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Introduction: Aging has significant economic and social implications leading to an increase in chronic diseases and reduced autonomy of the elderly. Sleep disorders are common in the elderly, manifesting reduced sleep quality. Objective/Purpose: The study aimed to measure the prevalence of sleep disorders in older adults and assess sex differences in sleep quality and sleep problems. Method: A cross-sectional study based on an online survey was performed according to the STROBE checklist, using pre-validated questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) distributed to a sample of older adults. This is the first study evaluating sex differences in sleep quality and problems in the Italian population context using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index assessment tool. The study was conducted in a university hospital in Rome from October 2020 to November 2020, on patients aged >65 years, independent in activities of daily living, with comorbidities and on treatment with up to 2 medications. Results: 59 patients were included in the study, with an average age of 71.12 years. The results show that among males, the prevalence of poor sleep quality was 51.9%, while among females, the prevalence of poor sleep quality was 62.5%. According to Shapiro-Wilk, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was not normally distributed. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total scores in males did not differ significantly from females. Conclusions: Considering scientific literature, recent studies have highlighted the prevalence of sleep disorders in the elderly population and their underreporting. Providing early intervention not only improves the sleep quality of these people but may also reduce the risk of experiencing adverse health outcomes and susceptibility to frailty.

Abstract Background The aim of this exploratory survey is to describe the current state of US (ultrasound) technique across different pediatric settings nationwide. Methods A questionnaire was emailed to all members of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, including pediatric residents. The survey was open from December 2021 to March 2022. Results There were 1098 respondents. Seven hundred and seven pediatricians (84.1%) reported any use of US, while 51 (44.3%) residents denied it. The majority of participants (n = 956, 87.1%) reported to have a US machine available within the department, mostly cart-based (n = 516, 66.9%) and provided from 1 to 5 years prior to the survey (n = 330, 42.8%). Lung and neonatal cerebral regions were the most frequently scanned (n = 289, 18.7% and n = 218, 14.1%, respectively). The suspicion of pneumonia or respiratory distress represented the main reasons for performing US in emergency room (n = 390, 78% and n = 330, 66%, respectively). The majority of family pediatricians reported to scan lung and kidney/urinary tract regions (n = 30, 16.9%, and n = 23,12.9%, respectively). Regarding US training, the majority of respondents (n = 358, 34.6%) declared an experience-based education, with a deficient certification enabling the use of US in 71.6% (n = 552) of cases. The most common barriers included the lack of a well-defined training program (n = 627, 57.1%), unavailability of the US machine (n = 196, 17.9%) and legal responsibility concern (n = 175, 15.9%). Conclusions Despite the growing interest on pediatric US nationally, significant barriers still limit widespread adoption. These obstacles may be addressed through the dissemination of a specific US education plan and providing additional resources.