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Brain cells involved in insomnia identified

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.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2019

Lack of sleep is not necessarily fatal for flies

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.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2019

Mice sleeping fitfully provide clues to insomnia

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateJan 9, 2019

Insomnia has many faces

Researchers identified five distinct subtypes of insomnia, each with unique characteristics and underlying brain mechanisms. These findings have significant implications for treatment effectiveness and the prevention of depression, offering a new direction in understanding this complex mental disorder.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2019

Drug used for PTSD may worsen nightmares, not reduce suicidal thoughts

A small pilot study found that prazosin, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and PTSD-related sleep problems, may actually worsen nightmares and insomnia in PTSD patients, rather than reducing suicidal thoughts. The study, led by Dr. W. Vaughn McCall, involved 20 seriously psychiatrically ill patients with active suicidal thoughts.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 19, 2018

A new therapeutic avenue for treating insomnia

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have identified a potential alternative strategy for treating insomnia by targeting adenosine A2A receptors. The study found that enhancing endogenous adenosine A2A receptor signaling induces slow-wave sleep without affecting body temperature and cardiovascular function.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateOct 25, 2018

Novel antidepressant may improve sleep in patients with depression

A novel antidepressant, vortioxetine, has been shown to improve subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with major depressive disorder. The treatment's multimodal effect on serotonin transport and reuptake may have important clinical implications for addressing sleep problems in depression.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 17, 2018

Insomnia is a likely long-term side effect of stroke

Researchers found stroke patients took longer to fall asleep, had poorer sleep efficiency, and were more prone to errors during the day. The study suggests sleep problems in stroke patients are due to psychological strain, pain, and reduced physical activity, highlighting the importance of good sleep for recovery.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2018

Can't sleep? Could be down to genetics

A large-scale genome-wide association study found that insomnia has a partially heritable basis and a strong genetic link to type 2 diabetes. The study also identified specific gene variants on chromosomes 7 and 9 associated with insomnia.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2018

Sleepless in Japan: How insomnia kills

A recent study published in Open Medicine found a significant link between insomnia and depression among Japanese hospital workers. The survey revealed that chronic insomnia can lead to depression, with alarming rates of insomnia reported among medical professionals.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2018

Sixty-four percent of women suffer from insomnia in late pregnancy

A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology reveals that 64% of pregnant women experience insomnia in the third trimester, with symptoms worsening throughout pregnancy. The research highlights the importance of addressing this issue to prevent related health problems.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology·DateJan 29, 2018

Chronic lack of sleep increases risk-seeking

A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that chronic lack of sleep leads to increased risk-taking behavior in young adults. After sleeping only 5 hours a night for a week, participants displayed significantly riskier behavior, including taking greater financial risks.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 28, 2017

Electroconvulsive therapy for depression in older patients may not relieve their insomnia

Researchers found that ECT had no specific anti-insomnia effect on older patients with depression. In fact, their insomnia problems persisted despite treatment improvements in non-insomnia symptoms. The study suggests that ECT may not be a reliable option for addressing sleep issues in this population.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 2017

Insomnia genes found

A team of international researchers has identified seven risk genes for insomnia, revealing the genetic basis of this common health complaint. The study found a strong genetic overlap with anxiety disorders, depression, and neuroticism, suggesting that shared biological mechanisms contribute to insomnia and these traits.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 12, 2017

Sleep apnea and insomnia combination linked with depression

A new study reveals that men with sleep apnoea and insomnia have a higher prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms than those with either condition alone. The study found that 43% of men with both conditions had depression, compared to 22% with insomnia alone and 8% with sleep apnoea alone.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJun 7, 2017

Sleep-inducing herb: The key component identified

A study found that triethylene glycol (TEG), an active component of Ashwagandha, induces non-rapid eye movement sleep significantly and changes rapid eye movement sleep slightly. TEG's physiologically sound sleep is comparable to normal sleep, offering a potential natural solution for insomnia and related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 30, 2017

The ultimate power nap

Researchers tracked elephant sleep using Fitbits and found they slept mostly in the early morning, with environmental conditions influencing timing. The study suggests elephants may not dream daily like humans do, but rather every few days.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017