A Randomized Controlled Study of Chronically Sleep-Deprived (<6

question 931

Multiple Choice

A randomized controlled study of chronically sleep-deprived (<6.5 hr per night) , morbidly obese subjects examined whether sleep extension is associated with weight loss and metabolic and endocrinal improvements.  The intervention consisted of education regarding sleep hygiene and a gradual change to subjects' bedtimes to earlier in the evening.  Participants underwent general screening at visit 1 with collection of baseline parameters; then, 2 months later, at visit 2, subjects were randomized into either an intervention group or a comparison group.  Researchers evaluated several parameters, including sleep duration, sleepiness, and sleep quality.  The following results were reported: Note: Data is reported as mean ± standard deviation.
^*p < 0.05.
¹ ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [daytime sleepiness]) >10 = sleepy.
² PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [subjective sleep quality]) >5 = abnormal.
There were statistically significant differences in all 3 parameters between visit 1 and visit 2.  Which of the following is the best explanation for the difference between findings at the screening and randomization visits?

• A)Allocation bias
• B)Confounding bias
• C)Hawthorne effect
• D)Placebo effect
• E)Selection bias

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