Shai Marcu

State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)

The STAI is a 40-item questionnaire designed to measure two aspects of anxiety: the temporary and episodic form of anxiety that fluctuates across situations and circumstances, and the stable personality traits that predispose individuals to anxiety in general [1]. Though the scale has been widely used in research, it is also a valuable clinical tool. The STAI’s two subscales make it ideal for sleep specialists hoping to identify both current recurring anxiety problems in order to address their influence on sleep quality.

Spectral modulation attenuates molecular, endocrine, and neurobehavioral disruption induced by nocturnal light exposure

The human eye serves distinctly dual roles in image forming (IF) and non-image-forming (NIF) responses when exposed to light. Whereas IF responses mediate vision, the NIF responses affect various molecular, neuroendocrine, and neurobehavioral variables. NIF responses can have acute and circadian phase-shifting effects on physiological variables. Both the acute and phase-shifting effects induced by photic stimuli demonstrate short-wavelength sensitivity peaking ≈450-480 nm. In the current study, we examined the molecular, neuroendocrine, and neurobehavioral effects of completely filtering (0% transmission) all short wavelengths <480 nm and all short wavelengths <460 nm or partially filtering (~30% transmission) <480 nm from polychromatic white light exposure between 2000 and 0800 in healthy individuals. Filtering short wavelengths <480 nm prevented nocturnal light-induced suppression of melatonin secretion, increased cortisol secretion, and disrupted peripheral clock gene expression. Furthermore, subjective alertness, mood, and errors on an objective vigilance task were significantly less impaired at 0800 by filtering wavelengths <480 nm compared with unfiltered nocturnal light exposure. These changes were not associated with significantly increased sleepiness or fatigue compared with unfiltered light exposure. The changes in molecular, endocrine, and neurobehavioral processes were not significantly improved by completely filtering <460 nm or partially filtering <480 nm compared with unfiltered nocturnal light exposure. Repeated light-dark cycle alterations as in rotating nightshifts can disrupt circadian rhythms and induce health disorders. The current data suggest that spectral modulation may provide an effective method of regulating the effects of light on physiological processes.

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

As psychiatric disorders are often associated with sleep disturbances, the PSQI was designed to evaluate overall sleep quality in these clinical populations. Each of the questionnaire’s 19 self-reported items belongs to one of seven subcategories: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction. Five additional questions rated by the respondent’s roommate or bed partner are included for clinical purposes and are not scored.

Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), 6–18

Completed from the perspective of the child’s parent or guardian, the questionnaire evaluates a variety of behavioral problems and competencies in young children. Parents respond to 99 Likert-type items by selecting the option that best represents their child’s behavior over the past 6 months (0 = “Not true (as far as you know),” 1 = “Somewhat or sometimes true,” and 2 = “Very true or often true”).

Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS)

This scale [1] measures the subjective level of sleepiness at a particular time during the day. On this scale subjects indicate which level best reflects the psycho-physical sate experienced in the last 10 min. The KSS is a measure of situational sleepiness. It is sensitive to fluctuations.

Visual Analogue Scale to Evaluate Fatigue Severity (VAS-F)

The scale consists of 18 items relating to the subjective experience of fatigue. Each item asks respondents to place an “X,” representing how they currently feel, along a visual analogue line that extends between two extremes (e.g., from “not at all tired” to “extremely tired”). In contrast to discrete, Likert-type scales, the VAS-F places fewer restrictions on the range of responses available to individuals. However, the benefits of a visual analogue scale may be offset by the frequent reluctance of individuals to use the highest and lowest extremes.

School Sleep Habits Survey

The School Sleep Habits Survey is an eight-page, 63-item questionnaire designed to assess the sleep/wake habits and typical daytime functioning of high school students. As a thorough method for data collection, the survey allows researchers and clinicians alike to gather valuable demographic and behavioral information, including: sleep schedule regularity, school performance, daytime sleepiness, behavior problems, depressive mood, and bed times, rise times, and total sleep times for both weeknights and weekends [1].

Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ)

Designed to screen for sleep problems in children. A shorter version is shown (following) which specifically relates to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children. The scale consists of 22 parent-reported items examining snoring and breathing problems, daytime sleepiness, inattention, hyperactivity, and other signs and symptoms of apnea including obesity and nocturnal enuresis.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

Designed to evaluate overall daytime sleepiness, the questionnaire asks respondents to rate how likely they are to fall asleep in eight different situations. Each circumstance represents a moment of relative inactivity, from lying down for a nap in the afternoon to sitting in a car stopped in traffic. The scale may be indicated for use in research as well as for clinicians requiring an efficient screening devise for daytime sleepiness.

Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire

Consisting of 19 items, the scale was developed to assess individual differences in morningness and eveningness – the degree to which respondents are active and alert at certain times of day. Scale items query preferences in sleep and waking times, and subjective “peak” times at which respondents feel their best.