Effects of Compression of the Fourth Ventricle on Sleep Latency

Holland, Bradly Shane, Effects of Compression of the Fourth Ventricle on Sleep Latency. Master of Science (Clinical Education and Research), May 2003, pp, 2 tables, 3 figures, references. Hypothesis: Compression of the fourth ventricle decreases sleep latency independent of therapeutic touch. Methods: Subjects participated in CV-4 treatment, sham treatment, and control. Order was randomized. Electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram tracings, heart rate, and blood pressure were recorded. After the treatments, data were collected for 30 minutes. Data were collected during the control for 30 minutes. After the first two treatments, subjects had a one hour recovery period. Results: The ANOVA showed a difference between groups (F=28.462, power=.998, p [less than] .001). Pairwise comparison showed sleep latency was shorter for CV-4 than sham or control. There was no difference between sham and control. For total percent sleep, an ANOVA showed a difference between groups (F=20.5, power=.982, p=.001). Pairwise comparison revealed differences between control and CV-4, control and sham, but not CV-4 and sham. Conclusions: CV-4 shortens sleep latency independent of light touch.