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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Women who slept less than 7-8 hours per night had a 25% increased odds of experiencing recurrent falls. Poor sleep quality, insomnia, and more sleep disturbances also associated with an increased risk.
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.
A one-hour cognitive behavioural therapy session has been shown to be effective in preventing chronic insomnia in 73% of prisoners. The therapy also made notable improvements to anxiety and depression, with prisoners reporting significant reductions in symptoms.
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.
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.
A study of male and female mice found that chronic short sleep and chronic fragmentation of sleep accelerate Alzheimer's disease-related tau pathology. Healthy sleep habits during adolescence and early adulthood may help prevent progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
A pilot study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can slow or even reverse the atrophy of cortical gray matter in patients with co-morbid fibromyalgia. Eight weeks of CBT-I resulted in increases in cortical thickness, while CBT-P had no similar effect.
A new study found that an online insomnia program using digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improved not only insomnia symptoms but also daytime functioning and overall health. The program, called Sleepio, was used by 1,711 participants and showed significant improvements in global health and mental wellbeing.
Studies have found that pain, insomnia, and depression significantly increase healthcare use in osteoarthritis patients. Concomitant symptoms like insomnia or depression can lead to increased healthcare utilization.
Fatigue is a common symptom of endometriosis, affecting over half of diagnosed women, with links also found to childhood abuse and neglect. The study suggests that endometriosis may cause fatigue independently of other factors, possibly due to inflammation and immune system activation.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that about 25% of Americans experience acute insomnia annually, but 75% recover normal sleep within a year. The study tracked 1,435 adults nationwide and found no significant differences in recovery rates among racial, ethnic, or gender lines.
A new study found that sleep-related symptoms like insomnia are associated with decreased work productivity. Those with moderate-severe insomnia experienced a 107% increase in productivity loss compared to those without insomnia.
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.
A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) decreased insomnia severity among cancer survivors, with CBT-I being more effective for those with mild symptoms. The study suggests that patients have more choices to manage their insomnia beyond traditional medicines.
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.
A new study found that sleep problems in menopausal women are consistently correlated with hot flashes and depression. However, the study suggests that addressing these risk factors may also address sleep disruptions, offering hope that women's sleep symptoms may not last past the menopausal transition.
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.
A recent study from Uppsala University found that sleep loss affects women's working memory differently than men's. Women who pulled an all-nighter performed worse on a working memory task, remembering fewer digits after sleep deprivation.
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.
Researchers at Washington State University are testing a low-cost sleep measurement technology to improve sleep patterns in individuals with chronic insomnia. The technology, known as S+, measures timing, quantity and quality of sleep and provides personalized suggestions for improvement.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that wearing amber-tinted lenses before bed can improve sleep quality in individuals with insomnia. Participants wore wrap-around frames with amber or clear lenses for seven consecutive nights, resulting in an average of 30 minutes extra sleep and improved insomnia severity.
A BU researcher has been awarded a three-year grant to study the effectiveness of SHUTi, an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program, in reducing health disparities among black women with insomnia. The study aims to adapt SHUTi for black women and compare its effectiveness with standard care.
Research finds a link between insomnia and frequency of alcohol use among seventh- and eighth-grade students. Insomnia is identified as a risk marker for alcohol use, while symptoms of mental health problems and parental monitoring do not account for the association.
A study of over 900,000 US veterans found chronic insomnia to be associated with increased risks of early death, rapid kidney function decline, and kidney failure. The study suggests that attention to proper management of chronic insomnia could have long-ranging positive effects on overall health.
A pilot study found Montmorency tart cherry juice significantly extended sleep time among senior insomniacs by 84 minutes. The study also showed reduced plasma levels of kynurenine with increased tryptophan levels, and inhibition of PGE2, a biomarker of inflammation.
A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves sleep quality and reduces depressive symptoms in menopausal women. The four-session intervention led to clinically meaningful improvements, regardless of the severity of depression.
Taking prescribed sleep medications for insomnia increases risk of falling in older adults, according to researchers. Non-drug approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy may be more effective and safer.
A large randomised trial found that digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia improved not only sleep but also reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hallucinations. The findings suggest that addressing sleep problems may play a causal role in the development of some mental health symptoms.
A new study by the University of Warwick and the University of Basel found that children whose mothers suffer from insomnia symptoms fall asleep later, get less sleep, and spend less time in deep sleep. This may affect their mental wellbeing and development.
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.
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.
New research finds that binge-viewing TV shows can negatively impact sleep quality in young adults, leading to increased fatigue and insomnia. The study suggests that the intense engagement with content before bedtime causes mental arousal, disrupting sleep patterns.
A new study links binge-watching TV with poorer sleep quality, fatigue, and increased insomnia in young adults. The study found that cognitive alertness resulting from binge-watching affects sleep, with 98% of binge-watchers experiencing poor sleep quality.
A large California study found that pregnant women with sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea are at a higher risk of delivering their babies before full term. The study also suggests that treating sleep disorders during pregnancy could be a way to reduce the preterm birth rate.
Matthew S. Kayser, MD, PhD, a Penn Medicine assistant professor, has received a Clinical Scientist Development Award from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation to explore biomarkers for treatment response in insomnia and depression. The grant will support his research project using a metabolomics platform.
A Northwestern University study finds that having a purpose in life is associated with improved sleep quality, reduced sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome in older adults. The research suggests that cultivating purpose through mindfulness therapies could be an effective drug-free strategy to improve sleep.
Research found that sleep-deprived couples experience increased inflammatory markers when arguing, with a 10% rise for every hour of lost sleep. Getting enough sleep can help mitigate this effect and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
A study conducted by University of North Texas professor Daniel Taylor found that online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is effective in military personnel, with improved sleep quality and reduced use of sleep medication. However, the internet-delivered therapy was about half as effective as traditional methods.
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.
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.
Researchers found that insomnia is three times more likely to report thoughts of suicide and death among U.S. Army servicemembers compared to those without the condition. Insomnia was a significant predictor for suicidality, with wakefulness at night associated with increased suicidal ideation.
A clinical trial found that HIRREM closed-loop neurotechnology significantly reduced insomnia symptoms, with improvements in heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity compared to a placebo intervention. The study showed that HIRREM is more effective than placebo at reducing insomnia symptoms.
A study found that patients with insomnia and depression who slept for seven or more hours showed increased chances of depression and insomnia remission. Longer pre-treatment sleep duration was predictive of remission when combined with CBTI and antidepressant medication.
A study found that 74% of bed partners encouraged early bedtime or late wake times, which conflict with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Partners also made accommodations that affected their own functioning, leading to increased anxiety.
African Americans with sleep apnea and insomnia are rarely diagnosed, with only 2.1% of those with sleep apnea reporting a physician diagnosis. Higher body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, being male, and older age were associated with sleep apnea severity.
Research found that mechanical heart valve noise disturbs sleep in nearly a quarter of patients, with women more affected than men. The study also showed that patients often find ways to cope with the noise, such as sleeping on their right side or using earplugs.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals that tai chi is an effective treatment for insomnia in breast cancer survivors, improving sleep health, depressive symptoms, and fatigue. The slow-moving meditation practice works just as well as cognitive behavioral therapy and better than medication.
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has selected three researchers to receive Strategic Research Awards for their projects on telemedicine and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). The studies aim to compare the effectiveness of CBT-I delivered through telemedicine versus in-person sessions. One project will evaluate th...
A meta-analysis of 15 studies found significant associations between insomnia symptoms and the risk of heart disease and stroke. Insomnia symptoms such as difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, and non-restorative sleep were linked to increased risks of cardiovascular events.
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.
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.
A new study found that women athletes are 50% more likely to suffer a sports-related concussion than their male counterparts. The research, which analyzed data from 1,203 college athletes over a four-year period, also revealed that women take longer to recover from the injury, with an average return-to-play time of 10 days.
Researchers conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled study on 30 patients with primary insomnia, finding that both neurofeedback and placebo-feedback were equally effective in improving subjective sleep complaints. However, objective EEG-derived measures of sleep quality did not show significant improvement.