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Sleeping for 2: Insomnia therapy reduces postpartum depression, study shows

Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) during pregnancy significantly improves sleep patterns and reduces postpartum depressive symptoms. The treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression similar to antidepressant medications.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 31, 2024

Online insomnia treatment can help caregivers get much-needed rest, study suggests

A study suggests that online insomnia treatment, SHUTi, can provide meaningful relief for caregivers struggling with sleep difficulties. The program showed promising results in improving sleep quality and reducing stress among high-intensity caregivers, those shouldering the greatest responsibilities in caring for their loved ones.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 2, 2024

Light at the end of the tunnel for night shift workers

A new study published in the SLEEP journal found that using artificial lighting synchronized to natural biological rhythms improves quality of sleep and work performance for night shift workers. Strategic exposure to light accelerated body-clock adjustment and improved alertness and performance, as well as sleep after a night shift.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSLEEP·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Brain neurotransmitter receptor antagonist found to prevent opioid addiction in mice

A UCLA Health study discovered that suvorexant, an insomnia medication, blocks brain receptors for hypocretin and prevents opioid addiction in mice. The drug maintains behavioral alertness at lower doses than those inducing sleep. Further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans with opioid use disorder.

Tai Chi reduces risk of inflammatory disease, treats insomnia among breast cancer survivors

Research by UCLA Health confirms that Tai Chi reduces inflammation and improves anti-viral defenses in breast cancer survivors, while cognitive behavioral therapy shows greater increases in anti-viral gene transcripts. The study found significant reductions in inflammatory biomarkers among Tai Chi participants.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2024

Revolutionizing depression treatment online

A new study at Hebrew University found that guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves depression and insomnia symptoms over time. The study emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance and attachment styles in predicting treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPsychotherapy Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 20, 2024

The popular kids in school may be sleeping less

Researchers found that popular teens sleep less than their peers, with popular girls experiencing more insomnia symptoms. This study suggests that social context and emotional investment may contribute to sleep difficulties in popular teenagers.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sleep·TypeSurvey·DateMay 1, 2024

Disparities in sleep health and insomnia may begin at a young age

A study by Penn State researchers found that childhood-onset insomnia symptoms persist through young adulthood, with Black children being 2.6 times more likely to experience long-term sleep problems compared to white children. The findings highlight the need for early intervention and treatment to address this public health issue.

SourcePenn State·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

Want to feel young? Protect your sleep

Researchers at Stockholm University discovered that sleep affects how old one feels, with insufficient sleep adding 0.23 years to age perception. A study found that restricting sleep for two nights increased participants' perceived age by an average of 4.4 years, highlighting the importance of safeguarding sleep for a youthful feeling.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Is your partner’s disturbed sleep keeping you up at night? Letting go of unattainable dreams may keep you both happy in bed

A new study found that individuals with a high capacity for goal disengagement can prevent worsening relationship satisfaction in couples experiencing sleep problems. By learning to let go of unattainable goals, partners can reallocate resources towards protecting and improving their relationship.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 19, 2024

Commonly used insomnia treatments fail to help dialysis patients, UNM Health Sciences research finds

A new study tested cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for treating sleeplessness in dialysis patients, finding no meaningful difference in symptoms. The researchers suggest that multiple medical conditions and medication interactions may be driving the insomnia.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 23, 2024

Trazadone and CBT no more effective than placebo for improving insomnia among long-term dialysis patients

A clinical trial found that trazodone and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia were no more effective than placebo in improving insomnia symptoms among long-term dialysis patients. Serious adverse events also occurred more frequently with trazodone use. More trials are needed to investigate additional therapies for this condition.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 15, 2024

Are some children genetically predisposed to poor sleep?

A study of 2,458 children found that genetic predisposition to insomnia affects sleep patterns, including frequent awakenings and difficulty initiating sleep. The research suggests a lifelong 'poor sleeper' trait, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2023

Researchers use AI to predict challenging behaviors common in profound autism

A study found that gastrointestinal and sleep issues may be connected to self-injury and aggression in adolescents diagnosed with profound autism. The researchers discovered a possible connection between these health issues and future challenging behaviors, predicting next-day behavior with over 80% accuracy.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Personalized Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 6, 2023

Poor night’s sleep can trigger atrial fibrillation the next day

A new study by UC San Francisco found that poor sleep is significantly associated with a 15% greater risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation the next day. The researchers suggest strategies like going to bed at a reasonable time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly to improve general sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJACC Clinical Electrophysiology·DateNov 3, 2023

Most Canadians with arthritis and disabling chronic pain are in excellent mental health

A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that most Canadians with arthritis and debilitating chronic pain are free of all psychiatric disorders, including depression. More than half achieve excellent mental health, characterized by daily happiness, high social well-being, and freedom from anxiety and depressive dis...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateOct 13, 2023

Medical cannabis use in Australian patients with chronic health issues linked to significant improvements in overall health-related quality of life and fatigue levels

Medical cannabis use in Australian patients with chronic health issues is linked to significant improvements in overall health-related quality of life and fatigue levels. Patients also report clinically meaningful reductions in pain and moderate-severe anxiety and depression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 6, 2023

Cause of sleep disturbance in cardiac disease identified: Ganglia play previously unrecognized role

A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia reduces alcohol-related harm among veterans in treatment

A study by Dr. Mary Beth Miller found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia effectively reduced negative outcomes associated with excessive drinking among veterans. CBT improved insomnia symptoms, which in turn decreased cravings and negative behaviors related to alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mount Sinai experts present research at SLEEP 2023

Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented new findings on the impact of customized lighting on inpatient sleep, a machine-learned combination of ventilatory, hypoxic, and arousal burdens, and the effects of obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia on cognitive impairment. The studies aim to improve sleep timing and duration, dia...

Junk food may impair our deep sleep

A new study from Uppsala University found that consuming junk food can lead to shallower deep sleep, which can impact hormonal release and brain activity. The researchers monitored the sleep patterns of healthy participants who followed a healthier diet and an unhealthier diet in a randomised order.

SourceUppsala University·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 30, 2023

UNDER EMBARGO: Mount Sinai researchers identify potential new treatment for those who act out their dreams while sleeping

Researchers have identified a novel model and therapy to mitigate the development of REM sleep behavior disorder, which affects over 3 million Americans. Dual orexin receptor antagonists have been shown to significantly reduce dream enactment behaviors, providing a promising new treatment option.

Wakefulness-promoting agents effective for excessive daytime sleepiness but patients may discontinue due to side effects

Researchers found that solriamfetol, armodafinil–modafinil, and pitolisant reduce excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea already using conventional therapy. However, patients may be more likely to discontinue the use of these medications due to adverse events including headache, anxiety, and insomnia.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 8, 2023

The antipsychotic clozapine linked to significantly less insomnia in people with schizophrenia

A new meta-analysis found that clozapine is associated with decreased insomnia and a lower risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. The study suggests that clozapine's ability to improve sleep quality may be linked to its reduced suicide risk, and highlights the importance of assessing and treating insomnia in these patients.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateApr 26, 2023