Articles tagged with Insomnia
A recent Austrian study found that approximately 7.8% of Austrians between the ages of 18 and 67 suffer from chronic insomnia, with symptoms affecting around 50% of respondents. The low rate of help-seeking behavior highlights a need for better public health initiatives and patient education to address this widespread issue.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in sleep disturbances, with 56.5% of participants reporting clinical levels of insomnia symptoms. The study identified four major sleep pattern profiles: Delayed Sleep, Sleep Lost and Fragmented, Sleep Opportunists, and Dysregulated and Distressed.
A new study found that 48% of ICU staff showed signs of mental health conditions, including depression, insomnia, and PTSD. The study also found a significant increase in mental health issues among those who spent more than six hours in personal protective equipment.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that mindfulness-based therapy (MBTI) was more effective than a sleep hygiene program in reducing insomnia symptoms and improving sleep quality. MBTI participants took less time to fall asleep and spent less time awake during the night compared to those in the sleep hygiene program.
A study of 700 children found that persistent childhood insomnia symptoms were associated with a higher risk of developing internalizing disorders, including depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. The researchers suggest that early interventions may be necessary to prevent future mental health problems.
A nearly 2,500-adult study found that difficulty falling asleep as compared to other insomnia symptoms predicts cognitive decline 14 years later. Regular screening for insomnia may help identify individuals at risk for cognitive impairments.
A new study found that people with diabetes who experience frequent sleep disturbances are 87% more likely to die within 9 years compared to those without diabetes or sleep disturbances. Answering a simple question about sleep can help address sleep disturbances earlier in life and mitigate this increased risk.
Researchers developed new clinical guidelines for Australian doctors to treat insomnia with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi), improving mental health and quality of life. CBTi can be more successful than sleeping pills in managing insomnia.
A study of 2,123 Italian residents found that increased evening screen time during the Covid-19 lockdown negatively affects sleep quality, with decreased sleep times and later bedtimes. In contrast, participants who reduced their screen time before bed showed improved sleep quality and fewer insomnia symptoms.
Women with a history of weight cycling experience shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep quality, and increased risk of insomnia. The study also found that weight cycling is associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious health problem linked to heart disease and stroke.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests that long-term use of prescription medications for insomnia does not improve sleep quality or duration in middle-aged women. Despite this, many people still take these drugs due to chronic insomnia.
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a 44% increase in insomnia disorder among health care workers, with the highest rates among those who spent less time in direct patient care. Surprisingly, about 10% of faculty physicians and nurses reported their insomnia improving after the onset of the pandemic.
A recent cross-sectional analysis found a significant association between iron-deficiency anemia and the likelihood of developing insomnia in Chinese adults. Anemia was assessed using hemoglobin levels, while insomnia was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Athens Insomnia Scale.
A new study published in Menopause suggests that poor sleep quality is associated with female sexual dysfunction, while good sleep quality is linked to increased sexual activity. The study of over 3,400 women found that insufficient sleep quality was a significant factor in female sexual problems during midlife.
A new study reveals a strong association between insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and worsening disease symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Insomnia was found to be a common symptom in these patients, with waking up too early particularly associated with current suicidal thoughts.
A study led by UT Health San Antonio found a 45-fold increase in insomnia and a 30-fold increase in sleep apnea among active-duty military members between 2005-2019. The most likely military member to be diagnosed was married, male, white, higher-ranking enlisted Army service member aged 40 or older.
An international study found that insomnia, disrupted sleep, and daily burnout are linked to a heightened risk of not only becoming infected with coronavirus but also having more severe disease and a longer recovery period. The study also revealed that every extra hour of sleep at night was associated with 12% lower odds of infection.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute developed a phone-based therapy to combat insomnia in older adults with osteoarthritis. The study found that this treatment can be delivered in just a few short calls, improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue and pain symptoms.
A study by Karin Trimmel and Stefan Seidel found that insomnia patients are most likely to underestimate their actual sleep time, regardless of age or screening setting. The researchers analyzed polysomnography results and identified factors influencing this misperception.
Researchers found a significant increase in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and psychological distress among COVID-19 affected populations. Healthcare workers experienced higher rates of insomnia without corresponding increases in other symptoms, posing long-term mental health concerns.
Heart patients experiencing frequent nightmares are at a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, with women more likely to experience persistent bad dreams. The study found strong associations between nightmares, sleep disorders, and psychological problems in heart disease patients.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a new clinical practice guideline supporting cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline also recommends multi-component brief therapies and single-component therapies like stimulus control and relaxation ther...
Researchers found a significant increase in online search queries for 'insomnia' between April and May 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge was associated with higher rates of insomnia symptoms, particularly during prime sleeping hours.
A pilot study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced insomnia severity among young adult binge drinkers, leading to improved sleep efficiency and decreased alcohol use outcomes. CBT participants showed greater improvements in insomnia symptoms compared to those who received a single session on sleep hygiene.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University found that COVID-19 pandemic causes a significant increase in maternal anxiety and insomnia levels. Mothers reported mild-to-high levels of acute anxiety and up to 23% experienced clinical insomnia, more than doubling from pre-pandemic levels.
A study of over 450 insomnia patients in Australia found that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) improves symptoms of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress. CBTi is recommended as the most effective treatment for insomnia and is available via face-to-face or telehealth options.
A randomized, controlled trial found weighted blankets significantly reduced insomnia severity and improved sleep quality in participants with psychiatric disorders. Nearly 60% of users experienced a 50% or more decrease in insomnia severity compared to 5.4% in the control group.
Researchers used closed-loop, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology to alleviate insomnia symptoms and improve autonomic nervous system function. Participants showed clinically meaningful reductions in insomnia symptoms and significant improvements in autonomic cardiovascular regulation after just three weeks of treatment.
Researchers at CSHL and Stanford University found a direct connection between stress-sensitive neurons and insomnia-inducing neurons in mice. Stimulating this connection enabled mice to sleep peacefully, while disrupting it caused insomnia. The same connection also affects the immune system, weakening its defenses against threats.
A new study confirms insomnia as a novel risk factor for type 2 diabetes, with individuals experiencing a 17% higher likelihood of developing the condition. The research also identifies 15 protective factors, including increased total cholesterol and testosterone levels, which can help inform public health policies to prevent the disease.
A new study found that a fully automated digital version of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia was effective in improving sleep quality and reducing the need for sleeping pills. The treatment helped approximately 58% of participants experience substantial improvement, compared to 20% in the control group.
New French prescribing rules for zolpidem resulted in a significant decrease in its use, with a corresponding rise in zopiclone prescriptions. The implementation of secure prescribing forms in 2017 led to a half cut in zolpidem prescribing rates, while zopiclone usage increased nearly equally.
A recent study investigated mental health symptoms among the general population in China during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey found high rates of depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for mental health support during pandemics. The study's results provide valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in China.
Researchers identify 29 genetic variants associated with problematic alcohol use, revealing a strong link to depression, insomnia, and other psychiatric diseases. The study provides new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying alcohol dependency and offers hope for developing new medicines to combat it.
A study found that sleep-wake disturbances, including insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing, are associated with a higher risk of recurrent events in stroke survivors. Assessing and improving sleep patterns could improve long-term outcomes for these patients.
A study found that more than a third of medical staff in China suffered from insomnia during the COVID-19 epidemic, with those experiencing sleeplessness also more likely to feel depressed and anxious. Factors such as uncertainty about disease control and lower education levels were correlated with increased risk.
Physician burnout is a significant public safety issue, exacerbated by sleep loss due to shift-work schedules, high workload, and stress. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates for improved sleep habits and support among physicians to prevent burnout and promote well-being.
The U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense have jointly issued new guidelines for assessment and treatment of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea in military personnel and veterans. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the recommended treatment, while positive airway pressure therapy is suggested for sleep apnea.
A study found that low-dose methotrexate was associated with a small increase in adverse events, such as skin cancer and gastrointestinal problems. However, the risk for kidney-related side effects was decreased. The findings suggest that monitoring guidelines and safe prescribing of LD-MTX may need to be revised.
A new study by Columbia University researchers suggests that a diet high in refined carbohydrates, particularly added sugars, may be partly to blame for insomnia. Women who consumed more vegetables and whole fruits were less likely to develop problems with insomnia.
A new study published in Nature and Science of Sleep found that individuals with chronic sleep-onset insomnia who pulled an all-nighter performed up to twice as badly on a reaction time task as healthy normal sleepers. This impairment may be hidden during the normal day but exposed after pulling an all-nighter, increasing their risk of...
A new study published in PNAS found that suvorexant, a recently approved insomnia treatment, has fewer physical side effects compared to commonly prescribed hypnotics. The treatment specifically targets brain receptors involved in wakefulness, reducing impairments in body balance upon awakening.
A recent study compared two insomnia treatments, brotizolam and suvorexant, finding they improved sleep efficiency but had varying impacts on balance. Orexin receptor antagonists like suvorexant may have fewer side effects than commonly prescribed hypnotics.
A large Chinese study found that insomnia symptoms are associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. The research, published in Neurology, followed over 487,000 participants for an average of 10 years and found that those with insomnia symptoms were 18% more likely to develop these diseases.
A special issue of Current Opinions in Psychology maps the state of mindfulness research, exploring its historical foundations, clinical applications, and social implications. The study reveals that mindfulness can be learned and applied uniquely across different contexts, with mobile apps emerging as a promising platform for deliverin...
A study found that patients with severe insomnia who took a sedative-hypnotic sleep aid showed significant improvement in reported insomnia severity and reduced suicidal thinking. The treatment was particularly effective in reducing suicidal thoughts in patients with the most severe insomnia.
A single-session sleep education program has been shown to cure insomnia in many cancer survivors, according to a new study. Those who don't benefit from this approach are often helped by a more extensive three-session program. The findings suggest a 'stepped care' model can be effective for improving insomnia in cancer survivors.
A new study by Flinders University links moderate to severe childhood behavioral problems to insomnia in adults. The research suggests that early intervention can help manage children's externalized behaviors and reduce the risk of adult insomnia.
Research reveals insomnia is tied to a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and ischemic stroke. Genetic variants for insomnia were found to be associated with significantly higher odds of these conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing sleep disorders.
A new Australian study found that treating insomnia separately can significantly improve symptoms of both conditions. People with co-occurring insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea reported great improvement to their sleep and health after six months, with about 50% improvement in global insomnia severity.
A study of over 3,500 participants aged 32-51 found significant associations between optimism and various characteristics of self-reported sleep. Optimists were more likely to report very good sleep quality and adequate sleep duration. The research suggests that positivity may buffer the effects of stress by promoting adaptive coping.
A randomized controlled trial found that telemedicine cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia was equally effective to in-person delivery in improving sleep outcomes. Participants reported no differences in therapist alliance or satisfaction with treatment between the two groups.
The study found that individualized therapy approaches such as stimulus control and sleep restriction are effective in treating insomnia, while a combination approach was minimally effective. The research used a strategy focused solely on sleep education and hygiene, which showed minimal impact on symptoms.
An observational study of over 442,000 pregnancies in Canada found that benzodiazepine use in early pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. The study suggests that physicians should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of prescribing benzodiazepines in early pregnancy due to alternative treatment options.
A study examining sleep data from a pan-Canadian cohort of 28,485 participants found that chronic insomnia disorder is directly associated with cognitive problems in people aged 45 and over. The main type of memory affected was declarative memory, independent of other factors.
Research at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience reveals that insomnia may be caused by a failing neutralization of emotional distress. Good sleepers can settle past experiences as neutralized memories, but people with insomnia are unable to do so.
A recent study identified 57 gene regions associated with insomnia symptoms and found a causal link between insomnia and coronary artery disease. The research suggests that genetics play a role in insomnia symptoms and could lead to new therapeutic targets for insomnia treatment.
Researchers have identified specific brain cell types, areas and biological processes linked to the genetic risk of insomnia, a major step towards understanding its mechanisms. The study found that over 100 genes contribute to insomnia, with some influencing the functionality of axons and specific cell types in the frontal cortex.
In a study with thousands of fruit flies, researchers found that male flies denied sleep did not die earlier than those with regular sleep. Female flies died on average three days earlier, but the exact reason for this is unclear. The study suggests that sleep may not be essential for life in the same way food is.
Researchers studied genetically modified mice with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition associated with sleep problems. The mice exhibited fragmented and irregular sleep patterns, similar to people with NF1. This study could help identify molecular mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in humans.