REM Sleep and Total Sleep Time Improvement After Routine Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Active Duty...

The prevalence of depression and insomnia in the military are substantial. Several transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies have used self-report sleep data as secondary research outcomes; however, there are limited studies using the gold standard of polysomnography (PSG) to ascertain actual sleep changes. Here, we provide data from a pilot and feasibility study using PSG to measure sleep changes after repetitive TMS.

Thirty-eight active duty service members (ADSM) were consented, of which 20 completed the study. The ADSM who met study criteria where sent for an initial PSG and completed baseline self-report measures. They then completed a standard course of TMS, and self-report measures were completed every fifth session. After TMS completion, ADSM underwent final PSG.

Comparison of baseline and postintervention PSG sleep parameters highlight that total rapid eye movement sleep improved after a course of TMS, regardless of improvements in depression. Total sleep time also improved, but only in the TMS responders subgroup. The Public Health Questionnaire-9 showed statistically significant improvement as did the Insomnia Severity Index and some components of the RAND Medical Outcomes Short Form 36.

Our small study confirms the feasibility of obtaining pre and post PSG for research purposes. We found similar results to previous studies with regard to depression improvement and self-reported sleep. Interestingly, almost all (including electroconvulsive therapy) somatic depression treatments have been shown to decrease REM, whereas our study found an increase in REM. Overall, this study helps further our understanding of TMS effects on sleep and presents new questions for potential larger follow-on studies.