common, their correlations with mental health treatment were weak and not statistically significant (p = 0.061).
Discussion: The findings suggest that frequent sexual dreams may serve as a psychological stress indicator, particularly in individuals with mental health conditions. However, the weak correlation between post-dream symptoms and mental health treatment highlights the need for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying these associations.
Conclusion: Frequent sexual dreams could provide valuable insights into psychological stress and mental health. Incorporating dream patterns into mental health assessments may enhance clinical understanding and interventions. Further research involving diverse populations and experimental methodologies is required to these relationships and their broader implications.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has garnered widespread attention. The mechanisms underlying MCI in patients with OSA are currently believed to be the combined effects of nocturnal intermittent hypoxia, hypercapnia, and sleep fragmentation, all of which can impact cerebral blood flow, synaptic function, and the integrity of the blood–brain barrier. However, the neural mechanisms contributing to MCI in patients with OSA remain incompletely understood. Recently, an increasing number of studies have focused on the identifying biomarkers for cognitive impairment in patients with OSA. In this review, we summarize the biomarkers related to cognitive impairment in patients with OSA including those found in body fluids, magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalography as well as the impact of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on them. This review aims to provide valuable insights for future research on the mechanisms of cognitive impairment in patients with OSA and potential therapeutic strategies.
Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate how smartphone use affected sleep quality. The review aimed to clarify the nature of this relationship and its implications for overall well-being and health.
Methodology: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 guidelines, literature published between 2014 and 2024 was reviewed across multiple databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on their focus on smartphone use and its effects on sleep quality. The quality of the studies was assessed using the modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.
Findings: After screening 1760 records, 25 studies met PRISMA guidelines and were included in the review. The review consistently indicated a significant negative relationship between excessive smartphone use and sleep quality with younger populations and females being more susceptible. Standardized tools such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index reinforced these findings. However, limitations include reliance on self-reported data and the predominance of cross-sectional studies, which hinder establishing causality.
Conclusion and Policy Implications: Smartphone use harms sleep quality. Interventions should raise awareness of blue-light filters, digital detox, and evening device use limits. Educational campaigns for parents, educators, and healthcare providers can promote healthier smartphone habits, especially for adolescents and young adults.