Circadian-Related Sleep Disorders in the New Zealand Blind Population
Author Information
Author(s): Warman Guy R., Pawley Matthew D. M., Bolton Catherine, Cheeseman James F., Fernando Antonio T. III, Arendt Josephine, Wirz-Justice Anna
Primary Institution: University of Auckland
Hypothesis
To determine the prevalence of self-reported circadian-related sleep disorders, sleep medication and melatonin use in the New Zealand blind population.
Conclusion
The study suggests that around 3,000 blind and visually impaired New Zealanders may suffer from circadian-related sleep problems, with fewer than 15% prescribed melatonin.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants with reduced light perception reported a higher incidence of sleep timing problems.
- Zopiclone was the most frequently prescribed sleep medication among participants.
- Only 4% of the reduced light perception group were prescribed melatonin.
Takeaway
This study found that many blind people in New Zealand have trouble sleeping, and not enough of them are getting the right medicine to help them sleep better.
Methodology
A telephone survey with 62 questions on sleep habits and medication, along with validated questionnaires on sleep quality, chronotype, and seasonality.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The results are based on self-reported data and not clinically diagnosed sleep disorders.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 157 with reduced light perception, 156 with light perception, and 156 fully-sighted controls, with a mean age of 55 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval 1.5 to 3.9 (for odds ratio of unconventional sleep timing)
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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